The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1912-01-18

steps were lowered, anu TIC girl went
down into the boat with S,winton.
When the ship reached the dock and
Jenkins inquired for the third wife
that had been sent for him and he was
informed that lady had got into q
boat with man In the ofing, although
q clergyman, he broke the third COM
mandment and, going tC Mr.. Snively.
! abused him so roundly that the super
,ntendent was obliged to call In Mrs.
Snively to mollify him.
Mrs. Snively told Jenkins that since
all the Juniors now had wives there
would be no further trouble and prom
lsed to send for another wife for him.
She did so and was informed by the
superintendent of the woman's mission
that no more wives could be spared for
Mr.. Jenkins. Three had already been
sent him, and 1t looked as II some Blue
beard business was at the bottom Of
the matter. She added, however, that
she was greatly In need of man on
the island and IL they had one to spare
lone past middle age-she. a widow,
would be glad to marry him.
| Mrs. Snively at once communicated
this information to Mr.. Jenkins. He
was very much disgruntled, but
thought he had better go and explain
the "Bluebeard business" and at the
same time take a look at this fourth
wife. He took the next ship to the
woman's island and wrote back that he
had found the superintendent very
attractive woman and he was now pro-
vided for, for the fourth and last time
Mr.. Snively ordered a TIE Deum to
be sung in the chapel to celebrate Mr.
jenkins nuptals.
Meanwhile there were three Mrs.
Jenkinses at Mr.. Snively's mission
whose husbands, having lied to them In
the beginning, were waiting a favor
able opportunity to make confessions
and let their wives know their right
names. After Mr.. Jenkins left the IS
land Mrs. Sniyely concluded to invite
the three brides and grooms to a tea
party. She wrote each bride note Of
invitation, addressing her by her
proper married name. But there were
three husbands, each guarding his
wife that she should not receive In
formation as to the deception that had
been practiced on her till he was ready
to impart 1t himself. When Mrs.
Snively's servant arrived with the In
vitations he was received by each one
Of the young clergymen, who took the
Invitations from HIM at his door.
The newly made grooms met for con-
ference, hoping to unite on plan, so
to speak, of information. Unfortunately
they could not agree. Each man went
to his home resolved to make clean
breast Of the matter, but no one of
them was able TO screw up his courage
to confession. The consequence was
that when Mrs.. Snively's tea party
was assembled there were three ladies
present, each supposing herself to be
Mrs. jenkins. The hostess was much
embarrassed and introducing the brides
got their names so mixed that 1t was
positively laughable. The trouble
came when she poured their tea.
MRS. Arnold" she said. addressing
the lady who bore thSt Name do you
take cream and sugar In your,teaY
Both, please. But must correct you
as to my name I'm Mrs. Jenkins"
Mr.. Arnold looked about him for a
crack to drop through. and Mrs.
Enively saw that the storm was about
to burst.
nd wnxS Ao1 10
Jenkins, please; sugar; no cream"
Chippendale was trying to look
through the ceiling. Mrs. Snively, hav-
ing poured out tea for the first and
second Of Mr.. jenkins intended wives,
asked Mrs. Swinton how she liked hers
Neither sugar nor cream. please.
It's really laughable how you call us
by the wrong names"
Meanwhile Mr. Snively began,to get
the true elements Of the situation
through his head and glanced at the
three grOomS.
"Mr. Arnold, he said sternly to the
man he knew had married Miss Ed
monds, II should like an explanation
Of how you came to marry the first
wife off, mean the lady who was in
tended for Mr.. Jenkins"
Arnold stood up nobly.
II saw her on the dock, sir, and she
was so lovely and wanted her so bad
ly that lied to her. i told her was
the man she had come to marry"
He looked at his wife as though he
wondered If she were going to hurl
him over precipice. She gave him
look of reproach. which broke away
before a smile. He threw his arms
around her neck
"And you. MIR. Chippendale?" asked
the superintendent
Same here" he piped in high key
'Swinton?". turning to the last OF
the grooms.
"I'lI do penance." Mr.. Swinton's
voice was basso profundo.
Ladies'" said Mr.. Snively impress
sively, your husbands have broken
the ninth commandment. but it was
because Of a desire to possess you
Mrs. Jenkins-I beg pardon. Mrs. Ar
mold and Mrs. Chippendale and Mrs.
Swinton-I trust you willyeach and all
forgive your Susbands. and during
next Sundays service they shall re-
ceive the customary absolution from
me-"