The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-03-15
\ 5lsiobil,g A0uerturr.
Fred. Battles Last Race.

1t was mid winter, cold, bitter cold: and
the slight breeze. as ii swept past. seemed to
chill one almost to the bone; and the rapd
motion through the pure atmosphere caused
1t to be most kccnly felt by two Young men
who, seated in Il sleigh and cnvcloped in
thick coats and buffalo robes. were dashin.
over the glittcring surface of the snow The
roads were in excellent condition: never was
the slcighng better. Their horse. power.
full ifon-gray, SPED along the b,atcn track,
and the merry sleigh. bells rang out their
joyous peal upon the frosty air. The coun.
try around presented to view calm, pure.
nnbroken sheet of white, far as the eve could
reach, save here and there, occasionally, the
red gleam from some far-off cottage window.
bctokcn,d the warmth and comfort within.
while the smoke circlcd slowly up from its
chimney in thin blue wrcalhs. The trees by
the roadside stood like grim scntincls encased
in their glttering armour of ice, while the
wind sighed mournfully through the dark
forest III the distance. 1t was near midnight,
and the two individuals above mentioned
were yet some dozen miles from the city,
Having rode some distance in silence. the
cold air not being very conducive to CONVEX.
sation, the one who held the reins drew the
buffalo robe about his person. and said to his
companion:
by dove! Harry, this is really rather
cool evcning?"
Cool J" calculated the other, who had on
an immense fur cap, and his neck covered
with large gray muticr, while the upturned
collar of his coat almost entirely concealed
his face; 'cool you may call it Seymour;
this keen air cuts like n razor's edge"
BEST thing in the world for you.my boy"
said Seymour; ''this bracing air carries
health with every inspiration"
.'Ah, you scamp replied the other with
shlver not the eloquencc even of woman
could have persuaded me to have taken this
tide with yon had known the state of the
thermometer"
The eloqncnce of women ha, ha, my
dear fellow, one would almost fancy that you
had but the dclicacy of woman, instead of
the stcrncr stuff that men are made of. I'll
wager you something you're thinking of the
warm fire, the great chair, soft carpet and
slippers, and the like, which you left at
home; while | say give me smooth road and
fleet horse, and | laugh at the cold weather
"a fig for the cold, say l."
"Ah,' said his companion, "your ruby
visage and fearful eye tell different tale
from your boasting tongue"
''Oh, Harry, thou admircr of bright
blaze: thou butterfly of summer tell me,
was there ever more glorious enjoyment than
TO drive stecd like this, with the merry
music of the bells ringing in your ears, while
you speed DER the sparkling surface of the
snow like an arrow shot from an archer's
bow ?''-and he slightly touched his horse
with the long whip which he held, and the
spirited animal sped on with startling rapid
ity.
Enough, Seymour, and thanks to the last
glass off uled wine that looscd that tongue
Of yours and made it poetizc your thoughts.
But why ride at this speed that is no cause
that we should urge the horse to this head
long pace
..Ah, he's noble fellow" said Seymour,
slightly drawing the rein, while he looked
admiringly at the steed: '.cost me a cool
thousand Harry; but am satisfied he is the
fastest animal on the road"
'Indccd!" was the reply; 'you forget
Fred Baltic and his horse Chain Lightning,
as he called him."
What, mad Fred Baltic ?not I; Twill put
my gray hero against the black ficnd that
he drives in harness. III test his speed -
they do say. Harry, that none but Fred can
drive that black horse of his"
so have heard, but twill be many a
day ere Fred can handle the ribbons again
himself the fever made sad work with him."
''Ovcr it," SAID Seymour, mot dead yet,
-'twould take the cholera and two fevers to
kill Fred Baltic. saw him yesterday, he
continued looking from his parlor window
ut the throngs Of slcghs that dashed past in
the crowded thoroughfarc. Poor fellow
how he must have envicd the slcigh-riders
their pleasure lie looked thin and pale,
but he regains health rapidly, I'm told
! hope he VII be out ere he ,lcghing
season is gone for mad Fred is a splendid
whip; but this is the steed that will pass him.
Jove I'd almost give a fortune to have
trial with Cham Lightning as he calls his
horse"