The Butler Weekly Times Newspaper, May 2, 1888, Page 8

MEG’S LUCK. A LEAP YEAR STORY, BY ELLIS M. CLARK. 1&SS. “MARGARET!” Mr. Plaintolks’ tones were planly 1egestive of i “Uncle.” prehensive. T adopted daughter. “There’ or there'll be a thundering sak len roared yacancy about this house, the old man. “A--a—vacaney, uncle! I don't under— “Well, you will understand. if that sent’ pret- ty suddenly. Ain't he here two thirds of his time? Egad! hasn't he taken up permanent quarters here? And what's he comin’ for? Courtin” Does he calculate to go on sparkin’ and burnin’ my coal, and wearin’ out furniture the rest of his natural life? I tell you there's got to be business done. He’s 2 good enough sort ofa husband if he ever does intend to givethe parson a chance—but there's got to be some proposin’ done to- night. Now you hear me.” And with this ultimatum the irate old young Dewd don't ‘repre gentleman rushed from the room. Meg proceeded to dissolve hers to tears, until a happy thought checked the impending dissolution —it was Leap Year. os * * * * “Well,” said Mr. Plainfolks laconic- ally. It was at the breakfast table. “We're, that is—Charlie and I— we're to be married next week,” stammered Meg through her blushes. “Hey! Good gracious! You don’t mean that the young noodles scared up spunk enough to ask ye!” ejacu- lated Mr. Plainfolks wonderingly. “No uncle, he—I—we—well, popped,” said Meg in great confu- “Hurr you a wedding outfit my las: bestowed a rousing on the blushing girl. * . * . * One week after the wedding Mr. Plainfolks summoned the young cou- ple into his library. “Charles,” said he, “How would you like to follow Horace Greeley’s advice, and with Missouri for a_bat- tle ground, make your fortunes in the great west!” Charles replied that he was open to a proposition that possessed the requisite attractiveness. “Well,” continued the old) man. “Tve got aconsiderable landed prop- erty in Missouri, Bates county, in the shape of a stock farm or two, and some rich bottom farms, and I have been wanting to send some one out there as a resident manager. Now, I'll tell you what Tl do will accept that position, FI locate you and Meg, in ene of the towns adjacent—in fact, ina veritable little gem of aneembryo city, Butler, and fit you out in housekeeping, to start with.” “What sort of town is Butler?” enquired Charles, wisely non-com- mittal until he learned more con- cerning his possible future home. “Butler? It’s one of the brigl est, prettiest and most promisin Ni little cities ir declared Plainfolks enthusi *“Tepographically it isa dai ithe wonder ful v west there is every variety of lan dse: ape to be enjoyed from its door: ling like a gem onthe slope of noble headland that swells out into a vast plateau, at its feet rolls beautiful valley, with alternate open- ings aks clusters of timber. her uncle, uns astic, paused for’ breath. “And it is enterpr ive and thrifty as i resumed the old 1 home of culture, mor The response was timid and ap- speakers were un cle and niece—an s got tobe a wedding or— y! Yow’rea brick. Tl buy ,” de clared the delighted old man, as he you ied in the enthusi- ity and intel- ligence, Sthough modest in extent. of prosperous tradesiuen and me- | chanics. Pract promise n +} Butler. ulated surely healthful growth | Surrounding it is: stock and Than the uplands th: ranges desired, thems ‘Ives (and they are numerous) are rich in illuvial soil that has al-| pio- neers who were wise enough to set- ready made the fortunes of tl tle among them. NRE “What are the market facilities? enquired Charles, with an eye to the practical. “Excellent. Butler has two lines of Mo. Pace. railroads with practical- ly outlets to all points of the sys- tem. I don’t know of an internal city in Missouri that possesses quite so desirable advantages for react all points of the compass by rail, without being handicapped by con- ticuous little stations : ies immediately situat lines.” “What townsme! “They're the right sort. Butleris fortunate. They've got push, and enterprise; they've got hospital ity and kindliness; they're not afraid to launch their dollars when either individual enterprise, or the good of the community is concerned. The sme aroma oO lof new lumber and the green paint that fills the atmosphere during the bailding sea- son speaks volumes for the faith the business men have in the future for their town.” education nd society, rel al facilities? —I” “As I said. the people are intelli gent and moral; that means schools and church organizations. They've got as fine school buildings as you will find in many aday,—and church edifices that will compare with any in the state. There are also a num- ber of very promising secret orders. “Has the town a boom?” “Not in the ordinary acception of the term; there is a stir there, but no fictitious, artificial “boom.” The town is new as among railroad towns, and is naturally located just where a considerable business point is needed, the country is filling . up with an enterprising class of people, and as a result, there is considerable building. Honestly. I do not know of & more promising place for a young man like you, Charles, pos- sessed of moderate means, and an ambition to find wealth, health and happiness allin one. The town is young, healthy, and vigorous, and has a grand future.” *“Well,—we'll laconic answer, havi arles, was {Cl received a gorous afiirmative nod from Meg in response te a look of v Shortly after the a smart livery hotel where Mr party was stoy in w: VE ine re to, driver, as the riage. Theo at his charges. “weve lots to 2 OL place vest: ner ing the atte whil ile Plainfol ty sectional map check- When ided quite an extensive janes of lots. both for residence and spec culative poses—for this office des sistable bargri s—the old man an- nounced that he was ready to talk business over a far 1 ortwo near the as the only parties in At this juncture Mr. Geo. C: bury, secretary of the above compa- ny, was introduced and in short order had all arrangements made for abstracting the property bought and making the required loan. “Now we're all ready for the lum- ber,” cried the uncle, as the p arty “Ther only one place in town where they was again in the carr 3 carry constantly a stock such us you want to select fror and their prices run below all cox uke petitors. us to the R. J. Hurley Lumber Co's. yard.” They were whirled to this popular yard in a trice, and Meg wi soon enjoying arest ina com able chair while Mr. Wycoff, the es pert clerk, was mak bill, from sill to shingles, for the propose nd new residence. coat 7 ing at Dewd. “what do you think of the Hurley Lumber Co.” Its an the old u . look- immense firm, uncle, the largest Ij: 1 have seen since I left home, anc } am well pleased with my barg Well, boy, Mr. Hurley, is an friend of mine and I want you io} continue to trade with him. Now, said Dewd to his uncle, we have secured the farm, bought the lumber, and contracted with the cue penters to build the house, and in my judgment we ought tosecure the painters before leaving town. Yes, that’s so,my boy, and I will take you down and mtroduce you to Bridge- ford & Drummond, “The Painters” | and paper hangers of the town, I know they are the best, and the best is what you want. Meg saw them at work in the Palace hotel, paper- ing, painting and ining, and she fell in love with the artistic manner in which they were doing their work,and when youtell her you have employed them to do your work I know she will be delighted. In ad_ dition uncle, they carry a full line of paints, oils and brushes, and if I need anything in this line in the fu- ture I will know where to get it. Well, said Mr. Plainfolks, it is now time for us to be going, Dewd, and if you will get Meg we will be off. Dewd looked around for her but she was uo where to be seen, and for the time being all was excite- nt. Well, what shall we do, iid Dewd. Tl tell you, s: semething about buying a cook stove, and I will bet you a new suit of clothes we will find her in J. E Harper's stove and fin store on the for I have been telling her about his elegant east side of the squ t stock.and you know the curiosity of a woman, and how they love a shin- ing, silver-plated cook stove, with a wagon load of accompaniments Unele, said Dewd, I just know we} will find her there. so suppose we | soon at the store. Uncle was a lit- in advance, and looking back he cried out, here she is, Dewd. and right | between a Buck's Brilliant and Acorn, the best cook stoves on earth. and or the life of her she does not know », and she is so pleased ig Mr. E of questions about his elegant line of tinware, and what goes with the stove, and if he can gutter their new house. and the like. Just like a woman. said Dewd, I'll bet she will never trade anywhere else in Butler. This little incident over the party stepped on to the street and, telling the driver to follow them. walked ard Sam] Levy & Co I don't know whether they hav down tow any- thing we want ornot, said Mr. Plain- folks, with a sly glance at Meg, but Til leave it to your ingenuity to di cover if they have. Now the fact is as to who s “for you to bi gest and best rbout Meg's pret 1 to her personal adorn gested a thought to Plian s nephew critic n. that for ~ both of you 1 Levy & Co.'s and patronize his clothing department. ing the store Dewd ido me, unless I have a ats and bon- charge by Joe Myers, head salesman jn the clothing department. and in a had selected, the immense piles of fashionable gar ments that covered this r her to the Le very short t that has, by elected stock, ly established extensively establishment, late styled business suit, and finding | invested ini rvs outfitting of feminine soul was deligl Dewd was engage ed i in fitine ainie new » possession of al a complete j 1 folks invited his niece Levy Boot & Shoe might have been policy not to have extended the invitation, before that girl left the der containir f stylish bonnets | for all purposes, 1 department, i didn't buy. Sid embroide j handkerchiefs, store an or- g the range ing in the line of foot wear lovely satin slipper bustles, ete toasuperb walk- ing boot, had fallen from ay he ae No woman Stnart woman Vv | Look here, | Dewd, don’t you think prices at Levy's As they walked up the street, rail- ing at Meg a little about the extent Plainfolks suddenly mide a dive into a handsome room, and called the Here's Dr. Morris, he said; some thing getting out of town, for if we stay much longer T honest ly believe Meg will said Dewd, it is time others to fol » were goin interrupt- ed Meg, hysterically, what am I to ought to have. The jolly proprietor of the J. W. Morris drug store at once that the healthy and happy looking party were not after drugs, something to cook. child, you are quite right, Thad forgotten that part of the bill of fare, and as Iam well acquainted with the Badgl ey Bros., and as I know men to deal with, we will or medicines, so he led the way at furnished them many a useful article—toilet soaps, brushes down there and let you lay in your supply of groceries They have an elegant stock and I know you for flesh, hair and nails, superb toilet case for her, and a beauty of asmok er’s set for himself,and—tell it not in Gath, but this is a veracious record —in exquisitely put up package of face powder was billed with the or- and queensware. “an please yourself, in ev- erything you need in their line, and the best of all, you can buy cheaper than at any other place in town. So, taking the good old uncle's vice, all marched into Badgley Bros. and their wants were soon supplied with a choice supply of groceries and queensware and they were treat- ed so nice that As the party emerged from the drug store, the way, uncle, you know is quite a distance from town and as Meg is too proud to ride in atwo- store will be | 20rse wagon, can you tell me where their trading resort for the next ten ub} years to come. bugs ry or "4 aeton. cle Plainfolks, I heard her say} said Charles. » manufactory there goes a Reliance buggy clare, I must have you can recommend? one—didn't know | Poy, and if you will just come with you could get them over here you to my old time can show you, young man, ¢ lishment in the implement and vchi- line that'll astonish you to Bennett, Wheeler & Co.'s, driver | And sure enough Charles was i ishe d at the extent and comprehen stock, and | that, before he left, he h: i stroll around that way. Good | eq not only a “Mite hell? enough, said uncle, and we were | farm — rou a eS or phaeton confidence. . said Meg, for I be cheated in evita nts. This s firm. quoth Pl; folks, carries the 1 ata binder. gies of any house in Southwest j Seite =~ I dont kn rper all kinds | farmer rs Huish us jooLine ec claimed Mt sone ry, and ‘sou her She was soon loaded down with as many parcels as she into the aan e. gg and order go right to ae gg 1, and Mr and patter ow busy building ov conveniently loaned on real estate, array of fresh, choice candies, native and ‘foreign fruits, and gums—while there is no better—rarely as good— } ithe gentleme n, yielding to the seduc- neal couple a han Dee By the way, uncle, said nies | j to borrow call ar s hy r of years, pee z cal him to you ig m to you in every What he t vi E Tknow his word te note. Tnag ing be as good dition to ¢ dong at his shop T would suggest the: Asmithis done there, for if f you get him tom your plow, mend your Wagon, jg fact my boy, it makes no differens what he does for you in blacksmith ing he will do it right. He by never failed to do my work just right and I know from pe sonal ey. perience that his guarantee js & good as a United States bong Take my advice Dewd and always have Jack Gipson to do your blag. smithing. only tl left now, was| Pl: saifolls remark, as the party lett! the blacksmith shop, isa picture of] the crowd. Tha for you. Butler is al surprise ff ortunate in hay. F ing the finest artist in photography in the west, and we will wind up our excursion in the good old coup. 4 try style of having our pictures jp at Hage. Nery. His pictures are wonderful. I want our full sized photos to hang in our parlor, Meg, nnd some small ones to send to og both cabinet and life si dorn’s friends. Mr. Hagedorn is famous ging, and I hare a small photo of your deceased aunt ff with me which I will have half size as apresent to you. Mr. Hagedom has the soul of a true artist, and al his work is a labor of love, in which he will not stop short of perfection Unele, said Meg, as they came out for successful e1 of the gallery, you spoke of going to leave an order somewhere. What was it for? An order—oh yes, you want to read the news every week, and T left an order for the Tis, the paper we saw in every place we visited. Oh, uncle, how kind of] you said Meg. You have left out nothing that we shall need. Dewd and I will soon get into our new home, and then we intend to in- vite all the neighbors for miles around and have the biggest house warmipg that ever took place in Summit township, and we will have you there, and if you do not get too much excited and wear your specs upside down you may be able to make a mash on a pretty widow and f, get married too. Get out, said Mr. Plainfolks, I will take no more of your nonsense, and Dewd and Meg} left town declaring it was the happi- j est day of their lives, and Butler the | nicest town they ever saw. POWDER Absolutely Pure. | teannot be sold The Walton & Tucker Investinent Company feed stoc to be moumt of money on h