Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-10-14

l never used it-that felt better without it.
''But do you mean that you never drink whis-
key 1'' he added with elevated eye 1bsows.
"Never!' 70 1 told him.
Brandy, Is'pose or mebby rstfesold gin 10
pursued my host.
ssNo,'' replied. 81 don't use any stimu-
lating drinks at all.''
''You don't!'' burst from his lips while he
eyed me from head to foot. ''Wal, stranger,
I'd give sun'thin' for your picture to hang up
inmy house. Never drink How in marcy's
name dye live ? How dye contrive when ye
get wet and cold ?'
''Why," said I, with smile, 81 get dry a
gain soon as possible.''
"Dry, my sakes, should think 'twould be
an everlastin' dry! Never drink Wal
here I've lived year in an year out, goin' on
to fifteen year, an you're the fust man l ever
seed as wouldn't drink bit o. whiskey on the
top Of long journey. act-stranger-'tis
by thunder!''
told him thought it very probable, and
he then went out, and l heard him leave the
house.
In half an hour my host came and informed
me that supper was ready. He led nae to a
back room. where a table was set quite respec-
tably, the dishes being of blue ware, and near
ly new. He and Ike sat down with me, and as
l saw them attack the various articles of food,
| felt assured there could be no poison in
them. The meal consisted of boiled potatoes,
fried bacon, and new wheat bread, and did
ample justice to the repast.
''You think you must go on tonight ~ said
my host, while we were eating.
''Yes,'' told him, ':I wish to see my friend,
and l shall gain considerable time by reaching
his place tonight.
SIS he expectin' ye ?'' Groome asked.
"No.'' L answered.
"Perhaps he don't know that you're in this
sectioHat all 20
s.No, he Doesn't said; and l expected
that my host would urge me to stay with him
until morning, so had my answers all pre-
pared.
But was mistaken. He didn't urge any
such thing. On the contrary, he said he
thought was wise in my determination. He
would like my company, but it would be bet
ter for me to push on. l was quite relieved.
1t wanted quarter to seven when my horse
was brought to the door. took out my wal
let and asked what was to pay. '.Half a dol
lar.'' paid it, and then asked which was the
most direct route.
ssYou see that big tree, just over the barn
there ?''
ssYes,'' l said.
"Wal. that's right in the best road. When
you strike that you can't miss the way.''
ssBut isn't there another road ?-one which
follows this stream right down to the mills ?''
1 asked for had been informed by the young
man who had taken charge Of my horse at
noon, that Groome's inn was right by the very
stream which gave Foster his mill power, and
that the road followed the stream direct.
SON. said my host, turning and looking off
toward the stream ''that road amt fit to travel
now. T'othcr ones the best"
s.But what's the matter with it ~ l asked.
ssWhy the bridges are all washed away, an
then there's been windtalls acros't. 1 tried
it last week and had to come back. The up
per road is matter of mile or two furder,
but that's nothin.'' Your beast is good for it,
guess.'
told him my horse would stand it well e.
nough, and then asked where the other road
struck the stream.
ssAbout three miles this side of the mills,'
he replied.
'sIt's all clear and direct 20
eyes You can't miss the way.''
babe my host goodbye, and then started
on ! didn't like the idea of a new road at all.
The yonth before mentioned had told me what
an excellent road it was from Groomes' to the
mill by the river road. He said it followed
the stream, which was very near straight, and
that it was light and open the whole distance.
However, of course, Groome knew, SO l must
make the best of it. L looked back as l
reached the edge of the wood. was upon
gentle eminenee, and could overlook the
shrubbeFy had passed. looked and saw Ike
going from the house to the barn; he had
saddle upon his arm. 1 was sure it was
saddle-perhaps he had an errand to do.
Ere long l entered the wood, and found it
thick and gloomy. The path was plain e.
nough, and had evidently been at some time
travelled road. Aye-I remembered, now, of
having heard my informant of the noontide
sneak of the cold road.'' He said there used
TO be a road leading to Rock River, but when
Foster commenced his settlement, new road
was opened by the stream, and the old one dis
continued. He had said nothing about any
bridges.
At the distance of two miles, I came to a
place where bed of sand lay across the road.
1t was sort of gully, and stream must at
some time have run there. looked, but saw
no track upon it. Water had swept across
had fr0ddRn i klld