The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-01-07
From the New York Dutchman.
Colonel Crickley's Horse.
BY PAUL CREYToN.

Ihave never been able TO ascertain the
origin Of the quarrel between the Crickley' s
and the Brakes. They had lived within
q mile of each other in Illinois for five
years, and from the first Of their acquain-
tance, there had been mutual feeling OF
dislike between the two families. Then
some misunderstanding about the boun.
Diary OF their respective farms. revealed the
latest flame; and Col. Crickley having fol-
lowed fat buck all one afternoon and
wounded him. came up to him at dark and
found old Drake and his sons cutting him
up! This incident added fuel to the fire,
and from that time there was nothing the
two families did not do to annoy each 9th.
or. They shot each others ducks in the
river, purposely mistaking them for wild
ones, and then, by way of retaliation,
commenced killing off each others pigs
and calves.
One evening, Mr. Drake the older, was
returning home, with "his pocke, full Of
rocks" from Chicago, whether he had been
to dispose Of load of grain. Sam Bars.
ton was with him on his wagon, and as
they approached the grove which inter-
vsned between them and Mr.. Drake's
house. he observed to his companion
.stWhata beautiful mark Col. Crckley's
old Roam is over yonder?" ..
s,"Hang it!' mut,ered old Drake; $50 it
is."' .-ts
75fThe horse was standing under some
trees, about twelve rods from the road
y lnvoluntarily, Drake stopped his team.
lie glanced furtvely around, then with
queer smile the old hunter took up his rifle
from. the bottom Of the wagon, and raising
it to his shoulder, drew sight on the Coils
horse. nj
"Beautiful!" muttered Drake, lowering
his rifle with the air of man resisting
powerful temptation. I'll could drop old
Roam so easy!"
"Shoot," suggested Sam Barston, who
loved fun in any shape.
.7a''No, no, wouldn't do" said the old
hunter, glancing cautiously around him
again. a
."I won't tell" said Sam.
"Wal, won't shoot this time, any way,
tell or no tell. The horse is too nigh II
he was fifty rods off instead Of twelve, so
there'd be bare possibility Of mistaking
! him for deer, I'd let fly. As it is, I'd
give the Colonel five dollars for shot,"
= At that moment the Colonel himself step
ped from behind big oak, not half do
zen PAGES distant, and stood before Mr..
Drake!
" ."Well, why don't you shoot2"
so The old man stammered in some con-
fusion-"That you, Colonell III was
tempted to, ! declare! And as ] said, I'll
give. q .V'' for one pull" XII.
r.,tnSay an X and it's bargain!"
W Drake felt Of his rifle, and looked at old
Roam. as..e .s.,.... IL.
- "How much is the hose wuth?" he NUT
tered in Sans ear.
Bout fifty"
.5 "Gad, Colonel, III do i'll Here's your
."XH,l .e,e ..s
The Colonel pocketed the money, NUT
terlng--oa. ,d
w,"Hanged, if thought you'd take me
uPI"
syls With high glee, the old hunter put a fresh
cap on his rife, stood up in his wagon,
and drew-a close sight on old Roam. Sam
Barstop chuckled. The Colonel put his
hand before his face and chuckled too.
"a, YCrack!" went the rife. The hunter
!, tore out borrid oath, which | will not re-
/. peat. Sam was astonished. The Colonel
laughed. Old Roam never stirredI