The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1909-10-28

This advice was most excellent, but
followed when be reached Cody Thurs
day evening.
The prospective bridegroom. forget
ting that be was a hull Sunday
school," had for twO dgys lived up to
his light socially with the effect OF
adding to the weakness in his knees.
but subtracting from the faintness OF
his heart. until all Cody knew OF the
prospective arrival OF Heart and
Hand bride. Ideas as to her appear
ance. however, were confused owing
to the bridegroom's lapse OF memory.
The first evening of his arrival he
swung lightly around the circle OF sa-
looms just ''lookin' up old friends" 7
After be had looked up goodly num-
Der his lips unsealed on the subject OF
Olga Helm. whom he described as
"sweet little blond with true blue eyes,
ivory skin and pink cheeks"
By noon of the following day she
was handsome brunette with spar
king black eyes" At 6 o'clock. when
the stage arrived at the lrma. Goat
was sitting on the bar fourishing an
empty glass and assuring delighted
audience that the lady OF his choice
was "a rosy brunette with White
cheeks. sparkling hair and true blue
nose"
At this juncture the recitation was
brought to an abrupt end by the en-
trance of Lame Mort. You're pref
ty bridegroom. amt you?" he stormed
wrathfully. And me writin' to sol
that you're a sober. industrious citi-
zen! Lord. You look it, don't you.
and only two hours till train time"
Whereupon, weighed down by a feel
ing of responsibility to the bride. Lame
Mort took forcible possession OF the
erring groom. assuring the public that
it would no more behold him until he
was delivered safely-and as soberly
as the limited time permitted-into the
hands of Miss Helm. And the male
public, except the justice. who reluc-
family sat in his Office awaiting his
"job," were on the platform when the
train came to see her arrive and Incl
dentally to see how Goat would brace
up." Goat was there standing neal
the platforms edge just ahead OF
Lame Mort-ahead of him because the
latter discerned symptoms OF flight
since Goat had been brought to reall-
Zation of the nearnesS or his rate.
Only a strong staying hand prevented
a sudden development OF the symp-
toms as the train slowed up and a wo-
man was seen making her way down
the aisle of the rear coach.
AS she neared the door every man
on the platform held his breath and
craned his neck to secure as good a
view as the one lantern swinging over
the station door permitted. Lame
Mort frightened his grip on Goat pre-
paratory to making Of him projectile
headed toward the car steps the mo-
ment SO1 appeared. But when she
did appear he not only forgot his in
tentions. but the bridegroom as well.
so transfxed was he by her appear
ance.
She swung down the car steps, a
straight six feet Of muscle surmOunt-
ed by mans hat of black felt with
a broad. tapping brim drawn over her
face. Hanging clear of a pair of
heavy, thick soled half calf was a
scant black skirt which seemed to i'm
pede the free movements of her limbs.
Her shoulders were loosely incased
In a mans black coat buttoned to the
the coat reaching the hem Of her skirt.
On her head with one hand she bal
anced large bundle tied up in red
checkered tablecloth, the other hand
bearing lightly a heavy. bullying tele-
scope, strapped to which and extend
ing far beyond were a hoe. pitchfork
and shovel.
SIS there a Mr.. Wilson here?' she
asked in an uncertain voice, quite de-
void Of joyful anticipation.
The station agent. reduced to speech
lessness, jerked his thumb over his
shoulder at the platform. toward
which Miss Helm courageously ad-
vanced AS she scanned the specta-
tors they faded away in the dark
ness. and an instant later Lame Mort
realized that Goat had also faded. and
ne stood alone before the deserted
bride elect.
"Are you Mr.. Wilson, she asked in
a distinctly forbidding tone. without
looking up.
"No, ma'am." he faltered in confu-
sion and alarm. "Goat-that is. Mr..
Wilson, was here minute ago. but
but
Run away, did hep interrupted the
girl hopefully That's exactly what
counted on his DOM"
Lame Mort was struck dumb by the
unlocked for relief expressed In her
words and in every line Of her figure
as she deposited her bundle on the
edge IF the platform. tossed her tele-
scope after it with vigorous swing.
sat down on the latter amid a Jingle
of the farming implements attached
thereto, and. taking of her hat. ran
her fingers through her short brown
hair. glancing at her auditor for the
first time.
$50 this is the west" she remarked
with sententious satisfaction, her lin
gering gaze swinging from the man
to the limited space visible. but that
the former object had aught to do
with her satisfaction Lame Mort dared
not conjecture.
Once. twice, he opened his mouth.
essaying apologies for Goat. but. find