“_Carried in some fodder for the stock. Latch on barn door so dad gasted cold it pulled the skin off my nigh hand. Curried horses, etc._” ] [Illustration: “_And you are left with your tubes filled with bronchitis microbes, and your heart filled with homicidal tendencies. Natural gas low. No hot breakfast._” ] [Illustration: “_Then had nothing to do but wait for daylight and breakfast. Had hot fried mush, hot ham, some good coffee, and a couple dozen buckwheat cakes. Seemed to agree with me._” ] [Illustration: “_Cable broke and had to stroll downtown. Got to office late and was called down. Many are called down, but few deserve it._” ] [Illustration: “_Shucked corn all morning. In afternoon repaired rail fence on the east eighty till dark. Then took some nourishment in the shape of boiled ham and cabbage._” ] [Illustration: “_Boss says that it mustn’t happen again. I hope it won’t._” ] [Illustration: “_Sat around awhile. Hated to tackle the cold sheets, but finally it got so late that I had to turn in, though I couldn’t get to sleep till after 10._” “I WISH I LIVED IN TOWN WHERE I HAD SOME OF THE COMFORTS OF LIFE.” ] [Illustration: “_This city life ain’t what it’s cracked up to be. How I envy the farmer. He’s his own boss and doesn’t care how often the cable breaks._” “I WISH I LIVED OUT ON SOME PLEASANT FARM THESE FINE, CRISP WINTER DAYS.” ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT SOCIETY ADOPT A TIME LIMIT MARRIAGE CONTRACT [Illustration] CHAPTER I “_Will you be mine, Felicia?_” “_For how long, Albert?_” “_For fifteen years, dearest._” “_No, but I will for ten years._” “_Can’t you make it twelve?_” “_No; ten is the limit._” “_All right. Here’s the ring. Take good care of it for I may need it again._” [Illustration] CHAPTER II “_Do you promise to take this woman for better or for worse for ten years?_” “_Yes, subject, of course, to renewal of contract._” “_Do you promise to love, honor and obey?_” “_Yes, up to September 14, 1914._” “_I pronounce you man and wife. Let no man put asunder in the meantime._” [Illustration] CHAPTER III “_Well, Albert, your ten years are up to-day. Do you want an extension of the contract?_” “_No, thanks, dearest. I’m booked for the next ten years with Fanny Bishop. Her contract with Charley Bishop expires soon, you know._” “_Why, of course. How stupid of me to forget. In that case I’ll accept Arthur Bridgeport for five years. His contract with Adelaide is up next Friday at noon._” [Illustration] CHAPTER IV