Metropolis weekly gazette. (Metropolis, Ill.) 1???-19??, 1917-06-08

All didn't know he was rlcn ana at
the same time person of intrin-
sic worth.
John was fond of an outdoor life,
and his plan was influenced by this
taste He concluded to rig himself up
as a peddler, travel through the coun-
try selling such articles as women
need and thus make the acquaintance
of some girl whom he could study in
cognito. He bought an auto delivery
wagon and stocked 1t with tin pans,
pins and needles, hosiery, shoes, grid
irons and every article he could think
of that woman would want.
1t was bright spring morning when
Johns loaded auto was brought up be-
fore his house by his man Thomas,
whom he had charged with procuring
the outfit, and John, rugged out in "A
ready made suit he had bought at 4
cheap clothing store and a faded straw
hat, sailed forth and taking the wheel,
started on bis tour.
IF i don't get a wife, he said to
himself, "lll at least enjoy myself"
Then aloud to Thomas. Forward to-
days mail to Waverly to Martin IT.
vine. I'll keep you posted where to
send it from that on"
Johnny drove Off and window sash
on the opposite side Of the street was
closed at the same time A few min
utes later girl emerged from front
| door beneath the aforesaid window and
hurried down the street.
| Johnny struck the road to Waverly,
| then began to stop at houses along the
way. He chaffed the wives, chucked
| the children under the chin and other
wise made himself agreeable. The con-
sequence was that he sold his goods
readily. though he generally made his
! prices to suit purchasers. When night
came he put up at the only hotel in
! Waverly.
| In the morning he breakfasted-on
! spring chicken-and after the arrival
| of the mail started again on his tray-
| els. He had not gone far before he
heard the rafting of machine behind
him and pulled out to the right to let
| it 20 by. AS 1t did so Johnny saw
! that its rear was got up to hold sew
! ing machine which was strapped down,
| anu lllt was ny sOuHS
woman. comely, though plainly dress
ed, who called to him TO know if the
road held good and for how long.
Johnny gave her the information she
| desired and the two fell into CONVEX
| sation. The girl told Johnny that she
was a sewing machine travelling agent
| She also informed him that her father
| wac f,f. 70 off in this xyop1d'a
goods, but she didn't propose to sit
around waiting for husband and
mgst have occupation.
by Jove." exclaimed Johnny to him.
self, that's the kind of girl I'm look
| ing for"
John kept on one side of the road,
The girl on the other. the two. moving
side by side except when vehicles pass
ed. Mt Which time John fell behind
Il WISH said John to her after
awhile that we could make a double
team Of it, a joint stock concern, to
take In peddler's goods and sewing
machines"
"Oh, we couldn't do that" said the
girl, who gave her name as Molly
Sparks. though I'd like TO ever so
much. ! sometimes feel afraid travel
ing on lonely roads
What's the objection to partner
| ship?' asked John.
Il don't think it would be exactly
| proper. People would take MS for man
and wife, and when they found we
were not they'd talk"
John thought awhile, then proposed
tat they should lay out route to-
| gether for the next day. the girl 10
put her sewing machine in his motor
car. They would stop for the night at
different hotels, but travel together
during the day. The girl, with appar-
ent reluctance, assented TO the plan.
and the next day they carried Il out.
But they paid more attention to each
| other than to peddling.
This method of travel now kept up
until John was satisfied that he might
| go farther and fare worse. The girl
was far above the ordinary country
lass, and John saw an advantage in
marrying in his own class. He pro-
! posed TO her. but at first was refused
on the ground that If she married
peddler her family would disown her.
But John was benton winning her and
| finally got her consent to marry him
without saying anything about ii at
home. They could then travel togeth-
err with more propriety.
They We're married at country
church and by country parson, and
after the wedding John said they must
have rest from work and they must
! go to his home for awhile in the city.
His bride consented, and he took her
| to his paatial residence.
| John looked at his bride, expecting
| to see establishment depicted in her
face. Instead, she laid aside her
wraps as If she had always lived there.
Didn't you think you were marry
ing peddler?" he asked in wonder.
r NO. didn't. knew was marry
| ing Johnny Cosgrove, millionaire
How did you know that?" asked