The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1916-03-09
Mr.. Barnackel
BY EDITH v. ROSS


nv one would know that he was a
misty old man of the farmer type.
neducated and with no manners.
z.nt what can / dor
These words were spoken to herself
M a girl who had some sixteen years
efore been left at a foundlings' home
nd who had been given the name of
Helen and had later chosen the addi-
#onal name of Whitman. She had
been retained at the home as an en-
1loyee till she approached seventeen.
men was informed that a farmer
named Barnackel had written that he
wanted wife and asked whether one
tould be sent to him. Helen was in
formed of the opportunity.
81 After a long and fearful delibera-
hon, feeling incompetent to go out
INTO the world and make living, she
Needed to go out to Mr.. Barnackel. If
he was very terrible she might COM
nit suicide. The matron approved of
her resolution, for she was comely,
md the good woman feared that with
her inexperience she might fall a VIC
him to some designing person.
q Mr.. Barnackel was informed that
fhere was a young woman ready to
accept his proposition, and he sent
money for her journey. The heart
broken girl nerved herself to her fate
and one afternoon aighted at a rail-
way station at the village near which
his farm was located. A young farm
or with whip in his hand approached
her and asked If she was the young
woman who was to marry Mr.. Bar
packel.
II am" was the reply. THAT is. If
he isn't an ogre"
4 The young man smiled. His smile
here" he said. "I'n drive you to the
Z farm"
4 When seated in the wagon and he
had said get up to the horses Helen
expected that he would say something
to her. He did not He seemed to be
thinking.
what kind OF a looking man is Mr.
Barnackelf" she asked
Now, the young man was George
Barnackel nephew of the man who
had written for a wife. The uncle
was fifty years old. his face looked
like ball Of strings, his hair was red,
and he was just too unlovely for any
thing. At any rate, that is the way
the daughter of one of the neighboring
farmers put it. In fact, he was ex-
actly what Helen had conceived him
to be, judging from his name. He
must also have been q fool or he
would never have sent his good look
ing nephew for a young girl he ex-
pected to mako his wife. Upon Hell
ems inquiry George turned his face to-
ward her. displaying a set of regular
white teeth by smiling. and asked:
Suppose should tell you that he is
disagreeable old codger and always
cross as bear. What would you dor"
Il would jump into the river-that
Is, II there is one near by"
There was prolonged silence, at
the end Of which the young man said:
"And what would you say If 1 told
you that l am Mr.. BarnackelT'
Helen's heart went up into her throat.
She made no reply to the question, but
sne sided nearer to her companion.
Presently there came a subdued voice:
Are you Mr.. Barnackel?"
~ am"
Her face was bent low. He leaned
lower himself and looked up into IT.
de saw what he took to be a look of
pleasure. Perhaps it was relief The
reins were In his right hand. She was
sitting at his left He put his left
arm about her waist She looked ND
at MIN, her eyes wet. a suspicion of a
smile on her lips. He kissed them.
How far is 1t to the farm" was
the next thing said
About three miles"
George drove over six miles. which
seemed like three to Helen. then stop
ped at farmhouse.
wait in the wagon" he said. while
go In to tell my mother and sister
you're here. They don't know you're
coming"
Leaving the reins In her hands, he
went into the house. He was gone a
long while. Helen saw the face of
an elderly woman surveying her from
window. then a younger one doing
the same.
On, DEAR" she said. IT hope they're
NOT going to make him send me back!'
PRESENTLY door opened and the two
women came out. the elder In advance.
sne welcomed Helen. though she seem
ca constrained. Leading her into the
mouse. the younger woman showed her
70 chamber upstairs and. shutting
tne door behind them. took her in her
arms. exclaiming:
you poor child"
why am | to be so pitied?' asked
Helen, surprised.
fon're not It's all right Wen
make you very happy My brother is
not the Mr.. Barnackel you came out
mere to marry. That one is nv uncle.
crusty old man who would not do for
you at all Being rheumatic, he asked
George to drive vo,, Prov,, &ho .Ao4so-.