Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-04-09
gtIttte0 Gale.
KATEHEARN'S HUSBAND

In the year seventeen hundred and sixty
nine the little town Of Barford was thrown
ato a state of great excitement by the iutelli-
renee that Il gentleman (and "quite the gen
tl.uan." said the landlord Of the George Inn, )
hid been looking at Mr. Cla7ering's Old house.
The gentleman was tall, welI-dressed, hand
some but there was sinister, cold look in
his quick-gIancing; light blue eye. which a
keen observer might not have liked,
The White House was re-stuccoed, and put
into thorough repair, by the accommodating and
delighted landlord while his tenant seemed
inclined to spend any amount Of money on in
ternaI decorations, which we're showy and eff
fective in their character, enough TO make the
White House nine days wonder to the good
I.ople of Barford The slate-cooured paints
iprame pink, and were dicked ont with gold !;
the old fastened banisters were replaced with
newly-gilt ones and, above ALL the stables
we're sight to be seen. Since the days Of
the Roman Empcrors there never was such
provisions made for the care the comfort, and
the health of animals But every one said it
was no wonder, when they were led through
Barford. covered up to the eyes, but cUrving
tIeir arched and delicate neckS and prancing
with short high steps, in repressed eagernesS.
Only one groom came with them, yet they re-
CURED the care of three men Mr.. Higgins,
however, preferred engaging two lads Of Bar
ford, and Barford approved Of his preference.
Not only was it kind and thoughtful to give
employment to the lounging lads themselves,
Aut they were receiving such training in Mr..
Higgins stables as might fit them for Doncas-
tgr or Newmarket The district of Derby
sire in which BarfOrd was situated was too
close to Leiceistershre not to support hunt
lad pack of hounds The master of the
.0unds was certain Sir Harry Mauiey, who
vas aut a Luntsman All ruHuS He measured
man by the length of his limb, not by the
.ypress0n of his countenance or the shape of
, head. But, as Sir Harry was wont to OBJ
,a,ye, there was such thing as too long a
LIMB. 50 his appreciation was withheld until he
lad seen man on horseback and if his seat
here was square and easy, his hand light aud
courage good, Sir Harry hailed him as
.:othcr
Mr. Higgins attended the first meet of the
sason, not as Il subscriber, bnt as an amateur.
Tie BarfOrd huntsmen piqued themselves on
'4eir bold riding, and their knowledge of the
.olntry came bv nature Yet this new strange
nan, whom nobody knew was in at the DEATH
yng on the horse, both well breathed and
.a.m, without a hair turned on the sleek skin
ct the latter, supremely addressing the old
alntsman as he hacked off the tail OF the fox.
When Sir Harry rode into the copSc--full OF
lead brush and wet tangled grassland was
.g,Owed by the members of the hunt, as one
y one they cantered past, Mr.. Higgins took
Il his cap and bowed-half deferentally, half
asofently-with lurking smile in the corner
If bis eye at the discomfitted looks Of one or
10 Of the laggards.
A famous run sir" said Sir Harry. The
is, time you have hunted in our country, but
hope we shall see you often"
d" / hope to become a member of the hunt,
1' said Mr.. Higgins.
Most happy-proud I'm sure, to receive
daring Il rider among us. You took the
0'opper Gate while some of our friends here"
~scOwlng at one or two towards by way Of
asang his speech Allow me TO introduce
-r>eli-master of the hOunds"--he fumbled
his wai>tcoat pocket for card on which his
1t0e Vas formally described. Some of our
lends here are kind enough to come home
'lA Inc to dinner might | ask for the hon
G"
Ny name is Higgins, replied the stranger
owing low Il am only lately come to oc-
~ the White House at Barford, and
ave hot as yet presented my letters of intro
..ction.
Hang it," replied Sir Harry "a man
,'A seat Ike yonrs, and that good brush in
i 'aF hand, might ride ap to any door in the
+ia'y I'm I.eicestershire man , and be
1cone guest Mr. Higgins 1 shall be proud
oecome better acquainted with you over my
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