Dear Madam: Whereas I have paid up five dollars and have the priveledge of writing to any lady on the list sent from the aforesaid matrimonial paper, I, the undersigned, have picked out you, Miss Mayme Livingston party of the first part, obj. mat.
I am an American, five feet seven, and quite dark. I am interested in copper mines and cattle. I can ride anything that wears hair and last winter I killed two silver-tips and a link. I am engaged somewhat in trapping also. They say I am a tony dresser and I can dance the Portland Fancy or any dance that I see once. I play the juice-harp, mouth organ and accordian. I have a kind disposition and would make a good husband to any lady who had a little income of her own.
Let me hear from you as soon as you get this and tell me what you think of my writing.
Respy. Yrs.
John Laney.
In witness whereof that this letter is true I have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal.
Porcupine Jim X his mark.
The days which followed the mailing of the above composition were the longest Laney and Porcupine had ever known. They discussed Miss Livingston until they felt they knew her. Porcupine thought she had black eyes, black hair, was inclined to stoutness, but with a good “figger.”
The name of Livingston to Laney conjured up a vision of blonde loveliness in red satin, slender, shapely, with several thousand dollars in a handbag which she kept always with her.
Miss Livingston’s letter came with delightful promptness. There was an angry glow in Belle Dashiel’s Indian eyes as she handed the salmon-pink envelope to Laney.
“Who you writin’ to?” she demanded.