Kenosha tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1855, 1855-01-04
KENoSH[A IA, WIS, THURSDAY. JANUARY 4. 1855,

astonlshed him more. He sat a moment in
GREATNESS silence. Tears were struggling
between his aeyelids, but he stroves to SUP,
press thems and succeeded His mother
had ceased crying, and looked him in the
face.
What shall We do, John?'
I'll tell you what l will do, said John.
after moments hesitation, 'ImR redeem
ne tar'nf L can do it, young as an, and
aett!' 3nj 5H1 g13r 84T .s3 ea3
There was an energy in his speech, tho
his Itterance was nearly chokel with grief.
Big thoughts were those revolving in the
mind OF our little hero, young as he was.
The, next day John orked as usual. No
one could have told from his appearance, as
he struggled away atlhis 7labor, that any
thing had occurred to change the current of
his thoughts: Halfanhourafte sunset he
stood THE gato Of farmer Churchill. Ellen
met him, and they sauntered across the field
to their fayoritc resting place; here they sa,
down. 9ea3 - es 53t- :se.,
What's the mater. John?''e asked Ellen;
! notice that you have not spoken since we
left the gate = -, = an 1891
Ellen, said John, with agood deal ofse-
robustness, do you love me?'s
More than hundred times, before this,
Ellen had told John that she loved him. But
it had been when they were mplayful mood,
and as one child opens his heart TO ANOTHER
Now she was called upon to speak in diff
fcrent strain She knewthatshe really loved
him, almost as she loved her own being
that she was happy in hisprcsence, and sad.
even at heart, when he was away She al
most, worshipped him; and yet, what should
she say to this abrupt question? Shehung
her head, 10 hide a tear that was stealing
over her cheek. Johns quick eye saw it,
and it was enough. He clasped her in his
arms, and Rugged her closely tohis breast.
Yes, | know you love me. dear Ellen.
and was cruel 10 ask SO silly a question.
But want to ask one more. Could YOU
loye me for. four years without seeing me?'
This was strange question, and it is no
matter of wonder that Ellen hesitatcd to
answer il. t5a4ts4S
what can you mean, ohn?'' she asked,
alter moments silence You know that
l would love you even forty years, should
we be separated so long, and should our
lives be spared Bat what can you mean,
by asking so terrible question? It cannot
be that you think Of leaving me, to be gone
four years. Certainly you would not think
of that, John?' -5
Fora moment ohm foundit hardto speak
but he summoned all his courage, and his
thoughts at last found utterance. = aH
- Dear Elem lie said, tenderly, 4 cannot
stay longer here. ] have toiled early and
late ever since | was larste ono,sSl.. to work
in the field but with all could Dc, and all
my poor mother could do, we have obtain
ed only a tolerable living. We have no..
got beforehand enough to build new barn,
or repair our old log house. Now we learn
my mother learned it yestcrday-that
hoUse, barn, land and all, are mortgaged to
Scrbner, the grocer, for nearly their
full value. My father has drank them up
The mortgage, however has yet more than
four wears 10 rum and have thought il |
could get work in some of the large towns
on the seaboard, might possibly, in that
time redeem our home, and save Us from
ruin Perhaps if were away, father wo'd
do better; at least ! think he would harvest
the crops | have labored SO hard to secure
| shall speak to him and to my mother to-
morrow; and if they are willing, | shall
feel bound to try my fortunes somewhere
else It's our only hope
Ellen listened in painful silence. She
had never thought separation before, and
it came terribly home to her tender heart
now But&he Saw il the project Of her lover
something worthy Of greatness, and she de-
tcrmihcd not 70 give him additional pain BY
raising objections.
.C5,' she said ,as tie tot tears no y, eours-
ed down her pale cheek; go, aud / Will love
you. and pray for YOU
Night was new gathering in the vallies
and about The hilT-tops The notes Of the
were heard in the distance;
and the young lovers were warned that i,
WAS tine 10 return home. just then they
heard slight yustkng in the thieket on the
other side OF the stream, Possibly it was
Farmer Churchill, for Ellen found him not
at home when she arrived there, a a45ss0
The next day John spoke to his mother
Of his plan of reteeming the farm, and tho
s4S t1beA hOt WIN 'iiOti La III
lis success he did finally obtain her consent
10 his making the trial. e The afflher was
aot SO soon 10 give way, for he knew ii his
son was absent, he must be more at home;
bat his opposition was not violent, and he
at lastwas eoaxed 10 say that lohnisagGod
boy. and May go where .he pleasesi 9ai.
On the following Monday incoming, John
ook what clothes his mother had prepar-
ID for him. and carefully tied ;kein upin a
4 large handkerchief hung them 10 4 stick
cut for the purpose in the thcket by the
brock, lifted them to his shoulder, shook
hands with his father, kissed bis mother,
md with as stout heart as could be ex
oected in one Of his years, left The loglcsb
n in which he was born. At the foot Of
he bill, and hid from the view of either cot
age. he met Ellen, who had come here to
give him parting word and aparting kiss.
She was not all gaiety, nor was she all in
ears; but with strength becoming wo
manhood, she urged Elm to keep a good
leart, and rely on her constancy till his re- |
urn. He answered her with an assurance I
IF his undving affection, and the express |
on of his determin alton TO return home at
he end of four years, whether he should