The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1857-08-22
FINDING A HUSBAND.
BY PEGGY MOREHEAD.

'Uncle, may l ride Milo p | said one
bright June morning, as he sat at the break
fast table.
'Ride Milop
'Yes! It's such beautiful day.
'But he II throw you!'
sThrow me!' and laughed merrily and
increduously. 'Say yes, dear uncle,' con-
tlnued, coaxingly, there's no fear, and Pm
dying for canter.'
you'll die on canter, then,' he retort-
ed, with his grim Wit, 'for he'll break your
neck. The horse has only been ridden three
times-twice by myself and once by Joe.'
'But you've often said was a better rider
than Joe.' Joe was a stable boy. 'That s
a good uncle, now do,' and | threw my
arms around his neck and kissed him.
sWhy not take Dobbin = he said.
sDobbin! ? l cried; 'old snail paced Dob
bin on such morning as this One might
as we'll ride rocking morse at once.'
SWELL, WE'LL he said, 1T must, | must.
You'll tease the life out of me if don't let
you have your own way. Iwish you would
get husband, you mink; you're growing
beyond my control.'
Humph! A husband! Well, since you
say SO, Pu begin to look out for one to-
day. .
sHe'll soon repent of his bargain said
nv uncle, but his smile belied his words.
YOU'RE as short as pie crust if you can't
have your own way. There seeing was
about to speak, sgo and get ready, while
tell Joe to saddle Mo. You'll set the
house a6re if don't send you off,
Milo was soon at the door-a gay, met
tlesome colt, who laid his ears back rs l
mounted, and who gave me vicious look
did not quite like.
sTake care,' said my uncle, sIt's not too
late yet to give up
was piqued. rs
q never gave up anything said.
sNot even the finding Of husband, eh p
sNo. Fll ride down to the poor house
and ask old Tony, octogenarian pouder, to
have me, and you'll be forced to hire Poll
Wilkes to cook your dinners And as |
said this, my eyes twinkled mischievously;
for uncle was an old bachelor, whordetested
all strange women, and held an especial
aversion to Poll Wilkes, sour old maid of
forty because years ago she had plot
ted to entrap him into matrlmory. Before
be could reply, gave Milo his head.
John Gilpin, we are told went fast; but l
went faster. 1t was not long before the
colt had its own way. At first tried to
check his speed; but he got the bit in his
mouth, and all could do was to hold on
and trust to tiring him out. Trees, fences
and houses went by US like wild pigeons
on the wing. As long as the road was clear
we did well enough, but suddenly coming to
blasted oak, that started old spectre like,
from the edge of wood, Milo SHE'D, twist
ed half around, and planted his forefeet
stubbornly in the ground. | did not know
l was falling, till I felt myself in a mud
hole, which lay at one side Of the road.
Here was fine end to my boasted horse
manship! But, as the mud was soft, was
not hurt; and the ludicrous spectacle ! pre-
sented soon got the upper hand Of my vex4
alton. "a fine chance have had Of finding
husband, in this condition. ! said to my
self, recalling my Jest with my uncle, sH
could find some mud dryad now and pasa
myself oF for mud nymph, might have q
chance And began to pick myself up.
sShall help you, Missi' suddenly said Z
deep, rich, manly voice.
looked up, and saw . young man, the