Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1905 — Page 2

When Dorcas Journeyed

By FRANK H. SWEET

“I do hope the cars won’t run off the track," said Betty Sylvester as ■he put tiie finishing touches to her Bister’s costume and then stood back and studied the effect critically. "It's an audaoious flying in the face of Providence to go switching off behind one of them engines that ain’t like nothing human nor divine. But here's your Aunt Beulah down sick in bed and writing to us, and, the land knows, I can’t go, with all the farm and cows and cooking and three hired men here, and (they do say she's got a splendid house, with carpets and bathroom and all, and ■we’re the only kin. There, I think that ■will do. Yes, It's a shame we’ve never been to see her, and she being there twenty years, and the last five all by herself. But It's a hundred miles, and It stands to reason we couldn’t go in a ■wagon, and I won’t be switched across the land by one of them snorting railroad things that hasn’t been in the scarcely a year and folks still jumping just to bear them. Yes, (that will do.” And, stepping forward quickly, she dabbed a little kiss upon her sister’s ear. “Now, goodby. Be •ure and write soon’s you get there, and don’t be set up by the fine things In lAunt Beulah’s house. I do hope nothing will happen. But young folks like 'to travel round and see things. You’ll lllkely have a real good time, and it's ,■ shame Aunt Beulah’s at death’s door and I never been to see her. But there! II must run back or the sweet pickle 'will plumb spoil on the stove. You look real pretty, Dorcas.” And with this ilnvoluntary compliment Betty Sylvester hurried toward the kitchen, leaving IDorcas blushing and frightened—blushing at the unusual compliment and frightened nt the prospect of her first Journey on the cars. For a number of years Dorcas had had a suitor. At first he bad confined ibis attentions to stolen glances across the fields and across the church and on rare occasions, when his manhood had ■asserted itself, to elaborate toilet and a half hour's leaning against the Sylvester front fence admiring Dorcas’

HE WAS BESIDE THE CARRIAGE WHEN IT STOPPED AND HELPED HER OUT.

posies and talking crops. Later he had braved the front gate, generally with ■ straw in bls mouth, to sit on the steps for an Lour in the gloaming talking with Betty, but looking at Dorcas. Ou cold evenings the hour had been passed in the cozy sitting room playing checkers and popping corn. Not a word of love had been spoken, but it was understood in the house and In the whole neighborhood that John Baldwin was waiting on Dorcas Sylvester and that some time tn the future, ns they should determine, the two good old country families and the two well tilled farms would be united, provided, of course, John Baldwin’s diffidence ever allowed him to get that far. As she ran lightly down the steps to the fafm wagon Dorcas gave one quick, shy glance up the slope to where the big Baldwin bouse stood half hidden by its towering elms. Yes, there was John's buggy standing In the road before the bouse, and his fast horse could reach the station In one-half the time they could make with the farm wagon and old Charlie. Besides, Betty had tboiight the hirvd man might as well kill two birds with one stone, so be was taking a load of produce along, which he would peddle after leaving Dorcas at the station. As she climbed up beside Jethro, who did not offer or dream of offering assistance, Dorcas thought how much easier) it would be In John’s spring buggy Ahan In this heavy wagon, which jolted and rumbled over the rough country roads. But still she felt very happy. Although neither she nor John had thought of such an audacious thing as bis offering to act as escort, yet the presence of the buggy meant that he intended to keep somewhere in her vicinity, to have an oversight of her safety; perhaps be would even go on the train, riding In one of the adjoining cars. ’ -Ss, As the load of produce included eggs and milk, progress would be slow, and they had arranged for an early start, but before half the distance had been traveled they heard the sharp whir of John’s approaching buggy wheels. As be flashed by be was bending over Id

ostentatious search of something under the seat, but he gave her a bashful ■ide glance which plainly said: “Don’t be uneasy, Dorcas. I'll see that things go right.” By the time he straightened up he was disappearing round a bend in the road. But tiie glance had sent a soft color to her face which lingered there through the long, rough ride until finally she was aroused by a gruff “Jerusalem! Whoa, there, Charlie!” They were at the junction of two roads. One led up to the station a quarter of a mile away; the other went on to the village, two or three times that distance. Jethro was looking at her with dismay on his face. “What is it?” she asked. “Why—why—do you reckon you could walk up to the depot?” persuasively. “ ’Taln’t but a step. You see,” apologetically as he noted the surprise on her face, “Ben Pokey’s wagon’s just turning the comer down yonder, and if be gets in town ahead of me be sells his stuff, and if I get in ahead of him I sell my stuff, and If I sell my stuff, like Miss Betty counts on, why, she ain't going to fuss at me much. See? Of course I’m here to take you to the depot and will now if you» say the word, but it’s bound to put me in behiud Ben. Aud ’taln’t but a step.” “Oh, I’ll walk, Jethro,” laughed Dorcas, and, placing a hand upon the end of the seat, she sprang lightly to the ground. “And you needn’t tell Betty either.” It was a very dainty figure that went up the road toward the station, and, though she did not know it, the rich, soft goods in her frock, taken from the old chest in the garret, had again come into fashion.

A whistle sounded in the distance, and Dorcas uttered a low cry of dismay. The train was approaching, and she had thought there was plenty of time. Could she make it by running? But a swift glance toward the station checked the impulse even as she sprang forward. The station was still an eighth of a mile away, and she could see several carriages driving up to It and people standing on the platform. What a spectacle it would be for them to see a woman racing with the train! Besides, she could not hope to reach it in time. Jethro— There was the swift approach of carriage wheels, a pair of splendid bays, stopped beside her, and she looked up Into the reassuring face of a young drummer who was selling mowing machines In the neighborhood. Before she was aware of his intention be had sprung to the ground and lifted her Into the carriage and they were whirling away, with a long, circling cloud of dust trailing behind. “Don’t you worry, young lady," the •drummer shouted cheerily. “I’ll get you there all right.’’

What John Baldwin’s feelings were as he stood on the platform watching none but himself ever knew. He saw Jethro stop and Dorcas get out; then he heard the train whistle, and he saw her start to run aud realized that his place was down there on the dusty road by her side Instead of with the curious people at the station. When the drummer stopped and took her in the young farmer’s face grew’ hard and set with a firmness his lips had never known before. He was beside the carriage when it ■topped and helped her out. Then quietly and authoritatively, with all the spectators looking on, he drew her arm within his own. “Come, Dorcas,” he said, “we must hurry to catch the train. I’ll get the tickets. Y’es,” in answer to her wondering expression, “I’m going right on with you to where your aunj lives—sit In the same seat, too, to keep off drumrnersand things. And I shall stay round to come back with you when the visit Is over. Come on!”

Not a Typical Merchant.

One of our busy dry goods merchants had a habit of getting into a spasm of rage and drawing bis pen through the name of any employee against whom he imagined be had a momentary grudge, the act meaning immediate discharge. It chanced that a young woman Was absent for three days owing to the death of her mother. Outside of the regular compulsory vacation It was the only time she bad been away from the store In ten years. On her return she was informed that her services were no longer needed. She pleaded to be reinstated, but the merchant said: "Our business must go on. We cannot wait until you bury your dead. This store never doses.” A few years later the only son of tills flint heart died, and the girl wrote this letter: “You discharged me because I remained at home long enough to bury my mother, saying: ‘Our business must go on. We cannot wait until you. bury your dead. This store never doses.’ Perhaps, sir, you may now be able to dose your store and make time to bury your dead!”—New York Press.

The Salaam.

An easterner who has spent some years in the government service, including much time in Mohammedan countries, was inveighing against the orthodox theatrical representation of the oriental salaam. “That thing you see on the stage everywhere Is all wrong,” he declared—“l mean that bowing the head, raising the hands at arms’ length, palms down, and waving like you were swimming below water. There's no swth thing anywhere that I ever went, and I saw lots of salaams, including those to the sultan of Turkey himself. The real tiling is meant to represent groveling with your forehead in the dust, but they don’t grovel any more, at least V>w- They just stoop, make a motion as if to scoop up a little dust with the right hand from the ground and then rub it on the forehead. That means T am dust in your sight’ or some such oriental hyperbole.” San Francisco Chronicle. z**’"-"*.*

EASTER SALES.

ROWLES 4 PARKER’S Odd Fellows’ Building, Opposite Court House.

*DECA VSE of our splendid preparation to meet the wants of the Easter season you will find a manifest spring awakening in our store. Every section has blossomed out with the richest materials, the smartest styles, and the rarest bargains of the year. Everything needful to put you in accord with the spirit of joy that nature now assumes. We expect every lady in Rensselaer and vicinity to attend this one event of the season which is eagerly looked for each year. A hearty welcome will be extended to every visitor, and we will leave nothing undone to make your inspection of the spring’s first offerings both pleasant and profitable to you.

•to wt. Ladies Pure Linen Handkerchiefs, each,.... 5CGerman Torchon Lace, heavy quality, great bargains, per yard... 5 C Couch Covers, extra qualities, $1.20. Lining Sateen, 25c quality, yard, 20C. Taffeta Silk, yard wide, special yard 98c. New fancy Mesh Veilings, plain and dotted, black and white colors, yard Water color Window Shades,.... 20C. Children’s pure white hemstitched school handkerchiefs, each.. 2 I“2C. Ladies’ genuine Walrus Hand Bags, $1.25 value. Easter price,.... 98c. Large size Bed Spreads, $1.25 values, special.-. 98c. Extra wide German Vai Laces, 15c values lOC. Just received. a“ new.line of Vai Laces and Insertions to match, per yard 2 to 20c. Bargains in Belts. Inmense lot to choose from; very beautiful designs, values usually sold up to SIOO. All go at, each .. 5° c * White and colored Madras Curtain Muslin, imported, 36 inches wide; very pretty patterns, yard... »5CLight and dark colored Chambray Sun Bonnets, regular 25c qualities. Special 2OC. Children’s Knit Waists, just the thing for spring and summer wear. Nazareth styles; well made, all sizes 15c.

Women ’-r i Choice specimens of this section’s value giving are presented in the following offers of a few special numbers: WALKJ/fG SJCIHTS, Fine quality Venetians, all-wool Cheviots and Brilliantines, new umbrella style, all over plaited, new walking lengths, in black, blue and brown. d* Special Sale price WAISTS. This opening represents the good qualities we carry. You can depend on the style, quality, fit, workmanship. More desirable waists for spring were never seen in this city. ■ WHITE LAWN WAISTS—A beautiful design; front trimmed with rows of embroidery insertion on each side d» of plaits. An unusual value at I •GO WHITE LAWN WAlSTS—Excellent styles with fine embroidery insertion all over, embroidery fronts, panel effects, plaited and pin-tucked sleeves, plaited back, d* , _ as very dressy, unusual values at... WHITE CHINA SILK WAlSTS—Special for this opening sale made of fine quality China Silk, trimmed with wide tucks Ed back and front; all sizes; $3,00 values. Special Wash Goods—Great Variety. Lighter weights and lighter colors in the new patterns for fresh summer dresses. A complete stock at prices surprisingly low. BATISTE—3O inch excellent styles, light and dark colors 15c fabtics, at yard. Special GV LATASKA VOlLES—Copied from high grade woolen fabries, at, per yard. Special IGV ORGANDIE superfine popular new season fabrics. Plain colors and _ A large flowers; special value at V MERCERIZED SUITINGS—New designs, swell medium figures, per yard INDIA LINEN—Very fine quality, all combed yarns. For this sale per yard

Silks, Black and Colored Dress Goods. MOHAIR SUITINGS—The best mndeof English goods in fancies and plain colors, cream and RQq black, per yard.... ...... w WHITE WASH SILK-27 Inches wide, heavy quality, splendid for waists and dresses. 4Qa Special, yard CLOTH FABRICS—m yards wide, exceptionally tine line of fancy styles, also plain and black in cloth suitings, in Egyptian Crepes, Silk and wool grenadines. Exceptional values QQq at per yard Knit Underwear and Hosiery. The time has come for a change of these garments. Our stc%k insures satisfaction in variety and price. k * WOMEN’S WHITE VESTS—Swiss ribbed full 1 Qa taped. Special this sale only WOMEN S UMBRELLA PANTS—French band 25C WOMENS IMPORTED LISLE VESTS-In ’ white, full lace yokes, long and short ORp sleeves, fine Swiss Vests. Special at.... .... WOMEN'S LISLE UNION SUITS—In knee Rflp and ankle length, at 25 and HOSI ERY—Women's and Children's Burlington Fast Black, tans, Maco feet aud new spring fancies. Children’s excellent wear- lO[/p ing school hose HOSlEßY—Women’s Lace Lisle Burlington Fast Black Hosiery, exclusive styles for spring, in many new colorings; also silk Rfln embroidery .................. 25 and Easter Glove Sale. We are showing a complete line of expensive novelties. among them are many new shades. They come in pretty shades of tan, gray and brown. This glove is equal to most >1.50 gloves. Genuine Kid <1 nn Gloves, Easter price We are also showing a very extensive line of fabric gloves in lisle and double tipped silks, in all the new season’s popular shades. Easter Cl QO sale price .25, 50 and

JEWELED BACK COMBS. A large assortment of exclusive jeweled Comb ideas, Shell and amber combs set with beautiful cut stones, on all the new- ORr & 50C est mountings - Jeweled Combs at 95c. Set of back and side combs, are QRa offered at the special price of, per pair OUV

mmß Easter Sale of Shoes and Oxfords. Our reputation for handling dependable footwear will WHIES'/ be maintained. We are not satisfied satisfied merely I to give good qualities. We have the best materials | > fashioned into the newest style. This adds assurance / of style to assurance of quality, but does not add to / p the price. Such sterling values as are always found in Krippendorf Shoes and Oxfords, add much to our prestige. Very latest styles, newest toes and lasts in butEk ton and lace. Patent Leathers, Vici Kid in tans and Children’s Shoes and Slippers, “The Famous Bunker Hill Line,” Patent leathers, Vici Kid and Velours, an immense line to select from .... 48c to $2,00 wSSMIR ROWLES & PARKER.

Merits of Kabo Corsets V-''Z u' IL 'S II W ■ B W KABO , > The Kabo gives an air of- elegance and an easy carriage—makes the plainest frock look smart, brings out the best in the individual figure. Prices 95C-$3.00 I Many other styles made of i fine batiste, short and I long hip styles, trimmed , in lace and ribbon; rib-bon-tape Extra I values..,.. 48c

In this line we invariably offer the best made and latest style garments at the lowest cost. ./TTirrvy DRAW T ERS—Umbrella style, made of earn brie, with deep hemstitched ruffles, others trimmed with lace and insertion. Choice WOMEN’S NIGHT GOWNS-Made of cambric, lace or embroidery q trimmed. Special 4.0 C DRESSING SACQUES—Made of fine Lawn, in white, polka dots and Persian Sp“eW SI.OO, $1.45, $2.00 CORSET COVERS, trimmed with three / j rows of insertion, neck and armholes r JT 5 trimmed with lace. 7 Special. CORSET COVERS, Trimmed with four / , \ rows of insertion, / \ \ front and back; y / / neck and armholes / trimmed with lace 's&v.Y ( and ribbon VF 4/1. Jk to match... Lace Curtains, Carpets and Rugs. NOTTINGHAM LACE CURXAINS-60 Inches wide, full three yards long. corded edge, over lock stitch, regular values >1.25 pair. Qfie Special at tJOL IRISH POINT, Duchess, Battenberg. Brussels C 7 nf| and Point de Milan, at pair >1.25 to 11.00 RUFFLED MUSLIN CURTAINS, at pair.. 75C ' 7Rr Full three yards long, very special, per pair... • DOTTED SWISS and fancy figured Curtain IRp Muslins, per yard 5 to 1 JAPANESE MATTINGS—Some with fine linen O4a , warp, carpet patterns, all colors, yard. 124 to INGRAIN CARPETS-All wool, per yardSOto 65C VELVET CARPETS, >1 quality, per yard 90C WILTON VELVET CARPET, >1.25 grade, yard $1 «05 WILTON VELTET RUGS, 27x60 inches, rich. CO OR soft colorings, worth >2.50, at ... TAPESTRIES—4S-lnch two-toned, just the thing for couch covers, per yard Easter Ribbons. The tendency in the Ribbon demand is for changeable effects, of which we have an endless variety. Five-inch Mousseline Taffetas 250 Four-Inch fine quality Taffetas 18c Three-inch fine quality Taffetas ~ ~l2c Most complete line ever shown in town in Plaids, Persians, Fancies and plain colors. Easter Neckwear. The dainty new things that will be in demand for Easter wear will be seen here in great profusion. Real Lace Collars for coats. Real lace stocks with point lace Medallion Tabs ...25c to “«v

Agents for the Celebrated McCall Patterns. A complete Stock of Patterns and Magazines Always on hand.