The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1913-08-01
Then, he stood up and an

Sloan. Then, he stood up and an
nounced:
Though not appearing on the pro
gram, the Hon. John Moran has Deen
requested to make few remarks. II
is not necessary that introduce our
esteemed fellow citizen.
As John approached the edge OF the
platform he looked down into tne
face of Susan and made mental note
of the surprise expressed in her coun.
tenance. He paused moment, AZ
improvising a speech. while no
chuckled inwardly at the satisfaction
the occasion afforded. Now, he wnis'
pered to himself, he would show her
the caliber of man he was; he would
prove that he could rise to tho
occasion"
And rise to the occasion he IN
doubtedly did. His was the most elo-
ouent, the most logical and the most
impressive speech delivered that Gay
As he concluded he was greeted Dy
a loud and prolonged applause. He
stepped down from the platform and
made his way toward Susan. AS ne
approached, he observed . 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 tho
outskirts Of the crowd. When they
had reached q point where they could
speak without being overheard. no
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 tn silence.
How long did It take you to pro
pare 1t, John?"
He did not answer.
Eyes, you certainly did rise to the
occasion, John. Now, you want to DO
careful not to fall. lest
Fate would have 1t that ne fell tnat
| 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 tumbIing through the
dirt and sand into eight feet OF water
below.
Susan shrieked and the crowd
alarmed by her cry. began to rush te
the spot. As the gathering in front o.
the speakers stand broke away II
large groups, the chairman arose ant
asked the cause of the commotlon
He was answered by little urchin
who stood up in the seat Of farm
wagon.
. why, Jack Moran's fell in tn
y crtck," shouted tbs lad.
John was dragged out at the ford
a short distance down the creeA
: About his eyes, mouth. nose and earl
and over a part of his clothing, wer
black splotches Of mud. Resuscita'
Ing methods were applied, and as h
began to revive, the crowd dre'
back leaving him stretched out on
l. buggy lap-robe and attended b
> Susan.
When he opened his eyes, she Va
. kneeling by his side and looking dow
p into his face.
t. Did | rise" he began.
70 "There--there," soothingH. Ys
1t you did. Now. lie quiet"
She gently stroked the hair bae
IN from his brow. He grasped her hal
.. IN his and she suffered him to hold
Ii One night, three months later, a
10 or the wedding toasts had been pI
In posed and John had made his
en- Spouse, he made mental Observable
Id 10 himself, ~ he took his seat
10 II wonder" he reflected, "wheth
80 Il was my celebration speech, or Z
tumble I gotr'