The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1912-11-15
AACE FOR / WIFE
ns Best Man Won Despite the
Great Odds Against Him.
BIZ HARMONY WELLER

Blossom looked down. suddenly
very much abashed. The question
lurking in the masculine eyes must
be answered and there were three sets
OF eyes, all adoring and likewise AL
impatient.
Dick gazed fondly at the little
brown hand that he longed to pos
sess ais his own; Harry's eyes were
riveted on the misty line OF blue that
showed beneath her lashes and Tom
absorbed the whole perfect girl in his
glance. but mostly he watched the
crimson stain Of her lips which curled
now and again with troubled smile.
She looked up and her eyes lin
gered on Tom, on Dick and on Harry.
Each man watched with trepidations
the dimple that played fitfully in the
girls face A half drawn breath en-
capped her lips.
! You have ALL" she began in her
sweet voice. shonored me by loving
me-. The men glowered. each at the
other two. She continued trifle
neryously, .sAnd in returnI love you
each one Of you with the same
amout of loyalty / think that am
not one man woman think
could be happy with any one Of you
very happy" she added.
This polygamous speech had not
the soothing effect that the girl had
hoped for The masculine element
gloWered with greater force but made
no attempt to break the line Of
thought that struggled behind the
girls eyes. A touch Of color famed
her cheeks; her eyes became darker.
Il want to marry one of you. /
long for the city. Life on this island
has become irksome to me and want
to see the broader sphere of life.
Living here, have. been denied so
many pleasures. Until this summer
had not realized half Of what life
holds. You have each, in your grand
big way, made the last three months
q Paradise to me- l had never seen
an airship until the day Harry swept
down through the air in his huge ma
chine. had never been in motor
until Dick came whizzing across that
old bridge. Good old fleet-footed Bess,
whom Tom has taught me to ride,
has filed me with well JOY. and
you have all three just spoiled me
with your attentions
Negative shakes from three heads
condemned her last words.
Yes, you have" she contradicted
quickly. Blossom drew deep. trou-
bled sigh And now have to de-
! eide whether would like to marry
q birdman and fly with him, q mo-
torist and joy-ride with him or an
equestrian and gallop through life
' with him! It is vexing question"
~She raised appealing eyes to each
man in turn. The look compelled an
answer
The latter is of course the most
enjoyable said Tom.
THE former is more exhilarating.
said Harry
The middle path is always the. SAT
est" said Dick.
Blossom laughed and Jumped
quickly to her feet and motioned the
men to remain
4 am going to bring out a jug of
cider and some fresh doughnuts.
While you three are making them dis
appear shall walk once around the
Island When | return it viii be to
tell you whether I motor. gallop or fly
through life" With another rip
pling laugh she was OF.
When she had gone second time.
leaving in her place tray Of fresh
doughnuts and cider. Tom. Dick and
Harry glowered darkly one upon the
other. Then. because they were all
Of fine mold. an arm shot out from
each brawny shoulder.
To the best man--may he win!"
they toasted in one breath.
Blossom tripped along with light
feet. She went 1rst along the level
stretch of sand upon which d great
airship spread It's wings in rest; she
looked tenderly at it. She passed the
old bridge, the only connection be-
tween the island and the mainland;
. gray racing motor lay silent. Bios
SONS eyes caressed it. Still farther
on. under the great spreading elm.
Brown Bess grazed. The mare whin-
MED at sight of the slim figure in
the pink sunbonnet and Blossom fon-
died the sleek neck and let fall a
light kiss on the mares veIvety nose.
She walked on with knitted brow.
Half way around the small island she
stopped short. The idea had come.
Excitement lent speed to her return.
Blossom sank down in little nut
ter of grace beside Tom, Dick and
Harry. She began without preamble.
Il will marry" she paused. The
man who first reaches me with par
SON and license."
The girl gasped. She was not pre-.
pared for the lightning effect Of her
words on her three admirers. Had
she shot them simultaneously out OF a
tripie-barreled cannon they could not
have started with such precision and
speed. Her grip on herN breath re-
Taxed and she looked after the flying
-