The Huttig news., 1912-05-18
FOUR OF A
 KIND


 age, made up his mind to take another wife there was a fruitful vineyard at hand. There were four widows within radius of six miles of him. any one of whom would seemingly make good wife. One day he wrote down their names and attractions on bit of board in the barn:
 "1-Widow Johnson; about forty; farm of 80 acres in good shape; build ings all right; cellar under the barn; six cows if not seven; only one child. Widows great speciality Is hot bis cults for breakfast -couiu sell or rent this farm and move there
 "2-Widow Taylor; said to be thirty eight; no children; 90 acres tip-top land; new barn; four cows and twelve hogs when last heard from; made 40 yards rag carpet last year; great on raspberry jam and soft soap; said to have remarked that she would marry again if the right sort of man came along
 "3-Widow Penrose; about forty three years old, but not sot in her ways; two children to call me father or get licked if they don't; farm of about hundred acres; land might be better for wheat; good barn; house needs reshingling; said to have $743.80 in the bank hair little gray. but can be dyed at her own expense; has no poor relations
 "4-Widow Shafter; widow of German, but talks good English and her pumpkin pies cannot be beat; three children, but all workers; wid. ow herself can load hay on a pinch age uncertain, but along In the for ties; temper said to be serene; live stock in good condition; wouldn't probably need much courting."
 One afternoon when he dropped in on the first widow on his Mist there was a smile of welcome for him and great deal of wondering what had brought him there. He was noted as plain-spoken man. He spoke plainly on this occasion. After a few min utes' talk he said:
 Widow Johnson, do you hold that 1t Is right for widow or widower to marry again?"
 Yes" she slowly replied as her cheeks reddened.
 So do l. l am In the market for second wife. My first was a hummer l hope to get another as good"
 It was the widows duty to say she hoped so, too, and she said it, but ab lo, him.
 MT. Kisell hadn't popped the ques tion. He hadn't popped anything. He was perfectly safe from a breach-of- promise suit and yet he had given the widow to understand certain thing. He drove from Mrs. Johnson's to Mrs. TayloT's. He was received the same there. He talked about oats and bar ley for ten minutes and then repeated what he had said to the other widow. Just an announcement-that' all. Next day he finished the other half of his route. He had made acquaint- ance with the four; he had notified them that he was in the market His attitude was serene and complacent.
 Some days later Farmer Kisell re- newed his calls on the four He had no preference. Each widow had her farm and her speciality. In time he might make decision, but there was no hurry about it. Under certain con ditions courting is very pleasant game to play at. He always arrived at the house of one or the other of the quartet at supper time and the meal set before him was feast
 Widow Taylor, the first to be called on, and who felt that she ought to be the first one proposed to, that set the ball rolling. She made quilting-bee and invited the three other widows and none others. It was hinted that there would be talking-bee as well. In fact when 1t came off it was all talk. Why shouldn't one widow be plain spoken with another? No req son at all. Mrs. Taylor didn't rise to the occasion, but sitting in her rock ing chair she said:
 Ladies. Farmer Kisell has made known to each of us that he Is look Ing for a second wife. He has visited us all alike, but has not proposed to any of us, as far as I know There are three too many and MT. Kisell can't decide If he can't, then we all lose him. Is 1t plain to all of you?"
 Perfectly plain, accompanied by signs.
 We must agree that three of us shall refuse him if proposed to. That will leave him only one"
 But suppose that he does not pro pose to the one?" was suggested with shivers.
 Then we stand or fall by each other. Can any lady present think of better way of deciding this affair than to draw straws? Remember. it Is not drawing straws to see who shall have a husband, but who shall refuse one. Three of us will make a noble sacrifice in the cause of widowhood. "l
 Widow Penrose drew the prize. and as she blushed and giggled the other three congratulated her in the most sincere manner. Within ten minutes they were planning her wedding outfit and the bridal tour.