Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 January 1905 — A CLOSE CALL [ARTICLE]

A CLOSE CALL

Such a foolish thing to quarrel about, too—a little Innocent looking pat of butter! But, then, It was strong—that Is, John said It was —whereat Mrs. John helped herself generously and said It was good enough for her, and she couldn’t nffdM to pay 40 cents a pound for butter when she could get good for 30 cents. Then John Inquired If he didn’t glV* her money enough to pay her grocery bill and said It wasn’t good enough for him. John began to get together his flsh poles, flies and other traps which he wanted to take away, for he and six other young men were having a half holiday and had engaged the boat Bonnie Belle for an afternoon’s fishing on Great lake. He worked hard, this young fellow, as foreman In a close, stuffy factory, and a half day’s recreation la the pure air was a rare event with him. But somehow he did not enjoy the prospect very much after that war of words at the dinner table. He wished he hadn’t spoken as he did. If May would only come and help him! But she held herself aloof while he was getJtfnjK ready. She had Intended to slip Bom<) lemons and sugar Into the basket. A ball of lemonade would be so refreshing, imbibed In the shady glen after the row across the lake. But now. If he wanted lemons, he could help himself, she thought, after the way he had talked. He was a long time getting ready, and she wondered, as he fumbled with the lines and hooks. If he really would go off without kissing her. Her anger would have melted In a moment at the first pacific sign from him, but she would not beg for a kiss—no! He started for the door. She had a great mind to follow him there, but pride kept her back. He was outside the door now. She hastened after him. “If he looks around I’ll let him see I’m ready to make up,” she thought. But he did not, and so Mrs. John went back to the little dining room and began to clear the table, feeling herself a much injured wife and rather glad, on the whole, that she hadn't given In. But gradually better feelings dprevailed. Scarlet cheeks faded hack to pink again, and temper brightened eyes became dim with tears. She watched the clock anxiously. How slowly the hours passed—2, 3,4, 5 o’clock! “In an hour he will be here.” she said to herself joyously, and she bustled round to prepare an extra nice supper. She even went to the corner grocery for a pound of the forty cent butter.

Six o’clock came, but no John. Half past 6—7. She was walking the floor in her unrest and now went out and stood at the gate. She could see knots of people talking excitedly along the street. A freckled faced boy running by stopped. “D’yer hear ’bout the axident? The Bonnie Belle struck by a squall, aud seven men drowned.” “What’s that?” asked a feeble old man, coining out of the next house. “Who says my boy’s drowned? Why, he can swim. There ain't water enough In Great lake to drown John Carpenter.” The wind blew his scanty locks over his wrinkled old face. Ilis faded blue eyes wandered piteously round and finally rested on John’s wife. “Don’t you believe It,” he said tremulously, patting her arm with his uncertain, shaking hand. Bht apparently she did not hear him. Drowned! Her John—and she let him go to his death without a kiss! The freckled faced hoy looked at her uneasily, digging his hare toes into the ground. “I didn’t know as Mrs. Carpenter was along," said he apologetically, forgetting for the moment his own Importance as the bearer of news In view of her silent misery. Some one took hold of the wife and led her into the house. She groped her way like a blind person. They said she had better lie down on the lounge awhile, and she obeyed. She could not see anything now. “I am dying,” she thought aud was happy in thinking so. Then she floated away into darkness, on and on, for a long time apparently. Finally she saw a light, and opening her eyes saw—yes. It was —John!

Was she indeed In the other world, and was John waiting for her? She spoke his name. “She’s coming to. # She knows me,” said the familiar voice. But how far off it sounded! And so did her own voice when she spoke. “Where am I?” she asked faintly. “Here, dear, In the dining room,” said "John again. He was on the floor beside the lounge, his face close to her. Tbelr lips met In a long kiss. “Jphn,” she said solemnly, “I thought we were both in another world.” “I did have a pretty close call,” said he, “and it was hard work bringing you back.” “The others?” she asked tearfully. “Will and I are the only ones left of the seven,” he replied, with a sob. “Oh, John! It might have been you!” she cried, throwing her arms around his neck. Just then a feeble old man who was sitting close to his son said fondly, in tremulous tones: “I knew there wasn’t water enough in Great lake to drown my John.”— Waverly Magazine.

Shocked. “Do yon care for pate de foie gras, Mrs. NewscadsT*’ “No, ma’am, and I wouldn’t have bis works in my house. I think these French authors Is Just scandalous!**— Cleveland Leader.