, 1858-05-14
MY HOST.
a HIonWAY ApYENTuRE.

\ Hl0uWAr ADVENTURE.
Ny business called me through the northern
part Of the State Of Illinois, Icrossed 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, and erected mill
upon one Of the tributaries Of the last mentioned
river, he having bought whole township in that
section. It was out Of my way, as my most
direct route was very near due west from Ottawa,
whereas this route took me over sixty miles fur
ther north. However, had learned that there
was quite good road to Rock river, and had
turned my horses head in that divectiOn. Ical-
culated my time, and concluded that BY moderate
travelling could reach the mill in two days
During the FIRST day my road lay through coun-
try mostly cleared, and was well travelled; but
on the second day struck into wilder region,
and the way was little better than bride path
through dense forest passed several clear
ings where small huts were erected, and at one
Of these latter stopped and got some dinner. l
found yOnng man in charge Of the premises,
the father having gone to the mills. Iasked what
mills they meant, and the old lady said they were
Fosters Mills From these people I learned that
Fosters place was forty miles distant and that
the only dwelling after leaving two near BY, be-
tween here and there, was sort Of stopping
place kept by man named Daniel Groome. They
said he generally kept food for man and beast.
This just suited me. could reach GrOOme's by
six O'Clock, and there eat some supper, and rest
and bait my horse. Then could easily reach
Fosters by nine, as the moon was well on lis
second quarter. The good people refused to take
anything for my dinner, but bestowed half a
dollar upon iaxen-headed urchin who was trot- |
ting around upon his bare feet and then set for
ward again. There was another hut at dis
lance Of half a mile, and . second about mile
Of. saw no more human habitations until l
reached GroOme's. found the travelling full as
good as expected, and arrived at the forest inn
just at halEpast five. Informed GrOOme that I
was on my way TO Fosters mill, and could only
stop long enough to rest my horse and get some
supper. He gazed into my face some moments
without speaking, and finally said
"Ah--yes-humph" Then be turned into
the entry and called "Ike." Ike came--a tall,
strapping youth, Of one or two-and-twenty, with
. red head and features such as could belong to
no one but child Of my host. Ike took my
horse and Mr.. GrOOme led the way to the sitting
room, as he calledit IL Itwasrough but comfort
able, and the furniture consisted Of pine and q
mahogany bureau, and four long pine benches
which were set against the walls. There were
no chairs, these benches being sufficient 10 &C
cOmmOdate quite an assembhge. GrOOme asked
mo Il would Ike something warm. Isnpposed
he meant whisksy, and told him no. He said
l had better take little-twould do me good.
But assured him never used it-that I felt
better without Il. sa
"But do you mean that you never drink whis-
keyt" he added, with elevated eyebrows.
"Neverl" told him.
"Brandy, s'pOse; or mebby rale old ginf"
pursued my host
aNo" Ireplied; al don't use any stimulating
drinks ct an" ou
"You dOntl" burst from his lips, while he
eyed me from head to foot "wall, stranger, I'd
gin somethin' for your pictur to hang up in my
house. Never drink How in mercy's name
dye liver How dye cOntrive when 70 get wet
and coldi"
"why," said !, with aSmile, "I get dry again
q soon Is possible.
"Dry, my sakes, should think twould be an
everlastin' dryl Never drink wGl--here I've
lived year in an year out gOin' on to i3een year,
an you're the fust man ever seed as wouldn't
drink . bit o whiskey on the top Of long jour.
ney. Fact stranger, tbs BY thunderI"
told him thought Il very probable, and he
then went out and I heard him leave the house.
In half an hour my host came and informed me
that supper was ready. He led me 10 back
room where tsblswas sst quite respectfully, the