The Democratic advocate., 1909-09-17
IAe
Ventriloquist
He Eased MAry's Conscience
and Made George Happy
by TEMPLE BAILEY
Copyright, 1909. by Associated Lit
erary Press.
BY TEMPLE BAILEY

shVW--d SndDDyg Brdy udirtu VeuIllO-
quist sitting between two blank faced
dolls that turned their heads and jerk
ed their wide mouths and cracked
stale jokes for the edification of the
crowd that had gathered
When the program was finished the
old man passed around some thin
pamphlets.
only dImei" be cackled. "Just
one dime to learn how TO make the
dolls talk"
only one diner echoed the woolly
haired doll. which lay Imply on top
of a small trunk.
''Ten cents" murmured Irish Paddy
from within the trunk.
But in spite Of much spirited dia-
Iogue only FIVE books were sold. Then
as the crowd drlfted away the little
man packed his silent dolls into the
trunk swung II by a strap over his
shoulder and tramped down the vii
lage street.
He turned in at little store on the
very edge OF town. II was a remark
ably neat little store, and at the back
was q table with a clean white cloth.
The old man asked for rolls and milk.
which he ate at the table. He also
bought can Of sardlues, some crack.
ers and cheese TO take away with him.
When he had paid for these there was
no more money in bis old pocketbook.
but he smiled to Himself happily as he
ate his lunch and listened to the talk
OF the fresh faced little woman In
charge and Of the nelghbor who had
run In for a moment
When are you going to marry
George?" the Deighbor teased.
The fresh faced woman blushed. IL
shall never marry again. Henry was
such good husband"
You can't live on memories OF good.
ness" said the neighbor bluntly.
No" the little woman agreed. but
Henry would turn In his grave IL
should look at anybody else"
HUH the neighbor sniffed. II
guess you've looked all right"
Again the widow bushed. IL can't
help 1t If George will come here" she
said
You'd better take him or let him
CO.
Il know believe I could like him,
but Henry-oh. Mrs. Perkins, Henry
would come back and haunt me IL /
married George Mills"
"Fiddlesticksw said the incredulous
Mrs. Perkins. "As II I'd let a thing
Ike that come between me and happi.
ness"
We'll. Henry was Jealous, and he
used to say, Mary. II you ever marry
anybody else I'll come and haunt
you"
Henry ought to get over such things
when he's been in heaven as long as
this"
do you think soT' the widow cues.
toned wistfully. ut seems as IL Hen.
ry would always be just Henry even
in heaven"
The neighbor nodded. That's no
Henry was certainly set In his ways"
You see, that's what I'm afraid Of
the little widow stated. 'T suppose II
is silly, but ] always did have a feat
Of spirits, and Henry knew H."
Back in the dim store the ventrljo.
quist ebuckled. But they had forgot
ten him. And when ne fnaiiy sham
bled out they were stiII talking OF
Henry and his heaven born possibir.
ties
Once out In the street the old man
studied the signs and George Minis,
Butcher" was the one toward which
he made his way
Within the shop the counters were
bare. At the meat block the butcher
himself was slicing bacon.
Hello he said as the ventfiloaulst
sided In. you are the man who was
making the dolls talkYT
Yes"
u don't see how you do it,n George
stralghtened up. II couldn't even see
you move your lips"
That's nothing" the other stated.
well. it's great" said George.
Yes" the old man admitted, but II
doesn't line my pockets with gold"
Kind of precarious?"
Yes" The old man hesitated. then
blurted out, II wonder IL you'd like to
have me help you-with a lady,
widow"
Mrs. BassettY The young mans
tone was eager.
wen. her husbands name was
Henry" And the yentriloquist repeat
ed the conversation he had heard.
Il always knew Henry was selfish
dog" George Jared.
IF you thought 1t was worth S5
might help you out" the little man
ventured.
"How?"
The ventriloquist outlined his pian.
and when he had finished George cried
eagerly. 81 will give you ten II yon
win make It goT
Did he have deep voice or thIn
one?"
HE had piping voice." George
stated savagely, like this
"Well. want to do 1t right" And
the ventriIoquist picked up his trunk
and went on his way.
Late that afternoon George Mills
stopped In and asked Mrs. Bassett to
take a walk TO Marvin's grove.
The widow shook her head pensive-
~. Il can't she said. The neigh
bors are beginning TO talk"
Marry Inc and siiAt their mouths ?
said George ardently~
"Oh, no: | can't marry you, George,
and | mustn't 60 with you any more!p
Gnnnn.n lonlrld hln.I. Ant. l...A -.