The Progressive West Virginian. [volume] (Williamson, W. Va.) 1911-1913, 1912-11-07

rubicund with embarrassment and
ecstasy. He had donned an old frock
coat with creases like ruts from long
exile In his trunk. But he was feel
ing like an heir apparent; and he
startled everybody by his jovial hail:
We'll, boys-er-gentleme - the
drinks are on me. Waiter. take the
orders
Little Jimmie woke with start,
rose hastily to his feet and saluted.
saying: Present! Who said take the
orders?"
Il did," said Lathrop, I'm giving a
party Waiter, take the orders"
'Sarsaparilla," said DR.. Temple, but
they howled him down and ordered
other things. The porter shook hts
head sadly: "Nothin' but sof' drinks
in Utah, gemmen."
A groan went up from the club
members, and Lathrop groaned loud
est Of all:
We'll. we've got to drink something.
Take the orders. Well all have sarsa-
parilla."
Little Jimmie Wellington came to
the rescue.
Don't do anything desperate, gen.
tlemen," he said. with q look OF d.
vine philanthropy. The bars closed,
but Little Jimmie Wellington is here
with the life preserver" From his
hip-pocket he produced silver flask
that looked to be big enough to carry
regiment through the Alps. 1t was
said to Jimmie: Il apologize for
everything have said-and thought
about you" He turned to the porter:
There amt any law against giving
this way. is there?"
The porter grinned: Not II you-all
bride the exerciseinspector." And he
held out a glass for the bride. muir
muring, Don't git tired" as it was
poured. He set 1t inside his sanctum
and then hustled round with ice-tiiled
glasses and a siphon.
When Little Jimmie offered OF the
flask to DIR. Temple, the clergyman
put out his hand with politely hor-
rified: mo, thank you"
Lathrop frightened him with sud-
den comment: Look at that gesture!
Doc, I'd almost swear you were par
SON."
Mallory whirled on him with the
eyes of a hawk about to pounce. and
The very ideal" was the best dis
claimer DR.. Temple could manage.
suddenly finding himself suspected.
Ashton put in with, The only way
to disprove it. Doc. is to join u.s.
The poor old clergyman. too deeply
involved in his deception to brave
confession now, decided to do and
dare all He stammered, "Er-ah-
certainly" and held out his hand for
his share OF the poison. Little jim
-mie winked at the others and almost
filled the glass. The innocent doctor
bowed his thanks When the porter
reached him and prepared to I'LL the
remainder of the glass from the
siphon, the parson waved him aside
with a misguided caution
mo, thanks. I'll not mix them"
Mallory turned away with a sigh:
He takes his straight. He's no par
SON."
Then they forgot the doctor In
curiosity as to Lathrop's sudden
spasm OF generosity-with Yelling
tons liquor. Wedgewood voiced the
general curiosity when he said:
What's the old woman-hater up to
now?"
"Woman-hater?" laughed Ira. Its
the old story. I'm going to follow
Mallory's example-marriage."
II hope you succeed" said Mallory.
wherever did you pick up the
bride?" said Wedgewood. mellowtng
with the long glass In his hand
Brides are easy" said Mallory,
with surprising cynicism. Where do
you get the parsonf"
Hang the parson," Wedgewood re-
peated. Who's the gel?"
.'Ill bet | know who she is" Ash
ton interposed; its that nectarine OF
damsel who got on at Green River. .
mot the same!" Lathrop roared
II found my bride blooming here all
the while. Girl | used to spark back
In Brattleboro, vt. I've been vowing
for years that I'd live and die an old
maid. I've kept my head out of the
moose all this time-till struck this
train and met up with Anne. We go,
to talking over old times-waking ur
old sentiments. She got on my nerves
got on hers. Finally said, 'Aw
hell. let's get married. Save price Of
one stateroom to China anyway She
says. Damned II dont!'--or words
to that effect"