Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1911-05-13

tempted 10 weep on your shoulder and
throw up the chicken business alto.
gether"
Dorothy paused before him. looking
very lovely in her ancient garb. her
sweet eyes serious and thoughtful
austin Ely. tell me truthfully. did
you want 10 10 into the chicken busi
ness or are you merely doing II to pro
vide n home for me;'
Austin walked over and kissed her
face "I'll confess TO weakness for
the city" he admitted sheepishly. Il
wasn't cut out for n farmer. Dorothy.
although do love 10 be with you all
day long here In the country. There Is
something about the life and hustle ~
the city that calls me. I wish we
might keep this for a country home
and live as we always have done. in
town during the winter"
"Some day we WILL" encouraged
Dorothy. with her sweet smile. let
us go downstairs"
All Mt once the great knocker on tho
front door was lifted three times and
resoundlng racket echoed through
the sparseiy furnished house.
"who can that beg gasped Dor
othy ms she drew neor her husband
Some neighbor." he assured her NJ
he led the way down 10 the lower
floor. While Dorothy lighted the bay
berry candles and set the table for
supper Austin went to the door and
flung II open.
stated monster touring car. In II
were three shadowy forms. while n
fourth stood on the doorstep.
"ITo- the Inn" called the man on
the doorstep Justify. LET us in. good
people. and show US what you can do
by way OF entertainment"
"This is not an inn." said Austin
brusouely You will find very good
one nj the end Of this street"
"Nay. It's not So corrected the
other. "Niany's the time have safe
here I'm the bar Of the Blue Boar and
slipped my glass o toddy. Come in.
boys: landlord says all nre welcome
and that he will broil chickens for us.
Make haste. my man"
Austin planted his feet firmly In the
doorway IT'S a cold night and you
are welcome TO come In and have II
bite to eat. but there won't be any
thing to drink unless can find some
applejack."
The four entered with noisy hilarity,
and II was plain 10 he seen that they
were all in state OF semi-intoSica-
ton. They were well dressed men. ana
their faces were not unpleaslng.
though more than one Of them showed
signs OF dissipation.
with the impression that the sooner
he served these unwelcome guests the
earlier he would be rid of their doubt
full companionship Austin beckoned
Dorothy into the kitchen and together
they concocted n tray full OF refresh
ments that were mostly got from the
provision box. A large piece of cheese.
large loaf Of Vienna bread. but
ter cold boiled ham and pitcher
Of appleiack completed repast that
brought forth n cheer from the group
gathered before the dining room fire.
Suddenly they looked NJ Austin In
his festal garments OF drab velvet and
cherry satin. with gray silk hose and
buckled shoes. and at Dorothy peeping
around the door gorgeous In blue bro
cade. With one accord they arose and
touched their glasses
"It's George Washington and Mis-
trcss Martha" gasped the spokesman.
Your healths and long Longer, You
know"
With bullying eyes the four drank
the toasi. while Austin and Dorothy
laughed until they cried. AT last they
returned IN the dining room. where a
curious sight met their gaze.
Standing in the middle OF the round
mahogany table. the spokesman of the
party was calling for bids for Its pur'
chase. AS pretty a-bit-of colonial
furniture-as ever your eyes lighted
on gentlemen Who will start the
bidding on this table. the property OF
the immortal George-you. Freddy?
What am offered for this tablef'
zone dollar" said Freddy feebly.
pooh. Who will give me more TO
cover this insult: Cecil. you bloated
bondholder. beat It up"
Cecil solemnly entered his bid OF a
hundred dollars. and az II they had
been waiting for this amount. the four
proceeded 10 raise the value Of the ma
hogany table by hundreds until II was
knocked down to the languid FREDDY
for 81 900. From n plcthoric roll he
peeled on the amount and tossed It 10
the table. and then. forgetting the In
.ident, he led solemn procession from
the house and into the waiting an'o-
mobile
Dorothy and her husband stared nj
each other across the mahogany table.
"Oh. Austin-what does II mean?
Were they drunk" she asked
AS lords" said Austin feelingly.