Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-09-23
TIE TEST:
Or, Love in a Hogshead.

Or, Love in a Hogshead.
seThey put everything on runners, while the
show lasts, for it does not, usually, tarry long.
Buggy seats, carriage tops, crockery crates
nil are in requisition. And l even saw one of
the finest horses in the city drawing hogs
head, on wooden runners, in which were seated
gentleman and lady. They were very
handsome couple, and bore off the palm for
fast driving as we'll as the most ludicrous sleigh
conveyance. Letter from Chicago.
s.Ah, reader, and ssthereby hangs tale.''
1t was New Year Day in that far-famed
city of the wcst-even the New Year Day of
'57. Since Christmas. winter had set in, in
good old fashioned earnestness. Snow had
fallen to the depth Of several inches, and be-
ing firm and hard, made excellent sleighing-
rare thing in our city.
Indeed, our winters seem sadly degenerate,
of late, being much more mild and free from
snow, than in the days of our fathers, perhaps
to accommodate our falling health and strength,
for this latter fact is but too apparent.
Yet, this New Year Day seemed more type
of the old time. 1t was cold, yet not too cold
and the sieighing was excellent. Every body
who had a suitable conveyance, or could get
one, even at any price, was out enjoying the
rare sport, only the more keenly to be enjoyed
for its very rarity. 1t was, indeed, gala day.
bright and beautiful still in the humane hearts,
beating so joyously beneath.
Earnest Hammon sat in his counting room,
busily engaged in attending to the reception
Of large quantity of goods just arrived. He
young, yet, but fast rising in wealth and
position. Born in the east, he had bro't with
him all the habits of strict attention to bust
ness, which are there generated. While there
MAS aught of that to claim his attention, plea
sure must be waived. Therefore, when he did
give himself up to its enjoyments, it was with
q double zest. Naturally warm hearted and
inpulsive, and social withal, as such persons
must always be, he keenly enjoyed society.
And when he entered it, he was ever well
come companion, both with his own and the
opposite sex. And now closing his books with
look of satisfaction and relief, he determined
to give himself up to the pleasures of the day.
While business was pending, he had closed
his eyes and ears to all else but now, he could
net fail to hear the unusual stir in the streets,
and to feel, that while he had been engaged
within door. al had been life and commoiion
without. When he came forth, the street pre-
seated most novel scene. more motiey
iDcongruous lot of vehicles, it were not easy
to imagine. Such life and hilarity are always
Infectious, and Earnest soon caught the spirit.
He, too, would join the sledges; but howl
He inquired at several stables for sleigh
None were to be had. Yet he was not easily
daunted, and, moreover, had an unusual share
of perseverance. He owned one of the finest
horses in the city of that he felt sure. He
remembered, too, that in remote part of the
stable, where he had usually kept him, he had
noticed pair of wooden runners. He wond-
cred il, in some way, conveyance could not
be planned. His Yankee ingenuity must be
brought into service.
He soon reached the stable. The runners
were found, and in good order. But now for
the other part. A hogshead that, for some
reason or other, had been saved apart, and
nicely cleaned, stood before him. Instantly
part of it was upon the runners. In few
minutes, comfortable seat added, and he was
ready for drive.
But now arose another difficulty unthought
of before lie must have acompanion-a lady,
of course-clse half the enjoyment wouid be
lost. But who would be seen, even with MIN,
in such conveyance as that Excuse his
vanity, dear reader. He knew he was favor
ite. Indeed, he could not help knowing It..
But this was special occasisu. "All the
world'' was out. Who would be brave enough
to dare it He would see
There were two or three yoEng ladies who
had claimed his special regard, and he felt sure
he was not entirely indifferent to them. He
had even been observing them of late, striving
to learn the true character Of each. How he