Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-05-22

after two wider women at once She's |
woman named Grimes. living about |
three miles this side of my farm. She |
owns what they call the Plum Tree
farm"
Eyes; / know her by sight. So
you've fallen in love with herr"
Yes; my hearts been a-throbbing
for her for the last six months. She
hain't no great shakes as far as looks
go, and l wish her hair wasn't so red,
but she's got nice farm there. Mary
mighty nice farmland she can cook
the best boiled dinner a hungry man
ever sat down to. We agree on the
Bible. on the best way to smoke hams.
on having wire screens to the winders
in summer-on everything but one, and
that is what is bothering me and why
I've come over to see YOU"
"And what's that, Same" asked the
widow.
Il popped the question two months
ago. but there's another Teller did the
same thing. He's Abe Johnson, wild
over. He's about my age and no bet
ter looking. and the wilder is hanging
fire as to whether it is best for her to
marry an old bach or an old widower
She says she's got to take time to
think it over
''And you want to hurry her up"
That's just it. Mary. You are I'M
Outstanding the situation right off.
Yes. l want to hurry her up. and l
want the decision to be in my favor.
You are a woman and a wilder. You
ought to know what apother woman
and wilder would do under certain
circumstances
Perhaps" was the doubtful reply.
What are the certain circumstances"
jealousy. Mary-jealousy. I've had
| it all planned out for week past. and
| believe that if you will help me l
| can win out as easy rs grease. / take
| it that Abe and me stand about equal
in the Widder Grimes affections. It's
| like balancing & stick on the top rail
of 4 fence. Abe can drive oxen ard
not swear. and In case the preacher
| amt there he can take the lead at q
| funeral or prayer meeting | can drive
a hog out of the garden without yell
| ing to be heard Il mile away. and /
have made two speeches on the Fourth
of July. It's about an even thing be-
| tween us. The wilder is balancing
She may balance for Il year if some
thing hain't done. Something is going
to be done. I'm going to appeal to her
jealousy. I'm going TO make her think
she's lost me forever"
But just how:'
That's where you come in. Mary.
You'll set Il day. and I'll drive over
here and get you. I'll drive you past
the farm and back. She'll surely see
US She'll see us sorter cuddled up 20
each other and talking contidentiaily
Right in front of her mousse she'll see
my arm stealing around your waist.
and We'll both be looking as happy as
all outdoors The demon of jealousy.
as they call it. will bubble up in her
loves me only and must have me or
die When | pass for the third time
after leaving you home she'll be down
to the gate TO stop me and say. Sam
Bottford. you hump yourself and BRING
preacher here and marry me or II
show you what desperate woman
can do She'll say that. Mary. and
within two hours she'll be mine
Come. now, wouldn't you act jest like
that under the same circumstances?'
II hardly think So" replied th'
woman after moments thought.
but you hain't red headed. you see
and that makes heap of difference
Mebbe you couldn't be made jealous
but red headed women and jealousy e
together. Lord. but when she sees IN,
arm stealing around your waist shell
,, grow Il foot taller in minit"'
But | couldn't allow that, SAM"
"Oh. yes. you could. Mary. You'll al
low it for old times sake. Your con
, science his always troubled you TO
the way yen throwed me down. ant
I'm telling you that this is the las
chance for me- If l lose the Wilde
Grimes I'm gone coon. The turtle
, Govcs will never coo for me again."
There was more talk. and the Widow
Spooner finally gave doubtful ant
, reluctant consent. She warned Sam
, however that he was taking chance
and must put up with consequences.
0 \ day and hour were named for hin