The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1857-11-25
GBriling 9arratibe,
M y HOST.
AuIanwAY a ADVENTURE.
ny sfLvANUs COBB, JH.

mart of the State of Illinois. crossed the H.
linois river at Ottowa, intending to strike Rock
River at Fosters Mill. Foster was an old friend
who had gone cut some years before, and cree
ted mill upon one of the tributaries of the
last mentioned river having bought whole
township in that section, 1t was some out of
my way, as my most direct route was verNnear
due west from Ottawa, whereas this took me
over sixty miles further north. However had
learned that there was quite good route to
Rock River and turned my horses heal in
that direction calculated my time, and con-
cluded that by moderate travelling, could reach
the mill in two days.
During the first day, my road lay through
country mostly cleared, and was well travelled,
but on the second day Istruck into wild re
gion, and the way was but little better than
bride path through dense forest passed
several clearings where small butts were erected,
and at one of these latter places | stopped and
got some dinner. found young man in charge
of the premises, the father having gone to 'tho
mills" asked what mills they meant and the
old lady said they were "Foster's mills"
Prom these people learned that Fosters
mills were forty miles distant, and that the on
" dwelling after leaving two near by, between
here and there was sort Of stopping place kept
by man named Daniel Groomc. They said
he generally kept food for man and beast, and
also good supply of liquor, principally whis-
key. His house was twelve miles from the
mills. a
This just suited me. could reach Groome's
by six o'clock, and there get supper, and there
rest and bait my horse. Then | could easily
reach Fosters by nine, as the moon was. well
on its second quarter.
The good people refused to take anything for
my dinner but | bestowed half dollar upon
a fax headed urchin who was trotting around
upon his bare feet and then set forward again.
There was another hut at the distance of half
mile and a second about mile off. saw no
more human habitations until / reached
Groomss. l found the travelling full as | had
expected and arrived at the forest inn ADJUST
half past five.
This inn was situated upona romantic spot,
and to lover Of iolatcd nature, must have been
charming retreat The house was built Of
logs, the outside surfaces hewn and the seams
filed with cement formed OF some sort Of fine,
tough moss and pitch. There were three sepa-
rate buildings to this house, the principal one
being built with the gable end to the road, the
other twoon either side, running out like two
LIS. Then there was barn short distance
of, with piggery connected. Take it alto
gether it was quite place for such locality
A small stream ran close by, SO that water was
plentiful.
AS rode up the door, Mr.. droome himself
came out, He WAS a tall, gaunt man, with a
fiery head AMI a face as course and rough as it
was ugly. But was surprised when heard
his voice. had expected to hear a tone like
the below of bull; but instead of that his
notes foil upon my ears like the speech of wo-
man. He smiled as he spoke, and thou sht to
myself how his appearance would deceive one
for in conversation, he seemed different man
informed him was on my way to Fosters
mill. and should only stop long enough to res
my horse and get my supper. He gazsd into my
face for some moments without speaking, ant
finally said
"Ah-yes-humph."
Then he turned into the entry and called
"Ikc." Ike came--a tall strapping youth 0
one or two and twenty-with red head, ant
features such as belong to no one but child o
my host. "Ikc" took my horse, and Mr. Groom
led the way into the Sitting room" as he call
cd it. Itwas rough. but comfortable; and tn
furniture consisted of a pine table, a mahogan.
bureau, and four long pine benches which wer
set against the walls. There were no chairs
these benches being sufficient to accommodate
quite an assemblage.
.Groome asked me il would like somethin
warm. / supposed he meant whskey and
told him no. He said I'd better take a little
'twould do me good. But assured him that
never used it--that felt better without it.
aBut you don't mean that you never drin
whiskey?' he asked with elevated eyebrows.
"Never," / told him.
"Brandy spose; or mebby rale old gin?
pursued my host
"No,"I replied. ~ don't use stimulatin
drinksat ALL"
aYou dont!' burst from his lips while he eye
me from head to foot. oval, stranger, I'd Civ
suthin' for your pctur to hang up in my hous'
Never drink! How in mercy's name dye live
Howdo you contr;ve when you get wet an
cold2"
"Why,' said with smile, 4 get dry agai
as soou as possible" aT
"Dry!--my sakss 'twould be an everlastil
dry! Never drink! Wal--here I've lived yes
in an year out, goin on to fifteen years, al
you're the fust man | ever seed as wonld'r
drink d bit o. whiskey on the top Of a long joul
ney! hct--stranger- by thunder!'
] told him thought it very probable, and f
thcn went out, and heard him leave the hous
In half an hour my host came and informe
me that supper was ready. He led me to
back room, where table was set quite rcspe'
tably, the dishes being of blue ware and nea
" new. He and Ike sat down with me, and
L saw them attack the various articles ofiood,
felt assured that there could be no poison
them. The meal consisted Of boiled potatoe
fried bacon, and new wheat bread; and ] d
ample Justice to the repast 5s4 g
"You think you must 60 on to-nightP' inqu
red. Iny host whilswe we're eating
Eyes" told him. u wish To sos my fricn