Mariposa Democrat., 1857-04-08

words to express the horror Of his soul at the
part had taken in the performance at the late
He swore that he never would have
thought it, and that If his master were to find
It out he would disinherit me, and Miss Ecan-
or would turn her back on me-to which
replied, that il he was wise he had better not
mention It, or would blow on him about the
many drains of whisky he had drunk during
his absence from home. This threat recon-
ciled him to silence, but often as we Travelled
along, could see that he was pondering in
mind whether it was not a criminal offence
that we both had committed, and if we were
not likely to be punished for ii.
ave continued to advance at a swift pace
towards the river and as night was quickly APP
preaching we began to fear that darkness
would overtake us. Shortly after the road
came to an abrupt termination, and we disco
vered that we had been following log road
and were lost Great was Abraham's fear,
surprise and modification. He told Of many
dircful fates that had befallen those who had
been lost in these woods--being devoured by
wolves and bears. Not needing his remon-
stranccs gave the pony the rcins, when after
smart gallop of half an hour we heard the
ring Of the woodman's axe, which Abraham
declared was the most joyful sound he had
ever heard in his life, and there was music in
that noise fit for any gentleman to hear. Ihe
house soon became vsible-it wasa large pine
log farm house Of neat appearance, with pcn-
ty of fodder and hay standing in stacks near
the barn. Two younng men were standing at
pine stump cutting chips from it with rus
tic axe.
g" How are you, gentlemen exclaimed,
casting into my features one of the blandest Of
smiles. They looked at me but spoke not,
and then stared at each other with apparent
confusion. 'Ah, said /, assuming friendly
familiarity, you have probably forgotten me
Of course you can furnish us with lodgings
here tonight
"Wcll stranger at last spoke the elder ol
the two, whose name was Watts. Well stran-
gor, we never turn any man from our house
but rcally-now, stranger
"Poh-sir, said 7, No butts about it, !
want and must have quarters for the night
have ridden some twenty-sx miles to-day
under hot sun and over dusty road, and
must have food and lodging for beasts and
men Sprnging from my horse | ordered
Abraham to do likewise, and to look to the
comfort Of the tired animals. While VIC were
unsaddling the horses, the two men, Watts
and Sands, continued to cut their chips, and
when they had finished demanded of Watts
the reason he did not wish to extend to two
benighted strangers the hospitality due from
one christian to another.
az tell you stranger, never turned any
man of your respectable appearance from my
doors, but
"'No butts about it, replied, Il am deter
mined on stopping if have to sleep in the
barn.
"'It won't do stranger said " ats, shaking
his head at his companion; The fact is
but at.
"Oh damn your butts; give me the reason
for refusing n request that one Of my fathers
darkics would not refuse to strangerY
"'You see, he replied, I'm in a fix; fol
was married but two days ago, and we art
going out fire hunting tonight, and we are
! 49,. .,,,i:... A.. Iokt ,.,ool
"'Wcll, what of that p | asked with an i'm
patient gesture.
g" Only-this,' said he, that she will be al
alone, and that it is not polite that she shoult
remain all alone at night with stranger.
"T Is that all ? said laughing with a show
of pleasure on my yisage. i can remedy al
this--let my servant sleep in the barn and take
care of the horses, and will accompany yor
in your fire trip
He readily consented to this offer, and as
the wife's call to supper was heard at this mo
mcnt, we all directed our steps towards tn,
house. A healthful meal was spread before
us, inviting my appetite to satisfy its cravings
Now was my only time for softening the hear
of this cruel and jealous husband. | found
the lady handsome and agreeable. She hat
been widow some fourteen months befor.
her marriage with Mr.. Watts. She had beer
blessed with pretty little daughter some siA
or seven years old, and on this little creatures
sympathies relied much. gave her money
and silver lead pencil. praised her beauty
and complimented the mother on the graceful
charms Of the fair child. / used every effort
to render myself agreeable. told many an
agreeable anecdote which made them laugh
till tears came into their eyes. My face was
lit with the most cancid of smiles my tongue
was never steady for an instant; but it was
all in vain. Sands said It was time to start
out, and that the horses and the dogs were
ready. ! had expatiateda at considerable length
upon the heat of the day-the long ride-and
how tired the horses appeared. As we were
about leaving the door she called her husband
and said:-' Mr.. Watts, this gentleman seems
to be very tired; would it not be better to lei
him sleep in Mr.. Sands bedY'