The Red Cloud chief., 1913-07-24

Sloan Then. he stood UP and an
nounced.
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 moment. rs II
improvising speech. while he
chuckled 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
made his way toward Susan. As he
approached. he observed n 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 90 of to some place where
we can sit alone" she said.
They made their way toward the
outskirts OF the crowd. when they
had reached a 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 II. John?"
He did not answer.
Yes. you certainly did rise to the
occasion, John. Now. you want to be
careful not to fall, lest"
Fate would have 1t that he fell that
instant. Twitted and stung by her
raillery. 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.
Susan shrieked, and the crowd.
alarmed by her cry. began to rush to
the spot. As the gathering In front OF
the speakers stand broke away In
large groups. the chairman arose and
asked the cause Of the commotion.
He was answered by little urchin.
who stood up in the seat OF q farm
wagon.
Why. Jack Moran's fell in the
crick." shouted the lad.
John was dragged out at the ford,
a short distance down the creek.
About his eyes. mouth, nose and ears.
and over a part Of his clothing. were
black splotches of mud. Resuscitat.
ing methods were applied, and as he
began to revive. the crowd drew
back. leaving him stretched out on a
buggy lap.robe and attended by
Susan.
When he opened his eyes. she was
kneeling by his side and looking down
into his face.
did ! rise" he began.
"There-there." soothingly. YES
you did. Now, lie quiet"
She gently stroked the hair back
from his brow. He grasped her hand
in his and she suffered him to hold It.
One night, three months later. aft
er the wedding toasts had been pro-
posed and John had made his re-
sponse. he made a mental observation
to himself. as he took his seat.
II wonder" he reflected, whether
1t was my celebration speech. or the
tumble ] got?"