The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1916-06-29

mittee, ] should regret to see n
part OF the program fall fiat"
Just so.' answered the chairman.
II feel the same way"
We'll, as n matter OF p%recaution,
Mr.. Grubbs, | think ! shall prepare n
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 a."
Then John took himself around TO
the residence OF Squire Sloan. lie
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"
500"
"Yes. You see. on account OF your
advanced years and the fact that you
have been ailing, we thought It might
suit you better TO speak. say. at 1880
than at II o'clock"
IL believe II would" answered the
old man.
About II o'clock the next morning
Chairman Grubbs scanned the gather.
ing in vain for n glimpse OF Squire
Sloan. Then he stood up and an.
nounced:
Though not appearing OH the pro
gram. the Hon. John Moran has been
requested to make n few remarks. II
Is not necessary that I introduce our
esteemed fellow.citizcn."
As John approached the edge OF the
platform he looked down into tho face
Of Susan and made n mental note u
the surprise expressed in her counte
nance. He paused n moment. AS II
improvising n speech. while he chuck
led inwardly at the satisfaction the
occasion afforded.
And rise TO tho occasion he undoubt
eddy did. His vas the most e~loqhent,
the most logical and the most impress
sive speech delivered that day. As he
concluded he was greeted by n loud
and prolonged applause.
He stepped down from the platform
and made his way toward Susan, As
he approached. he observed a twinkle
In her eyes. but did not trouble him.
self with nm explanation just then.
He was too happy.
She arose and took hold OF his arm.
Let us go 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 n point where they could
speak without being overheard, he
turned to her qu%estioningly.
Well" he said. Did l."
You certainly did. John" she in
tcrrupted. 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 II take you to pre-
pare II, john"
He did not answer.
"Yes. you certainly did rise to the
occasion. John. Now. you want to DO
careful not 10 fall. lest"
Fate would have II 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 tum-
bling through the dirt and sand into
eight feet OF water below.
Susan shrieked. and the crowd,
alarmed by her cry, began 20 rush Il
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 a little urchin.
who stood up in the seat OF a 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