The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-12
The Daily Short Story

sew well enough 'cept for myself.
An we sell our produce at the city,
so there's no way for me to earn
anything,'"
my shed needs paintin'-" OBJ
served Mrs. Carter pointedly.
Samantha stared at her in amaze
ment- why, Mis- Carter!" she
gasped az can't climb ladders any
way, cause my skirts will catch
and trip mel"
Put on overallsi"
I'm Pop-over Junction." cried
Samantha. aghast Then she laugh
ed. They'd put me outa church!
Rev. Simpton jes' preached agTn
them New York women wearing
Knockers las Sunday"
faint necessary for the church
to know it! Eph is the one!"
Samantha's face crimsoned. 81
reckon he'd divorce mel Anyhow,
he'd stop me fore l had time to
earn the money!
Bot Mrs. Carter persisted. Come
over Thursday noon, Mos every
bodyll be down to Saco to the
Methodist conference"
"Eph is going his self"
"Eph'l pass this way" continued
Mrs. Carter, as if Samantha had
not spoken, AN it'll be fine fur you
to be painting jes' as he passes!"
By noon Thursday practically ev-
erybody had gone to the conference
Ephraim was to leave by the half
past 1 train. at 1 O'Clock he was
nearly ready. dressing in a fever of
nervous excitement that sent his
wife here and there waiting on
him.
Finally he was off.
'G'by, Samantha" he called as
he rolled out Of the yard into the
road.
Samantha waited until he was out
OF sight, then struck out across
lots to Mrs. Carriers. She arrived
GREATNESS. Mrs. Carter was wait
ing for her at the gate.
Il got 'em ready for you" she
announced briefly, and held up
pair of dark brown oVeralls.
Against the house stood a ladder,
and on the ground beside it were
pals and brushes.
NOW that she actually saw the
timing, Samantha hesitated and
drew back; but Mrs. Carter urged
her on. Hurry up, nowi Don't
stand there like a gawky young
ster! He'll be passin' in a minute!
C'mon,"
She rushed the reluctant saman-
ina into the overalls. Just as she
was glngeriy trying the first step
Oh the ladder there was a sound of
wheels IN the road.
It's Eph, Samanthy!" whispered
MRS. carter. Now, when he gifts
opposite. you turn round. careless
like, and boiler, Have a good time
at the conrrencer p" ~
Here he is. Samanthy." prornnt-
ed the woman on the ground
samantha chung to the ladder
with one hand and half turned To-
ward the road "Eph! Eph!" she
called weakly. e
AT first he couldn't hear bor
above the noise of the wason
Then Mrs. Carter Joined the erv.
HEphi Hey, Ephraim,"
And then he heard, and the DIT
yer hauled up the horse until h;s
fore feet left the ground. LIE
Samantha" he roared and h..
eyes bulged and blazed. nIS
His wife trembled on the Iadda-
DO you reckon he'll divorce me
Mis- Carter" she murmured,
Mrs. Carter was equal to auy oc-
CASTOR.
Have a rale nice time at tho
conference, Ephi Samanthy's naint
ing my shed for mel"
Ephraim found his tongue. Come
down of'n that ladder fore vo,.
break y neck; an take OF them
trousers" he ordered.
Being woman. Samantha's dra-
matte sense showed her the posi-
biIities of the situation: why. Epbi
You'll miss that 100 if you don't
step on right lively" she cried.
and waved gaily at him.
For answer. Eph began to de-
scend from bis seat
81 reckon You'll gat the cnat now