The Press., 1911-12-13

| u EODDeTs
 "I suppose robber would be more attractive to you than a tin peddler."
 Mot a nice tin peddler." | There was some encouragement in this. But l was curious to nnd out about the house was in.
 "Where did you come fromr' I asked. From just over a rise in the ground. Our place is hidden by trees. I saw smoke against the sky and came to the hill to find out what it come from. Since it was from this chimney thought I'd come on and sec who was in the house."
 "I'm very glad to see you. I'm cu- rious to know how the premises hap pened to be left as they are. I've been forming theories about it. Perhaps you can tell me which theory is cor rect"
 "What are theyT
 "That couple" pointing to the picture of bride and groom, "had just been married and come to live here. Is that so?"
 "No; another couple just married did"
 "well, one of that other couple died"
 "No; they're both alive"
 "They had a spat and separated"
 "No such thing"
 "Then they were separated by that crusty looking old woman whose pic ture hangs there. She was the mother fn-Iaw of one of themu
 ''Not at all She is my mother and perfectly lovely"
 "One more guess. One or the other was extravagant, and that broke them up."
 You're no guesser. None of those guesses is right"
 "Well, tell me"
 "My married sister lived here; that's all. Her husbands father died and left him a better farm. They had to go right off and left everything as it was. They've been trying to sell this one ever since"
 "What do they ask for it3"
 "I don't know, but can find out if you want to buy it. Pa can tell you. You'd better coms over to our house. we nave q spare rOom.'
 Covering the fire, went with the girl, met her father and mother and remained the night in the house apologlzed for breaking into the vacant place, which they said was under their care, aRd asked them what it was to be bought for. They named a fair price, and I told them they might write the owner that I would buy the property. Somewhat surprised, they asked why I wished that particular property.
 Because" I replied, 'T nm full of romance"
 "What did you say your business is2" asked the old lady, she by whose picture I had judged her to be a moth. er-in-law.
 "A tin peddler."
 "Humph."
 The girl who had discovered me laughed.
 And what are you going to do with it after you have bought it2' asked the old man.
 "Live in it."
 "But you're not married, are your put III tue Olu woman.
 "No, but I'm going to be-"
 gave the girl look, and she blush ed. She was the only one present who suspected my intentions. The others had no conception of them.
 The next morning before leaving I shook hands with them all, the girls hand lying in mine longer than the others I told them that I would be along that way again in a week and If they would have n deed for the farm and everything on it just as it stood would give them a check for it. Then I went to the barn, got my team and drove away. The girl look ed after me rather curiously, as if she could not believe her senses, for with out speaking word to her had made her understand that I wished her to marry me and set up housekeeping with me in the vacant premises. This she knew, but whether I would carry out the proposition was another mat ter.
 That day week was on hand and found deed made out just as I want cd it. had certified check for the amount with me, and the transaction was ended. Then drove away again.
 went by and stopped with my new made friends quite regularly after that, saying nothing to the girl about what was nearest our hearts till one day when I was going again I saw n tear in her eye. Then I put my arm around her and kissed her and asked her to set day for the wedding.
 Who says there's no romance in . lin peddlerT