Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1849-07-13
A Travellers Story.

The story was about TO tell isn't much OF a
yarn (said the officer called upon, young
South CaroIinian,) its only recommendation
consists in its being new and true, as we say in
the Palmetto State. Such as it is you are well
come to it,
"Liftenant, take little of the squeezed lin.
on before ye begin"
Thank you, Capt. Hennesy, (said the lieuten-
anti your health, sir. Well, gentlemen, about
six months ago, had occasion to make Jour-
ney TO Pensacola, travelling on horseback Ihro'
the State Of Georgia. 1t is we'll known that
there are large nacts in the territory Of our
Southern neighbor, that have proved very un-
grateful to the labors Of the husbandman.-
(Here Laurens looked at the Major with a pe-
culiar expression.) These districts are, in con-
sequence, but sparsely settled, and ill-provided
with the necessaries Of life.
On the third day of my journey, had ridden
about twenty miles through one Of these tracts
a dry, pine barren, without having caught the
glimpse of human habitation.-l was faint
with hunger and thirst: so was my horse, who
would stretch out his neck and groan pitiously
at each new prospect Of the hot sandy road that
opened before US. The poor brute was ready to
drop, when, on turninge corner, you may fan
cy my delight at seeing large and substantial
log house, with pine mast stuck up before The
door, and broad swinging sign, upon which
was legible in bold characters, the word "Ho-
tel!'
rubbed my eyes, andth shaded them with
my hand, to make sure thar it was not the mi.
rage, which frequently makes its appearance
upon these sandy. plains. But no; it was a
house, sure enough-and better still, hotel.
| Strengthened myself up in the saddle. My
horse whinnied, and stepped out cheerluly.-
"Coms said |, patting him on the neck, we're
through at last, old fellow; y QUILL soon be up to
your ears in the best Georgia corn, and l."
Here the anticipated enjoyment of ham and
eggs, fried chicken strong coffee, hot biscuit, or
wafIles, and perhaps pickle or so, deprived me
Of the power Of speech, and rode up 10 the
Hotel in silence.
As rode nearer the house, it began to look
wea,her-beaten and desolate like, and was
growing fearful it might be uninhabited; but no
there sat the landlord in tho porch, and Itake
it, his TWO sons--"it's all right" thought and
rode up and drew bride, in front ofthe door.
The three individuals whom had observed
in the porch-three sallow, dry-looking chaps,
in their shirt seeves-did not move an inch.--
| am not certain that they even changed the
direction Of their eyes. A couple of gaunt,
yellow dogs that lay on the stoop, remained
equally motonless.
"Come," thought |, "ths is cool for people
who keep house Of entertainment-they ought
TO know. from the direction have come, that
intend to putup forthe night-they offer to
take ones horse, should think" But no one
stirred. began to think that the house might
not be tavern. as | had first supposed; and
| again looked up at the sign. Enough-the
word Hotel was there in large letters.
"Can stop here for the night" | enqured,
at length. waited for an answer, but none
came. repeated the question in louder and
more imperious tone.
"You ken if yer like, strenger," replied the
oldest ofthe three, but without moving muscle
except those Of hismouth.
"Have you got any corn!" inquired |, nten-
ding to make sure before alghtng, as the house,
on nearer inspection, looked naked and emp
ty.
"Got any corn?" echoed the same speaker as
before.
"Yes," said |, "con."
"No-we haint got any," was the reply.
"Well, have you got any fodder, then!"
SCOT any fodderl"
"Yes-fodder!"
"No-we haint got any,"
"This is bad" thought I-"my poor horse
will have to turn him loose, and might as
well tie him up" continued to reflect as on
looking around could not see blade of grass
within the circuit Of mile. 81 had best bi,cb
him to the post-take hurried snack, and ride
on to the next house-but first let me see wha,
they can give me-"
All the time was occupied with these rehec-
tons, the three men had remained silent and
motionless, except when one or the other of
them would raise his hand and bring it down
with smart slap over his cheek, or along his