Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-06-27

the morrow. she was as anxious about
it as was. At first we had planned
to drive in in the morning and get the
license together, and then go quietly
to the nearest minister, but was igno-
might be refused with the ink scarce
dry upon 1t. It would be much safer.
I thought, to leave little margin, and
forehand what would be required Of us.
,, was reluctant, however, to leave
Nancy alone. feeling all Of city mans
disturbed by the thought Of that night
prowler, whose hat had but yesterday
disappeared from our road.
told Nancy something Of my fears
/ and to my surprise she took them
quite seriously.
~ can go with you,'' she suggested.
"A pretty long walk. I'm afraid" I
said, "and you know you are still
little tired from the walk we took yes
terday Perhaps though we could
drive in
eco and try the neighbors said
! Nancy. land If you can't get a convey
ance, perhaps you can get some one to
come in and stay with me. There is
really lot Of work to be done about
the house, and I have no right at all
| to be taking excursions around the
country I'll go If you can get some
thing to drive in in spite Of my con.
science; but If you can't, / shall be per-
fectly happy, II only you can persuade
some woman to come in and work with
me for the rest OF the day"
made the rounds Of my neighbors
without very much success. The
horses were lame. the horses were
busy, there was blowing to do. and
think their owners looked with some
suspicion on my city clothes. There
was no telling how such a man as
would treat horse-fesh. They were all
perfectly willing. however to risk their
women folk, and softened the refusal
OF their horses by offers OF their
wives. Finally had to content my.
self with one OF the latter. She was
large, pleasant-faced woman of mid.
die age. sensible and assertive. who
would inspire terror, thought, in the
heart of the hungriest tramp. She
came with me with q readiness which,
I am sure, was largely inspired by
curiosity, praiseworthy enough de.
sire to know what her new neighbors
were like. Nancy was charmed with
her and with good heart left them
together, already engrossed In our new
pals and brushes. 800
Doylestown, found, was a little over
five miles away. But what We're FIVE
miles to man on such an errand as
mine? It was unbellevably wonderful
that I. Mason Ellsworth, should ever be
! going en- such an errand at all. And
for mile or SO went lightly, rs one
going in dream and desperately
afraid that he may awake to the cruel
realities OF every day. But overhead
the sun was warm, lush field and mea-
dow, sodden with the overnight rain,
smoked with an earthly smell that
brought to my city senses primal stir
rings that thrilled through me like
wine; birds were stirring cheerfully
In the hedgerows and thickets. and
from time 10 time, l woul'l come upon
a brown rabbit sentinel, cars slanted
forward at attention, as II he said
"Pass, friend" and then scnrried of
to herald the news along the road.
After all, it was reality, solid, con-
Portable, healthy reality, and before
had gone half way I was striding the
road like any soldier; love and the
world lay before me. and come what
might | felt strongly ready.
Although Doylestown was little
county seat, had to inquire my way
to the county clerks ONCE, and
thought as did so that my informant
looked at me doubtfully, as II ne Won
dered who was and what my errand.
And the clerk himself, when I had
given our pedigrees, as best could
and he had made me out our license.
leaned toward me as one having gossip
to impart and wishing more.
"Mr. Ellsworth" he said. "a friend
OF yours was asking for you here only
yesterday"
"Of mine" repeated wonderirgly
The clerk looked at me sharply.
suppose he was" he said. "Brless you
owe some one money" and he Chuck
led as II the observation had been the
iquintessence Of sly humor.
What did he look like?" asked.
well, | don't know as you'd say he
looked like anything particular He
was lust tall man, with good clothes.
and a nose perhaps little longer than
| the law allows. The only thing
really did notice about him was his
lean. I did like his cap. 1t was just
like one ! have had my eye on for the
Hast two weeks. am going to step
around and get 1t this afternoon.
/ ITO be Continued.)
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