Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1919-04-25
THE TIMID MAN


wanted one badly, for he was living
alone and he knew very little about
housekeeping although he was n first.
class farmer. lie owned one OF the
beet 81 farms, horses. cattle and a fine
house. nicely furnished. aud with every
modern improyement--cver In
fact. was his except tie one thing
needf1i. a worthy helpmeet
Hiram knew Just the girl he want
ed 10 marry lie had long loved her
in secret but Was too bashful 10 pop
the question. From his corner pew
In The church he watched her as she
cans in ,he choir. her sweet voice rls-
ing above the others. Sometimes he
found courage 70 walk home With her.
bet he always lcfs her 81 the gate with
ont the decisive word. bg, with a tlmid
glance Of love that Sally did not re-
sent he would Walk past her house
evenings, longing for holiness 20 go
on % the door and knock. then would
&c hack % bis lonely home, 10 dream Of
her.
sally lived alone, and she was a good
housekecper bright and witty, and
the best Of company. There was ev-
cry reason why these two should join
forces n only Hiram could have made
the first move. Sally would have been
perfectly willng-lf Hiram would ask
her.
Sometimes II happens that circum-
stances favor the faInthearted. and
circumstances helped Hiram at last.
Hs had been TO town 10 buy grain and
Was returning home Just before sun
set II was pleasant ride, and he let
Prince walk ~ the long hills while
he unused, thinking OF the wife he
would have some day. Yes, he would ask
Sally 10 marry him--he always said
that until he came face 10 face with
Der. when his tongue refused 10 speak.
Her bright face would make the home
cheerful. II was a happy future that
ne pictured. but he had seen that
picture many times wlch his minds
eye. and had come no nearer 20 the
realization OF Il.
He had reached the top OF the hill |
where he always stopped for a rest, /
fer from this point Saily's house was /
visible, = mile away. Sometimes he /
would see her In the dooryard, and 4
she would wave 10 him. then he would /
ride on perfectly happy. Prince
stood still OF his own accord. But as
Hiram looked across the fields he saw
something that made him start In fear.
Tirei Sally's house was burning
Was she az home? Did she know7
The house stood by itself IN hol.
low. far away from neighbors. Had
anyone seen the fire and come to help
herr
Hiram grasped the relns and
touched the whip 10 Princes back
Never in ali his life had the horse
Travelled SO fast as he now flew over
that mile OF country road
The house was nearly burned 10 the
ground when Hiram reached IT, There
was Sally trying 70 pat out the
flames and % save few Of her cher
ished belongings, Juggling great buckets
~ water from the cistern. With only
two small boys. who had been attract.
81 ~ the smoke, 20 help her.
Jumping from the wagon, Hiram
rushed up 10 her and caught her ia
hjs arms She was so wearied that
me elung 70 him with a stihed cry. but
with q feeling ot comfort and protec-
tion.
Cheer mp. Sally" he cried "Ain't
q nice / happened round Ia the nick
> timer lie was feeling strong now.
md the feeling OF her arms clinging
10 him took away ell his fear.
your house Is gone and all there Is
n IL. 'Tain't no use trying 20 save
anything. aud faint necessary. My
'ouse is big enough fur US both, It's
been waiting FOR you long time, Sal
y. ] always mespt Il for you"
lie carried her 10 the wagon and
Gated her By his side. and she had
lot spoken word. but he knew by the
ceiling Of her arms clinglng TO him
hat she was willing
lie took up the reins. Go lang.
'rince = he called. 'and be quick about
4" Then he turned TO her with the
~ Shy look Mebbe faint quite tho
air thing to take you so sudden, he
lurted. But I've waited sou all the
me, Sally only ! haln't darst TO ask
ou."
Sails blusied sud the laughter came
ack into her eyes through her tears,
18th roguish look she answered. as
he crepf little closer "Mebbe you
ever would have rot the courage 70
"a zoe. Hiram. II the old house hadn't
arned down so ] shall have % count
sst a. oae o. my blessings
Her lips we're 80 near. and So smli-
x that be could not help kissing
sen.
.opyfiEht. as by the Mcclure Newspa.
per - ndicate)