The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-08-08

iOur weeks, he labored almost inces-
sanity, night and day. on his effusion
and finally he had It completed.
An obstacle that John had not reck-
oned on now loomed up. John was
member OF the program committee,
and he doubted the propriety OF hav-
ing himself included among the list
Of speakers But he remembered his
penchant. and called 1t into play
again. with good effect.
The morning before the celebration
he called around to see the chairman
of the committee.
You see-aheml--Mr. Grubbs."
John began, being one of the commit
tee. ! should regret to see any part
of the program fall fat"
Just so. answered the chairman.
II feel the same way"
We'll, as a matter OF precaution.
Mr.. Grubbs, think shall prepare
few remarks myself today. Should
any OF the speakers be tardy. or fail
to respond, you might call on me-"
Fine idea, John. I'll do it,
Then John took himself around to
the residence Of Squire Sloan. He
knocked at the door and was admit
ted.
"Ahem. squire" began John, after
an inquiry concerning his hosts
health. I'VE are altering the program
for tomorrow slightly"
"So?"
YES. You see. on account of your
advanced years and the fact that you
have been ailing. we thought it might
suit you better to speak. say, at 1880
than at IL o'clock"
II believe 1t would" answered the
old man.
About IL o'clock the next morning,
Chairman Grubbs scanned the gath
ering in vain for a glimpse of Squire
Sloan. Then. he stood up and an
nounced: 4
Though not appearing on the pro-
gram. the Hon. John Moran has been
requested to make a few remarks. 1t
is not necessary that introduce our
esteemed fellow citizen"
AS John approached the edge of the
platform he looked down into the
face OF Susan and made a mental note
OF the surprise expressed In her coun-
tenance. He paused a moment. as If
improvising speech, while he
chuckIed inwardly at the satisfaction
the occasion afforded. Now, he whis-
pered to himself. he would show her
the caliber of man he was; he would
prove that he could rise to the
occasion"
And rise to the occasion he un-
doubtedly did. His was the most elo-
quent, the most logical and the most
impressive speech delivered that day.
AS he concluded he was greeted by
a loud and prolonged applause. He
stepped down from the platform and l
made his way toward Susan. AS he |
approached, he observed a twinkle in /
her eyes. but did not trouble himself
with an explanation just then. ,He
was too happy.
She arose and took hold of his arm. |
Let us go off to some place where |
we can sit alone" she. said
They made their way toward the
outskirts of the crowd. When they l
mad reached point where they could |
speak without being overheard. he
turned to her questioningly..
Well" he said, did +"
You certainly did. John, ">she inter-
rupted. who would have thought
it?"
The sublime had been attained
Who wrote it for you, John?" she
asked.
Wrote it?" in hurt surprise why.
nobody"
They walked along in silence.
How long did 1t take you to pre-
pare it, John?"
He did not answer.
Yes, you certainly did rise to the
occasion, John. Now, you want to be
careful not to fall lest--s''
Fate would have it that he fell that
instant. Twitted and sstung by her
he had been walking peril
ously near the edge of the high dirt
bank that overhung the creek. with
out thought of danger. AS she spoke.
the ground beneath his feet gave way.
and he went tumbling through the
dirt and sand into eight feet of water
below.