The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-23
JIM BLACK, OF BEARGRASs.

usually denOminated hard customers, -
and in his case the term applied. A
careless fellow that can whip his weight
in wildcats, and care no more for tus,
sle with bear than a fsticuf with one
of his neighbors, for jim was "cock of
his walk" on the head waters of Bear
grass. Although he had the good will
Of most Of his neighbors, yet none of
the folks in "them diggins" telt inclined
to nearer relationship with him. OF
this fact he seemed pretty well satisfied,
for he never attempted any Irritation
with any Of the fair ones Of Beargrass.
1t happened when Jim had reached %
years. a new family arrived, in which
were two of the tallest gals youever
did see," as Jim declared them. One of
them took his eye tarnation strong,"
and he concluded to "set right up to
her," Jim had heard that it always
took two to make a bargain, but the pos
sibility Of a third person coming INTO "A
contract, t,never for moment entered his
mind. Things progressed smoothly and
we may say rapidly for short time
wheu Nancy's father took it into his
head that he ought to have something to
say in the matter. This bothered Jim
amazingly, and came near a broken
bone or two for the old gentleman; but
finally, Jim was ordered from his premi-
ses, with the request that he would for
ever keep as far as possible from that
plantation. This was sad 60 for i'm !;
but having stout heart he determined
never to give it up so, and he set his
wits to out general the old man. The
gall was on his side, and why shouldn't
he? "The track Of real genuine love
was always crooked," as the poet didn't
express it, but as Jim did. Jim laid his
plans and waited for an opportunity to
garry them into effect. 1t was not long
before he obtained a sight of the fair
one, who readily entered into his plot,
and as the family were to vacate the
cabin on the following Sunday and be
gone the whole day, it was proposed
that Jim should spend the day with
Nancy, that they might mature their
plan Tor putting their blind on the old
folks.
Sunday came, an | according to
agreement, the family left home tovisit
a neighbor, and Jim left home to visit
Nancy. The day passed off as most
days will under like circumstances. un-
til near sundown. 1t occurred 10 Nan-
cy there could be no Improperly in
just stepping to the door 10 see if the old
folks were coming.
son, crackee, Jim, there they come
home,hide yourself, or the old mar will
hide me. Here, jump into this barrel,
quick"
"Tarnation," said Jim, as he soused
himself into the barrel. by goll.
Nance, the e's in this barrel and it
smarts like creation"
"Well it does, boss, but you must
do it--they are right here sokeep stil.''
Nancy had hardly time to cover over
tho barrel before the old folks entered
the door. All were soon seated about
the room,and commenced talking about
the way they had spent the day, and
when it came Nancy's turn 10 speak
she said:
"Well, I'd done very well,I s'rose
if it hadn't been for that ugly bear thu
was trying to take the pig off"
/" What pig" asked the old man. q
/" Why the pig ON the other side o
the, cornfeld."
No sooner were the words out o
her mouth than the old folks and young
ones too, except Nancy and Jim, were
off to see after the pigs.
81 say. Nance, its mighty hot place
, here" said jim; !" can't feller come
} out now?"
; swell, guess he can, Jim; bat yol
:. must clear off quick, for they will b'
] back right away" ,eag
!, jim cleared the barrel 1T bound. {
e g If that amt the hottest place abou
S the house, then | give in" SAID JIM
aBut 1 say, Nance, that yarn of your
/. about the pig is full out as siickaas sol
e soap, and it don't hurt SO bad. Sogoo
9 bye; I'm of for Beargrass---graciou'