Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-10-01

ue W RlOW hOWeI SCTedlueu anu
closed her eyes. The captain glanced
wildly around. and 1 confess that /
was startled. Only. Maria knitted on
calmly. unconcernedly.
why. what was that?" asked.
What was what?" asked Maria in
surprised sort of way.
Mrs. Rowell sat up. and sparks fash
ed from her eyes in all directions Her
rather hooked nose almost appeared TO
meet her sharp upcurving chin.
II thought heard something" she
said. still smiling.
II heard a tree toad outside in the
lilock bush. ma'am." said the captain
innocently.
go on with your story. Hettie,"
urged Maria.
I'm rather upset." confessed the
widow. after moments hesitation.
Il kinder thought it sounded like the
warning voice of Henry RoweTl Henry
was very jealous husband. though he
had no cause to be-" she added hastily
Most husbands are jealous of their
handsome wives" said the captain gall
lantly
The widow simpered sweetly at him.
you are a case. Barnabas Fish, she
chided archly. 81 was asking you if
! you would stand up with Ananias
Wednesday. be his best man"
"Pallbearer!' croaked the hollow
| voice.
| will you:" persisted the widow, but
her face was pale.
"Of course" said the captain in a
! hearty voice. I'll stand by the BRIDE
| groom"
Corpse" ratified the hollow voice.
But the widow was undaunted as
! yet. She had set her heart on surpris-
ing Ounce Harbor by her unexpected
wedding to the porter in the bank. and
she was not to be frightened out of it
by the spiritual warnings of dead
and gone spouse or a tree toad, but the
widow had leanings toward spiritual
ism. 1t was a cult that attracted her
romantic nature.
1--WE will drive around after you and
Maria" went on the widow doggedly.
Were going to have Al Murray's
hack
"Hearse" interpolated the hollow
voice.
"And I've bought the wedding ring
"Casketr came the interruption.
"Ah-h-h-h-h-h-h"' screeched the Wild
ow Rowell, and she went at once into
violent Mysteries.
Maria and I few around, applying
remedies to her nose, while the cap
tain tiptoed out to the kitchen stair
way that led to the loft overhead, and
l heard his deep voice rumbling. Some
times it was broken by chuckles and
again by another voice disagreeably
high pitched.
At last the widow came to, looking
yellower than ever, but there was a
new light in her shifty eyes. They
worn hands trembled.
Maria" said she solemnly, 1--WE had
a warning. l shan't marry Ananias-
not yet maybe not at all. I'll wait.
and you'll bear in mind that when 1t
happens you and Barnabas II stand up
with US just the same
"Pallbearersw came in hoarse whis-
per-
Mrs. Rowell trembled, but her wide
smile did not relax. 1t was fixed as
.. though painted there.
You see, Maria and Barnabas and
Miss Telham," she said almost pathet-
ically. including all three in a swift
zigzag glance, I'm considerable shook
up now, and 1 want to study up on
this spirit business before go ahead"
"Cheer up, Hettie," said the captain,
grasping her hand warmly. by next
June you and Ananias will be signing
. papers and setting sail on pleasant
sea of-er-matrimo
"AIayber The widows tone was enig-
matte. AS she opened the door to de
part she added in her customary man.
ner: Pm glad l didn't announce it to
? any one else, and l guess I'll go home
, and stir up some cornmeal griddle-
cakes for Mr.. Shines breakfast. I've
? got to do something to make up to him
for his disappointment"
. "And a mans heart being by way of
, his stomach, why, you're taking the
J right track" approved Maria.
When we were alone Maria fixed her
= bright eyes on her husbands twinkling
3 blue ones
3 How long has Ananias been up in
> the kitchen loft?" she asked.
"Since before dinner" answered the
D captain. HE came all a-tremble, say
ing he'd hang himself If he wasn't
. saved, and / didn't know what to dc
. about it. 1t so happened the widow
came in tonight, ana guess Ananias
= feelings got the best of him, and be
e jest naturally figured out course fol
: himself and sailed into safe harbor
l. He's gone back to the widder's now
!, feeling pretty secure that she won't
: marry him yet awhile.
( by the way. Maria" he added, IAN
). anias says he found a punkin pie and
a pitcher Of lemonade up In the loft
Q and he ct 'em up. wonder how they
came up there?"
|. 81 took 'em DIP myself after dinner,
r smiled Maria trium phantly. and 1 die
y not blame Captain Barnabas when h.
kissed her warmly.