Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1857-11-07
an A0btnture.
MY HOST.
A Highway Adventure.

Ny business called me through the north
ern part OF the State Of Illinois. crossed
the Illinois river at Ottawa, intending to
strike Rock river at Fosters Mill. Foster
was an old friend. who had gone out some
years before, aud erected mill upon one Of
the tributaries of the last mentioned river,
he having bought. "a whole township in that
section. 1t was out of my way. as my most
direct route waa very near due. west from
Ottawa. whereas this route took mo over
sixty miles farther north. However, ] had
learned that there was quite good road TO
Rock river, and had turned my horse's head
in that direction. calculated my time, aud
concluded that by moderate travelling
could reach the mill in two days. During
the fret day my road lay through country
mostly cleared, and was well travelled but
on the second day l struck into wilder
region, and the way was little better than a
bride path through dense forest. passed
several clearings, where small kuts were
erected, and at one Of these Inter, stopped
and got some dinner. found a young man
10 charge OF the premises, the father having
gone to "tbe mills" asked what mills they
meant, ard the old lady said they were Eos
ter's Mills." From these people ] learned
that Fosters place was forty miles distant,
and that the only dwelling, after leaving two
near by, between here and there, was a sort
Of stopping place, kept by q man named
Daniel Groome. They said he generally
kept food for man and beast. His house was
twelve miles to the mills. This just suited
me. could reach Groome's by six o'clock,
and there get some supper, and rest and bait
my horse. Then could easily reach Fosters s
by uine, as the moon was well on its second
quarter. The good people refused to take
anything for my dinner, but bestowed half
q dollar upon q haxen-headed urchin who
was trotting around upon his bare feet. and
then set forward again. There was another
hut ut distance Of half mile, aad second
about mile OFF J saw no. more human hab.
tations until ] reached Groome's. I found
the travelling full as good as expected, and
arrived at the forest inn just at half past
fve.-f'his inn was situated upon romantic
spot, and to a lover of isolated nature. mus
have been q charming retreat. The house
was built Of logs. T6ere were three separat.
buildings to this house. the principal on,
being built with the gable end to the road
and the other two upon either side, running
out like two LIS. Then there was barn
short distance of. with piggery connected
Take it altogether, it was qeite place 70
such locality. A small stream ran clos,
by, SO that water was plentiful As / rod
up to the door Mr.. GrOone himself came out
He WAS o tall gaunt man. with hery re'
head, and face as coarse as it was ugly
But was surprised when heard his voice
| had expected tone like the below of
bull but instead Of that, his notes fell upo
my ears like the speech Of a woman. ii
smiled as he spoke, and thought to mysel
: how his appearance would deceive any ons
for in conversation he seemed o differen
man. informed hfm that was on my Wa
,, to Fosters mill, and could only stop lon
.nough'to rest my horse, and get some suppe
He gazed into myface some moments withou
speaking, aud finally said -
, "Ah-yes-humph." Then be turned int
: the entry. and called ike" Ike came
tall, strapping youth Of one or two aud tweI
ty-with red head, and features such 4
could belong to no one bat y child OF N
host. Ike took my horse. aud Mr., Groom
led the way TO the sitting room," as
called it. 1t WAS rough but comfortable, NJ
the furniture consisted Of q pine and m
=, hogany bureau. aud four long pine bench
which were set against the walls The
a were no chairs, these benches being SUI
- cent to accommodate quite an assemblag
= Groome asked me if would like somethiI
warm. supposed he meant whskey, and
r told him no. He said had better take
:, little-twould do INC good. But assur
~ him never used it-that l felt better Wit
ont it.
But do you mean that you never dri
s, whiskey?" ?" he added. with elevated eyebrow
n "Never !" l told him.
Brandy, s'poss; or nebby rale {
III gin I" pursued my host.
NO." ! replied. u don't use any stiu
latfng drinks at all"
RI. "You don't y burst from his lips, while
o. eyed me from head to foot. "Wal strang
Is, I'D give sum'thin for your picture to hang
re. in my house. Never drink How, in mere
be name dye liver How dye contrivs when
x. get wet and eold?' ~ tt
sst "Why," said ], with q smile, IL get
again as soon as possible II
"Dry my sakes. should think twould
- an eysrlasiin' dry Never drink Wal
here I've lived year in an year out, goin'
Of TO fifteen year. an you're the fust man
ss seed ss wouldn't drink q bit O. whisksy on
in top Of long journey. Fact-straDger--
lee by thunder !" r .iIT arli t4at -aoI
by ! told him thought 1t very probable.
Of he then went out, and heard him leave
md house. In half an hour my host came and
formed me that supper was ready. Hs
I no 80 = ks.~ ...bes S'.it