Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1909-02-04

down, his feet not touching the dock
before the upper end Of the plank was
hoIsted clear Of the ships side.
He sprang lightly aside to escape the
sWaying edge Of the chute and in do
ing so almost bumped into Aunt Mol
", who was making a brave endeavor
not to look disappointed.
The black bulk moved slowly past
the open section of the shed, but Aunt
Molly did not see it now. She was
busy watching Amy and Dick.
Nesbit, after a single glance at the
frowning girl, devoted his converse
ton to Aunt Molly, with whom he was
a favorite.
did you get afraid Of seasickness
at the last moment?" he demanded
gayly. Il didn't even know that you
were thinking of going abroad or l
should have sent some flowers"
Aunt Molly glanced triumphantly at
Amy, but that crimson checked young
woman gave no sign that she had
heard the disclaimer.
II came precious close to. taking the
trip myself" continued Dick. you
know what a pest Fred Bentley al
ways is when there is a wedding. He
always wants to decorate the trunk
and do all those things that aggrayate
the bridal pair
"When it came to getting married
himself he was scared stiff, for he
knew of 4 dozen chaps who had it in
for him. He married Belle very quiet
~ last night and came aboard this
morning before daylight. Some re-
porter asked Ben Houghton about it,
and we found that Fred was locked in
his StaterOOm.
''Trimmins, the purser on this ship,
is jolly sort of chap. I've crossed
with him three times, and | know him
very we'll. The boys got me to hustle
down here with a lot of junk in a suit
case. | gave Trimmtns some money to
tip Fred's cabin and saloon stewards,
and Fred's going to get a daily hint
from his victims I was so busy eX-
planning that Trimmins had fairly to
fire me down the gangplank."
"And you were not sailing yourself?"
asked Aunt Molly
81 only wish that l could-to see the
fun declared Dick, with twinkling
eyes eff it hadn't been that I caught
a big case last night think I should
have done So / bet FredS sorry by
this time tomorrow that he ever heard
of white ribbons and old shoes as deco
rations for trunks and hacks"
Amy was watching the steamer
swinging into midstream with the aid
of two busting little tugs, but from
the corner of her eye Aunt Molly saw
that the girl heard.
"And, speaking Of hacks" ran on
Dick, ''shall 1 get you one?"
Without waiting for an answer he
tore off up the dock to retain one Of
the few waiting hacks, then hurried
back to escort Aunt Molly and the
trunks.
1t was not until he had helped Aunt
Molly into the cab and had turned to
show a similar courtesy to Amy that
she spoke.
II thought that Mrs. Brooke told you
we were leaving on this steamer and
that you were following me-" she said
hurriedly. I am sorry that 1 was so
silly, and yet l am glad, because l
know now that it was just because
was tired and silly that broke the en-
gagement VIII you come over tonight
Dick-and bring back the ring"
''Will Il" he echoed jubilantly. Il
should say that I would. And, do you
know, 1 am almost sorry that put up
that job on Fred"
Don't be afraid" treasured Amy
smilingly. THAT case will be over and
We'll be on our own honeymoon before
he gets back to play tricks on us. If
you had not played the trick L should
have sailed, and YOU
would not be the happiest man in
town." completed Dick. Il guess Fred
was of some use, after all"