Connecticut western news., 1909-05-27

that under the same circumstances|
 "I-I hardly think SO" replied the woman after a moments thought.
 But you hain't red headed, you see, and that makes a heap of difference. Mebbe you couldn't be made jealous, but red headed women and jealousy go together Lord, but when she sees my arm stealing around your waist she'll grow foot taller in minit"'
 Hut I couldn't allow that. Sam."
 "Oh. yes. you could. Mary. You'll al- low 1t for old times sake. Your con- science has always troubled you for the way you throwed me down, and I'm telling you that this is the last chance for mo If lose the Widder Crimes I'm u zone coon. The turtle doves will never coo for me again"
 There was more talk and the Widow Srocner finally gave a doubtful and re.uctant consent. She warned Sam, however. that he was taking chances and must put up with consequences.
 A day and hour were named for him to drive over again. and he went home with smile on his face for the first 
 for him to head for Parkville again he drove at q slow pace past the Plum Tree farm.
 The Widow Grimes was out among the cabbages killing slugs. She saw him and waved her hand, but he look cd straight ahead and never stopped. This was to make her wonder what was up. The other widow was ready. and in an hour or so the old white horse and democrat wagon came trot- ting back. The Widow Grimes stood in the open door. They saw that she did. and Sam chuckled and cackled and whispered to his companion:
 "It's q world beater, Mary. Lean on me as if you loved me half to death!'
 Mary leaned and two minutes later, as they were square in front of the house, he said:
 "Now my arm goes around your waist. The Widder Grimes sees it. Her heels are lifting up. I dasn't look at her, but I know that her face is as red as q beet. The demon has sudden ly appeared, and she's saying to her self that she'll kill any woman that takes me away from her. Lord, Mary, but I shall be grateful to you all the rest of my days"
 They drove up the road two miles and then turned about to repeat the performance. This time the Widow Grimes was halfway down to the gate. She pretended to be pulling some weeds out of the bed of pinks, but it was only pretense. She saw the Widow Spooner lean: she saw an arm go around her waist; she almost heard whispers of love as the old wagon creaked along.
 Mary Spooner," said sam Bottford as he helped her out of the wagon at her own gate. I'm owing you a debt I can never. never pay You've helped me through like the good woman you gre. As 1 drive along back the Wid- der Grimes will be at the gate to blow mo up. and after the blowing 1t will be the preacher and d marriage. Nobody ever had such plan before. It has worked without skipping a cog. Don't you buy no taters this fall. I'll see to 1t that you have ten bushels to start the winter on-yes, ten bushels of taters and crock of butter"
 And when shall I know how you came out?" she asked.
 "Oh, you'll hear 1t talked of in two or three days, and you'll hear that we are eff on our wedding tour. Lord, Mary. hasn't it worked beautifully beau-ti-ful-lyr'
 Two hours later, as the Widow Spooner was eating her supper, she heard the rattle of that democrat wag- on again and another ''Whoa!' and went to the door just as Sam Bottford reached the veranda and sat down on the steps.
 For mercy's sake, but what has happened?" she exclaimed.
 There won't be any weddingp re- piled q hollow voice.
 "Now
 "Nor any bridal tourg' VI
 "Now "Nor any nothingr
 But why, Sam, whyT
 Because the Widder Grimes and Abe Johnson were married three days ago! She was down to the gate to tell me as I drove back and to hope that my health was the same as usual" The Widow Spooner turned her head to hide smile.
 "I knew it all along, Sam," said she, but I thought you wouldn't ever be satisfied until you had tried every way | you knew
 Samuel looked at her. Slowly a smile crept over his face.
 ITO tell you the truth" said he, 'I nearly hollered for joy. Mary" he said sharply, Mary, do you want me to remain an old bachelorT'
 And after a little while the Widow | Spooner whispered 'No."