The Washburn leader., 1916-07-07

mittee, I should regret to see any
part Of the program fall nat"
"Just so." answered tho chairman.
II feel tho same way"
'Well. - . matter Of precaution.
Mr.. Grubbs. I 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!"
Eyes. You see, on account Of your
advanced years and the fact that you
have been ailing. we thought 1t might
suit you better to speak. say, at 1880
than at II o'clock"
II believe 1t would" answered the
old man.
About II o'clock the next morning
Chairman Grubbs scanned the gather.
ing in vain for a glimpse Of Squire
Sloan. Then he stood up and an
nounced:
Though not appearing on the pro
gram, the Hon. John Moran has been
requested to make few remarks. II
is not necessary that introduce oul
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 counte
nance. He paused a moment. as II
fmprovising speech, while he chuck
led inwardly at the satisfaction the
occasion afforded.
And rise to the occasion he undoubt
edly did. His was the most eloquent
the most logical and the most impres
sive speech delivered that day. AS he
concluded he was greeted by loud
and prolonged applause.
He stepped down from the platform
and made his way toward Susan. Al
he approached, he observed twinkle
in her eyes, but did not trouble him
self 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 thu
outskirts of the crowd. When they
had reached point where they could
speak without being overheard, HI
turned to her questioningly.
"Well," he said. did l."
"You certainly did. john" she in
terrupted. "Who would have though
it,"
The sublime had been attained.
"Who wrote it for you, John?" sh'
asked.
Wrote it," in hurt surprise. "Wh!
nobody"
They walked along in silence.
''How long did it take you to pre-
pare it, John?"
He did not answer. T:ss.
eyes, you certainly did rise to tn,
occasion, John. Now. you want to b.
careful not to fall, lest"
! Fate would have 1t that he fell tina
instant. Twitted and stung by he
raillery, he had been walking peril
ously near the edge Of the high dir
bank that overhung the creek. with
out thought Of danger.
AS she spoke, the ground beneatl
his feet gave way, and he went tum
bling through the dirt and sand int
eight feet of water below.
Susan shrieked, and the crowd
alarmed by her cry, began to rush Il
the spot. As the gathering In from
Of the speakers stand broke away II
large groups, the chairman arose ant
asked the cause of the commotion
He was answered by q little urchin
who stood up in the seat Of farm
wagon.
"Why, Jack Moran's fell in the
crick," shouted the lad.
John was dragged out at, the ford
short distance down the creek. About