Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-01-24
THE RUNAWAY MATCH.
BY FRED HUNTER.

plenty In New England as they now are,
there dwelt in the town fP-, pretty
village, distant then, some five and twenty
miles, from 'Market-town, peculiar com
ly and graceful maiden who has peculiar
ly ugly and crossgrained but wealthy old
father.
Minnie was Danforth's only child, and
report said truly that she would be his sole
legatee. The old man was sturdy farm
er, and was estimated to be worth full ten
thousand dollars, at that period; very
handsome fortune, indeed.
The sparkling eyes and winning manners
of Minnie Danforth had stirred mp the finer
feelings of the whole male portion of the
village, and her suitors were numerous;
but her father was particular, and none sue
ceeded in making Roadway with him OF
her.
In the meantime, Minnie had true and
loyal lover az secret! Who would have
supposed for one moment that such fel,
low would dare to look upon beauty and
comparative refinement? His name was
Walker, or, as he was generally called
joe Joe Walker; and he was simply a
farmer, employed by old Danforth, who
had int. listed Joe with the management OF
his large place two or three years.
But very excellent farmer and right
good manager, was this plain and unassum-
ing but .good-looking Joe Walker. He
was youis too; Only twenty three; and he
actually fell in love with the beautiful,
pleasant, joyous Minnie Danforth, his en-
ployer's only daughter. But the strangest
part of the occurrence, was, that Minnie
returned his love earnestly, truly and frank
ly; AID promised to wed him at the favor
able moment.
Things went on merrily for time, but
old Danforth discovered certain chances
and attentions between them, which excl
ted his envy suspicious. Very soon after
wards, Joe learned the old mans mind, in
directly, in regard to his future disposal of
Minnie's hand, and he quickly saw that his
case was hopeless one, unless he resort
ed to stratagem, and SO he put his wits at
once to work.
By agreement, and apparently settled
GOODNESS and distance was observed by the
lovers toward each other for five or six
months, and the father saw las he beliey-
ed) with satisfaction that his previous sus-
picions and fears had all been premature.
Then by agreement also between them, Joe
absented himself from the house at ever..
ing: and night after night for full three
months longer, did Joe disappear as soon
as his work was finished, to return home
only at late bedtime. This was unusual,
and old Danforth determined to know the
cause of it.
Joe frankly confessed that he was in love
with a mans daughter, who resided less
than three miles distant, but after faith
full attachment between them for several
months, the old man had utterly refused to
entertain his application for the young girl S
hand
This was capital. Just what the old
man desired. This satisfied him that he
had made a mistake in regard to his own
child; and he would help Joe get married,
and thus stop all further trouble or suspi-
cion at home So he said:
We'll, Joe, is she buxom lass?'
'Yes-yes, said Joe. That is what
other folks say. I'm not much of Judge
myself
And you like her?'
Yes, sir-yes.'
Then marry her. said Danforth.
But can't; the father Objects
Pooh! what should you care? Run
away with her.
'Elope?'
Yes! Off with you at once. If the gal
will join, all right. Marry her, bring her
here; you shall have the little cottage at
the foot of the lane, I'll furnish it for you;
your wages shall be raised and the old
man may like it or not.
But
Put no butts, Joe. Do as bid you, go
about it at once; and
You will stand by me?'
Yes, to the last l know you, Joe;
you're good fellow, good workman, and
will make anybody good son or husband.
The old fellow will be SO mad though.
Who cares? say. Go on quickly,
but quietly
Tomorrow night, them said Joe.
yes said Danforth.
'Ill hire Culver's horse
No you shan't.'
MOI
Il say no. Take my horse; the best
one, young Morgan; he'll take you off in
fine style in the new pheton.'
Exactly
And as soon as you are spliced, come
right back here, and jolly time well have
of it at the old house,
Her father will kill me-
Bah! he's an old fool, whoever he is he
don't know your good qualities, Joe, so
we'll as | do, don't be afraid; faint heart,
you know, never won fair woman
'The old man will be astounded.'
Never mind, go on; we'll turn the laugh
on him. I'll take care Of you and your
wife at any rate
I'll do it, said Joe.
You shall, said Danforth; and they
parted in the best of apirits.
An hour after dark, on the following
evening, Joe made his appearance, dccked
in nice new black suit, and really look