The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1910-11-09

Clara ]. had said yes" and the
next evening / waded into the Van
vivver mansion to drag Papa'S and
Mammals consent away from them.
So long as | played light comedy
roles knew / was hot fayorite with
the old folks at home, but when It
came to doing a leading part and
walking of with the daughter | be-
gan to get uneasy for fear they'd
reach for the egg basket and hand me
few unripe ScrambleS.
When | squeezed through the por-
tiere found the old lady and gentle
man very busy discussing their plans
for summer trip.
Where are you going TO spend the
summer. john" inquired Father. Civ
Ing me limp paw. which | shock
him.
Here WAS an opcning-a grand
chance to butt in right at the go of.
Well. to tell you the solemn. we
haven't decided yet" answered.
WE" they both echoed.
why. John. ! thought you were
playing a lone hand" said the Old
gentleman I've always known you
rs a young man who could walk up
and down Easy street without 4
guardian or time-card- This is the
first tim" | ever heard you speak Of
Il pull back, Whence the WEI"
Il always thought you We're free to
go and come as you pleased. John,
the old lady put in.
Here was my chance TO climb the
family tree and knock Down the fruit.
but for some reason or other the
blood seemed 10 rush 10 my voice,
and went backwards like crab
PAPA had fixed he with his steel
blue eyes. and | could see by mother S
expression that she was beginning to
set me back as one of those double
life leaders.
My collar began 10 faint and my
hands grew nervous and wanted tn
fight each other.
The fact is. ladies and gentlemen
cr-I mean Mr.. VanVivver, ami you.
too. NOther-Cr-thati is"
Then | grabbed catfish grin and
sat there till used it all up. | was
over the edge. Say, this marriage
business is Immense after the whistle
blows. but the prcliminaries make ne
sick
You seem to be 4 little to the
bad this evening. John" said Father,
and Mamma began 10 shake her head.
as though she had mental tintype
of me far out on the road TO ruin, and
walking fast.
went at Their again. AS . mat
ter OF fact, merely dropped around
this evening to inquire if you could
that is 20 say. if il is possible for you
to give me-tO give NE your-your-
Overheard again and not a life pre-
server in sight.
II was pitiful.
Most extraordinary attack OF hest
tation | ever knew you to nave" sail
Father. while Mamma simply sat there
and focused me with her sad, re-
proachful lanterns.
perhaps you need something to
brace you up" suggested the old gen
tleman.
needed sanitarium and = corps
of efficient physicians, but / didn't
say So
At that moment | was doing n
Chump act never before eQuallcd in
the history of the world. Iiy eyes
looked like a couple of vacant lots
and | had reversed grins. and was
now using the style most affected by
a stuffed leopard.
The boy may be suffering from
incipiynt brain fever. or is he in
love-" whispered the Old lady
Huh" exclaimed Papa: in love.
eh? That's it. Whens the wedding ?
who's the girl? Sorry to lose you.
John. but the best OF friends must
part In the divorce court. Ha, ha,"
That cackle went right through ME
ard splashed on the wall behind me-
The old man was a fierce joke pUsher
Come on now. John" he con-
tinued: who is she? Have you told
Clara? She'll be lonely. for you are
certainly the best time killer she ever
had Speak out: We are your friends