Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1909-02-18
NANCY'S
PROXY.
Bv EPES W. SARGENT.
Copyrighted. 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.

agreed with what Bobby Seaton said.
In this instance her own views were
reflected, albeit those views were
some what prejudiced at the moment
by the fact that she had been kept In
after school. and Bobby had had to sit
on the curb and wait for her. He mao
done his best, too, 20 be kept In, and
so share her punishment.
"I'll be glad when I'm married ana
don't have to go TO school," he con-
tinued solemnly. Married people
don't have TO go to school"
"Mr. Scarritt did" reminded Nancy.
''IIe was IA minister" explained Bob
by, as though that made difference.
Besides he was married when he was
in college. College Is different from a
/ school"
Nancy nodded wisely. She could not
grasp any distinction, but since Bobby
said so. there must be difference.
Schools horrid," she complained.
Il just fired one teenty little spit ball,
and Miss Magnus made me stay in
"She's got to stay to correct the ex-
ercises," explained Bobby, land she's
'fraid to stay alone. That's why she
always makes some one stay in"
faint fair" insisted Nancy, "and
we were going after nuts too
at tell you what" exclaimed Bobby.
Lets get married, and then she can't
make us go to school,"
Fright nowT' demanded Nancy. with
a glance at her soiled dress.
THAT little ink stain don't matter"
assured Bobby. wen go to Mr.. Scar
rift He got married when he was In
school, so he'll understand"
"But he went to school after he got
married" reminded Nancy.
That's because he wanted to-" ex-
planned Bobby. IF he didn't want to
go he didn't have to. We won't want
to GO"
He started to his feet, and Nancy
obediently followed. Had Bobby pro-
posed stroll to the north pole she
would have followed with the same
content, for was not Bobby wise with
the wisdom of full eight years, while
she boosted scant six?
1t was a short walk to the minister's
home. and presently Bobby, brave but
trife weak In the knees and with a
higher color on his face, was explain
ing to the minister his desire to wed.
The Rev. Scarritt, grave and studi-
Gus, was shocked at the suggestion
and with gentle reproof at their sacri-
lege turned them from his study. The
reproof was lost on a determined mind,
and when the door had closed Bobby
shook his tiny fist in the air.
"Just cause he's married he don't
care bout no one else" he said vim
dictively. He's not the only marrier
In town. Huh"
There was world Of scorn in the
exclamation, and Bobby's wrath was
hot. He had not understood what the
minister was saying, but he had gath
cred that he was being scolded for
even thinking of marriage, and this
under the very eyes of his beloved.
There were three other ministers in
town, but none Of them was at home,
and Bobby turned toward the tired
Nancy
Its no USE" he said, with tighten
ing Of the quivering lip. We've got to
go to Riverside"
| Nancy blinked back the tears and
put her hand In his.
Its dreadful hard getting married, >
she said do all people have trouble
like this?"
when they elope." explained Bobby
calmly. "You don't have time to Ak II
with the minister"
~ don't think that 'loping's much
fun" ventured Nancy. but Bobby.
look silenced her. Together they
trrdged along In silence until the
houses were passed and the road Il
Riverside lay bare and lonely befor,
them.
The shadows were closing In, anC
there were clumps Of trees that mad,
patches Of dark, just the sort tina
bears love to hide In.
For the benefit Of his lady Bobby
kept up brave front. but his clasp OF
the tired. dirty little hand that LAY
within his own frightened when tn,
dark places came, and the sturdy lit
tie legs were urged to greater speed
until the danger point was passed.
The dark was closing In now. an.
Nancy's plump little legs were not a
strong as Bobby's. and, though sh'
bravely sought to hold the pace, sh
Jagged behind.
At last. In spite Of her fortitude, sh
had to give in and sank with q littl
sob on the grass beside the roadway.
Il just can't 60 any more. Bobby.
she walled. ut seems like we mos
walked round the earth"
ITS only little way now" urge
Bobby. IAN maybe the minister VII
ask Us to stay for supper"
The mention Of food was the Las
straw. Fatigue had prevented tn
thought Of hunger. but now Nanc
knew that she was famished.
A school lunch II not calculated /
last until o'clock, and Nancy remen
bered that there was to be jelly cak
for supper.
At the sound Of the sobs that shoe
her tiny frame Bobby knelt beside be
and sought to check the dow Q
tears, but not until she had cried hel
self to sleep on Bobby's shoulder di
silence come.
Bobby himself felt very much lik
crying, but that would never do, an
he held back the tears while he stare
bravely into the dark, his arm protect