The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1854-11-29

6 "Saddle Fearnought for you, missy!' re
piled the old man with an incredulous frow
and smile. "Why, there amt a nigge
massa Wharton got, what dare for to rid
hint" .ll-laI g. -s.Es --... :
"My father was good horsemun--was h
not?" asked Dora. .f 4'eg;E--.- '..
ayes, ma'am! he ride like the debbil!
responded Nero. ID '-." d. sd.
"Well, then, I think" replied she, "I'l
prove. myself his daughter. Saddle Fear
nought and i'lf take gsllop upon him.
che continued with flashing eye, "for ma
ny long mile, ay, even if it cost me m,
neck" .,g ,..g ......... Il
"Let me go wild you den. missy! aske'
Nero eagerly. ..... .....-
81 shall at all events need your service un
til RETURN" answered she evasiyely.
THANK God for dat, anyhow CALCULATED
Nero, receiving the valise, which she tossed
him, and with reverent bow the old mar
withdrew to fulfill her commands. K.
In few minutes thereafter Dora appear
ed in her riding dress, descended .flom hel
apartment and found Nero with all thing.
in readiness for her. departure, aquet bu
strong and serviCeable animal for his owt
use. being battered at the rack while he with
difficulty held by the reins the animal she
had ordered to be saddled for her own.
In truth Fearnought was as wild and fierce
a steed as ever paced the sultry plains OF
Arabia. Tall and OF magnificent proper
tions, he stood restlesely paving up the earth
and plunging about as if to escape from the
hands of his groomj his wild and nervous eye
flashing with fire. ,-.r .E
"You can't ride him, miss" observed old
Nero, shaking his head doubtingly. "Bet-
ter let me put him up and ketch old Fox"
"Never mind, daddy Nero" she said, "on-
ly bring him up to the steps so can mount,
and once within the saddle, will answer
for The rest - 'S- go
The horse which Dora had chosen for her
ride was indeed a high mettled and fiery an
inia. His gidssy coat of a dark bay colorj
that glittered in the sun as soft and as
smooth as velvet; his eye that flashed. wide
Iy, his high arched crest, slender form and
faultless proportions, all proclaimed him
one of that thoroughbred and pure blooded
otoc2 at that day so justly the pride Of Car
oina.
The restive and fiery animal was led to the
platform, and without a moments hesitation
Dora trusted herself to the saddle, and in
low and gentle tones soothed him into quiet
as she guided him down the avenue. Pa
tiently he submitted to her control, and NOV
ed on as quietly as a lamb, as though proud
Of Ills gentle rider, and mindful Of her safe
ty. >'y f,.
"Ki, woman stronger den one debbil,'' u
muttered old Nero, as he cantered on after
her, on his more staid and sober animal,
with capacious basket containing comforts
for the sick man on the saddle bow.
Dora was soon in fast canter moving
like a fleeing shadow along the bride path
that led to the Black river swamp, on the
very margin of which was the dwelling of
the long doubted. .but faithful wflig~ Ar
chibald Kerr. The house, which was in a
field Of about two acres, stood on the brow
of the hill at the foot of which, lay the oozy
and painless swamp. One might have stood
in the doorway and tossed tilbert without
an effort beyond its margin, .a =:
The bride path that wound around the
field to the front of the hat was SO blocked
up by brushwood, that it was passibIe only
with some difficulty. In fact it seemed as if
the owner had permitted it to be choked up,
in order that at any time he might the more
readily escape from any band Of horsemen
sent to arrest him. . ..... -"