Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1911-01-07


herself.
The prophecy OF the united houses
was good fortune enough for one day,
and. emboldened by this certainty that
his dearest hopes would be fulfilled.
Benjamin rushed hastily toward the
he found She who was to be his
future wife Ind strolicd the nose OF
has prize Ilolsteins. After these won
derful happenings It would bc an easy
matter 10 invite DorInda 10 partake of
ice cream and cake When one was
eating Ice cream II was not necessary
to talk much. and after the ice cream
he might invite her to other amuse-
ments In the grounds. There were
loop-thc loop and merrygoround
and
Benjamin Dibble stood stock still,
while all eXuberance of spirit dissolved
like mist
In the distance he saw Dorinda,
charming in her pale blue gown. but
remote as ever from his approach. for
she was talking earnestly TO a tall.
dark man. dangerously handsome
stranger, and together they were bend
Ing over some object on n table be-
tween them.
Then it was that Benjamin Dibble
remembered the gypSy's prophecy
that dark man would come between
Dorinda and him. And here was the
dark man The prophecy was fulfill
ing without delay.
benjamin turned away and tried TO
satisfy the pangs Of disappointed love
with hot frankfurters, steamed clans
ana coffee. He drank & ger ale and
pink lemonade to wash down huge
segmcnts of pie aud sugary doughnuts.
He spent money lavishly, buying
everything that was offered. He pur-
chased chances on all sorts OF nm
known articles and afterward found
himself the embarrassed possessor OF
pair Of curling irons. ladys work
basket and a wax doll
He bundled these treasures away in
the back Of his buggy with n certain
elusive hope that they might prove
useful some day. He stopped in the
shed and strokcd the noses of his cat
tie. as Dorinda had done, and derived
certain foolish satisfaction In the
action. II was az that moment Benja-
min received inspiration.
Back in the main building. Benjamin
once more threaded the crowd IN
search Of Dorinda.
Although she was still talking to the
dark man. benjamin pressed forward
until lie stood almost Mt her elbow
She saw him ana smiled TREMENDOUSLY
her delicate face flushing n soft rose
tint
VIII YOU give me your advice. Ben
jamln| she asked gently. This gen
tleman IS selling weather vancs.
want one for the barn our old one
was blown Off you know Shall
choose q fish or an arrow
The delicious sense Of intimacy con
veyed by this question cannot DO de.
scribed. benjamin Dlbble threw off
his old mantle OF timidity forever and
stepped boldly forward beside Dorm.
da.
Seems 10 me nothing looks so much
like n weather vanc rs Growing cock,
Dorinda. Have you got anything
clseT asked Benjamin OF the dark
man.
From the box Of samples the man
brought forth several wcathercocks
Of different sizes. Each one was
painted n dazzling gold, with crimson
comb and wattles He held forth the
largest one. whirllng 1t about the
pivot as he did SO.
This IS the handsomest one I've got
sir. I'd like to take your order for
that-$l0 on delivery In ten DAYS
You'd like TO wake up In the morning
and see that wcathereock on the cu.
pola Of your barn -chf' lie smiled In
gratiatlnely
benjamin Dibble was staring intent
~ AZ the glldcd cock a queer express
sion dawning in his eyes. 4 certain
line was running through his head.
golden bird without a nest
Shall lead the weary heart 10 rest
iioIihha salu benjamin IN ring
Ing voice, do you like that weather
cockf'
Yes, indeed" agreed Dornda gra.
clously
wen take one Of those" ordered
benjamin bubble authoritatlvely. You
can make out tile bill to Mr.. ana Mrs
Benjamin Dibble Dorinda, that's all
right: you know. were going TO move
the two houses up on the hin and
make one, aud we're going to build a
new barn with Il cupola and put this
golden bird on IT,"
"Why-why, Benjamin-rv thought
sometimes that was lovely plan only
how do YOU know 1t will happen:"
porinda's eyes were very bright with
sudden happiness
Il had my fortune told. and the
gypsy said an those things When
take you home IN my buggy tonight
III tell You about the golden bird and
how an this has come true. Just rs The