Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1915-02-23
THE WINNER
Copyright, Puck
By WILLIAM II. HANDY.

T EFF BARNES sat on the worm
j fence and idly jabbed at the top
rail with the big blade of his pocket
knife. He was trying to think of some
thing else to offer. He had already
promised everything which he imagin-
ed might count with girl. But
evidently none of his promises had
counted, for she received his last with
the same battling, teasing laugh she
did the first.
At the end of corn row half
mile down the valley Hank Smith
leaned between his plow handles and
tried to think of brand new promise.
So far, he could think of nothing un-
der the sun except the moon and plan
cts which he had not already prom
ised. Yet in return she had never
promised him the least little hope.
To all his offers she only laughed
elusively and looked quizically at him
from the corner of her eyes.
Hank and jeff were both in love
with Nancy Collins and had been for
two years. Hank took her to church
Sunday, Jeff to a picnic Thursday.
Jeff drove her to Sunday-school bas-
ket dinner Sunday, Hank paid for the
ice cream and sponge cake at the
social Thursday evening.
Each proposed every time he was
with her, and promised to be, do, give,
or allow something that would add
l,o nr01n-
Use when he could think of one, when
he could not, the old ones were used
again. At these times Nancy did not
shut her lips tightly, stamp her foot.
and forbid mention of the subject.
She laughed, half earnest, elusive
sort of laugh, and seemed pleased, as
indeed she was. The, fact, is, Nancy
loved both of them and nothing either
did or said helped her decide which
she wanted.
Now that each of the young men
felt he had done his best, looked his
best, begged his hardest, and promised
his utmost, We. had not won, he grew
desperate.
At last Barnes went to Smith.
Hank, we have got to come to an
understanding"
Pm agreeable" Hanks tone sug-
pested the sweetness of saw file.
Lets settle it some way" proposed
Jeff.
I'm agreeable" Same tone.
But how to do it is the question:
Jeff was puzzled.
Eyes, that's the question:
1.-THE best man ought to win," de-
clared jeff.
yep"
Then they discussed a long time
what was the best man whether the
fellow who could whip, run fastest
work the most, had the most money
or the fewest sins to his credit
Seems to me-" finally concluded jeff
1.-The best man is the one that can
make her happiest." Hank admitted
the truth of this. But how will we
decide that"
Let us leave it to Aunt Margaret
proposed jeff Aunt Margaret was the
great aunt of both-the young men
being second cousins. The old lady
: was the family counselor for all the
Smiths and harnesses. She had enough
Irish to give her a sharp wit.
1t was so agreed. They would lay
,, the case before Aunt Margaret and
abide her decision.
81 have good farm and can give
: her plenty" said Jeff.
$50 have l." said Hank.
IL have promised her she shall have
a hired girl all the time" continued
Jeff, land will never have to WORK
unless she wants to-
$50 have l." nodded Hank.
1--WE told her l will never speak
cross nor be in bad temper wher
things go wrong" announced Jeff
And l promised never to complain
| if the victuals are burnt" added Hank
The old lady shook her head
Shed have to use the mop on either
of YOU" And many other things which
they had promised, as many as they
J could remember, they told the ole
lady.
You have both been promisin
lies, Sne Salu WIFI TIE 1IduhHesS VI
relative, land won't decide detwlX1
you. You amt neither one gooo
enough for any girl; but the poores,
one of you is the best Nancy is likely
to get; SO begone with you, and settle
your own troubles"
Hank went his way very angry, fol
| he had made all his promises in good
faith and meant to keep them-every
| one.
jeff went away thoughtful for he
was honest with himself. He meant
! the p1 omises when he made them, but
now he saw the old lady was right
he would not keep them.
! Then he remembered that peculiar
/ laugh of Nancy's when he promised
things. If Aunt Margaret knew he was
! lying-yes, that was it-Nancy knew
' too.
If he could only think of something
| to promise that he would do-yes
there was one thing he had always
done. and he would, really and truly
continue TO do. He could promise
that honestly. He whipped up his
horses. 1t was twilight when he reach
| 80, No,n,.,u homo Tho GIRL was sitting