The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-06-03

that his mother was sick and wanted
10 see him before she reached the end
Of her run. So he got ten days lay
off and set his teeth together as if he
was going into den of lions or a
baby show. or something like that and
went. The old lady was better when
he got there. Within ii week she was
sitting up. and Bills excuse for stay
in- in the house With her wore pretty
thin. He saw the girl GO past seyeraI
times. and he noticed that She looked
in with an expression on her face that
resembled anxiety, but it never oc-
CURED to him that she was so anxious
eat or sleep. And | expect he'd have
gone back to his dear old teakettle
without finding it out if it hadn't been
for an accident
He was standing in front of the vii
iage pOStoffice one morning waiting for
the mail to be distributed. He was
keeping his eye peeled fer the girl
He didn't want to meet her He was
afraid. He reasoned that it could do
no good and would be confoundedly
embarrassing. He never carries a
false face with him. Bill doesn't And
then, too. he wasn't absolutely sure of
himself. He knew down deep in his
steam chest that he had about as
much affection fer the Girl as he'd
ever had, and he rather suSpiciOned
that IL he met her face to face he'd
make three or four kinds of fool Of
himself. He could see her house from
where he stood, pretty place in a
regular Snarl Of roses and hOneysuc-
kles and flower beds, and I've notion
that he looked at it with something Of
longing and regret. 1t was only natu-
raj that he should.
We'll. while he was standing there
an old friend Of his came up on horse
back and asked him If he wouldn't do
favor for him. He wanted Bill to
take the horse home. Some business
had Unexpectedly claimed his imme-
date attention. and he didn't like to
leave the horse standing on the street.
He thought Bill might like n ride any.
way. OF course Bill said he would.
He didn't know any more about riding
horseback than a woodchuck knows Of
dairying, but he never hesitated to ac-
cOmmOdate q friend He got his mail
and climbed into the saddle. and in
less than three minutes something was
doing in his vicinity
THE horse was a spirited beast,
with habit Of shying at everything
which seemed to offer an excuse for 1t,
and every time he SHE'D Bill stuck In
his heels. and every time Bill stuck in
his heels the beast took it as an invi-
tatiOn to make speed Halfway down
the street he was galloping right mer-
rlly. A little farther Bill was bouncing
like rubber ball. He said Whoa but
1t didn't seem 10 have any effect. His
mail which he had tucked under his
arm. was scattered broadcast
1T dawned on Bill presently that he
vas being run away with, but he
didn't lose his head. Bill never loses
his head. Said he to himself, I've
got to shut of steam And he
stretched himself on the beasts neck,
reaching for the nose. and he got
grip ON it, and the first thing that
horse knew he couldn't breathe. and
something was on his neck, for Bill
had bounced clean over the shoulders,
and he stopped dead, stiff legged as q
SawhOrse.
but Dill dicn't stop-nOt at once.
He went on. and he landed plump on
pansy bed in the yard at the end Of
the street, and when he opened his eyes
he was looking square into the face
of the girl, who had been sitting under
moment. The girls color came and
went, and Bills breath did likewise,
but pretty soon the girls wits. which
were in working order. it seems. as
serted themselves. oh, WILL she
said. I'm so glad you've come back to
mev
"Bill raised himself on his elbow in
a dazed sort Of way and tried to say
something. but his breath wasn't quite
equal to it. And the girl went down
on her knees and wrapped her arms
about him. so glad. dear" she MUIR
INJURED.
They got married. That's all there
was to it. And we're doing the best
we can till they get back from their
honeymoon trip"
The semblaDce Of a smile appeared
upon the Milwaukee mans face. Il
suppose that under the circumstances
we'll have to forgive him." he said.
"But, by lingo. I'm sorry we're going
to miss connections at Whippleville
I'm to be married myself tonight If 1
can get to Carlinsburg."
'Pshaw!" said the conductor. you
don't say?" Then he chuckled. Guess
you'll have to go horseback. won't
your
Not on your silver plated punch-
replied the Milwaukee nan decid-
eddy.
Knew Him as a Sharper.