Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1858-11-11
gttttatp Mistellanp.
Fr'm the Boston Tru. Flag.
THE MIDNIGHT RIDE.
a 7 7 avol er's STORY
BY CARL CANTB,

am telling the story of friend, but
for convenience sake, choose to employ
the first person.) 1t is perhaps needles,
TO say that the facilities for travelling
were less abundant at that time than al
present, and was compelled to perform
the latter part of my journey on horse.
back. Il may mention, by the way, that
my business was to look after some
claims in the western part of the then
territory. 4. -.. :. 9, - .sa.7rf' 5aa p
1t was drawing towards the close Of
a day in October, when found that ]
had, In some manner, oontrived to. lose
my way. The road had degenerate
into q mere cow-path, and brought me
into the woods. Where it came out was
more than / could conjecture. After a
days fatiguing ride, the prospect Of
passing tie night in the woods without
food or shelter, was hardly agreeable.
And yet7this was probably my destiny.
1t was hardly reasonable to expect a
house of entertainment in such an out
of the way place. If there had been, in
all probability it would have been badly
supported. ta' 2'.'
My horse seemed to share my despon-
dency. With head down, he YEARLY
strobe on, thinking no doubt, of the
provender which he was accustomed to
have at this time: MY own thoughts
ran III similar direction. There is
nothing like hunger to assimilate the
feelings of man with those of the inferi-
or animals. 1t is hard to ascend into
the regions of philosophy ON an empty
stomach AT least that has been my ex-
perience. s-f '-a ssI .s.o.sT Il .
The path became narrower, and final
ly as | feared, would come to termin
alton, in Which case / should have no
resource but to turn back. As had not
met with house for ten miles, there was
no hope there. fl : l-aria 20
But tue darkest clouds precede the
day. What was my delight to perceive
through the trees column of smoke,
which proved to proceed from small
house? .a tasfr .srss.,sl 49,. .........
!" Heaven be praised! /" thought l.
"Here, at least, is shelter for the night.
and supper, | trust, for am about fam
ished.' 'a'a 'aa....a .lsa :s.+.es f. (.
My horse neighed ioyfully in token of
his satisfaction. dismounted, and
knocked at the door of the dwelling.
1t was opened by a hard featured wo-
man, who did not look especially glad
to see me.
i" Can | procure supper and lodging
for myself and horse?" L enquired, in q
matter of fact manner. q, ..a r....,...-.
q "Our accommodations are not of the
BEST" said she. "a, a.. ..5..
81 don't care for that" said l. "Any-
thing is better than to ride on farther.
Besides, am willing to pay you well"
wv ell" said she, reluctantly, 81 sup
pose you can come in, and we''ll do the
best we can for you; but it won't be
much" This was not very hearty
welcome, it must be acknowledged.
"Mr. Bowles-that's my husband-isu't
at home. l don't see but you'll have to
take care Of your horse yourself"
SIS that the barn?" I asked, pointing
to an out building of small dimensions
to the east of the house.
Z" Yes, you'll find fodder there some.
where" said the woman. 81 don't
know much about these things, but I
dare say you won't have any trouble
fastened to assure her that I was
used to taking care of nay horse, and
that should doubtless de very well.
After caring for the wants of nv wea.
~ fellow traveller, returned to the
house, and entering, took my place on
a settle near the large fire place. There
was good fire burning on the hearth.
which was by no means unacceptable;
for the day although in October, was vet
cold for the season. Besides, I have
noticed that when one is cold, thew are
more susceptible to chilly feelings 117'
had now chance to look about me.
The woman who came to the door has
already been described. She was tall
and gaunt, and, as I have said, had hard
features. Her expression was the re-
verse of cheerful. She looked az if life
for her, had few pleasures. did not
wonder at it. Buried as she was in this
wilderness-very probably seeing no
face for weeks, save those of her own
Immediate family, felt that her life,
must be a tread-mill existence. ~.
| There was another person present
She was seated on settle opposite-
She did not lift her eyes as / entered
but steadfastly went on with her sewing.
W hen 1 came to notice her, 1 was not q
little. surprised by her remarkable beau.
ty. Her features were perfectly REGULAR.
there was a delicate flush upon her
cheeks, and it seemed to me II was
young then, and easily impressed nv
beauty that l had never before met
with a creature so captivating to ont
ward appearance. l was a little pioued
that she did not appear to notice me T
suppose | may have had something of
the vanity from which I believe no one
IS wholly exempt At all events, it aft.
torded me an opportunity to look at her
which / did to my hearts content.
Meanwhile Mrs. Bowles, for that an
peared to be the woman's name. kent an
preparing the table. She had occssion
to leave the room for a moment. ON
the instant, the young girl snatched q
piece OF paPer,l and scrubbed word or
two upon it. She crossed the space he
tween US with rapidity, and placed it in
my hand. Just then her aunt's step was
heard in the passage, and she darted to
her seat with surprising celebrity Prob.
ably, however, Mrs. Bowles NAV have
heard something, for she darted sharp
glance at the girl, but said nothing.
stealthily glanced at the paper which
1ne girl had slipped into my hand. Con-
GelVe my astonishment if you can. when
L read these words: % % =.
wARE!" !ss.V5 -. T" DIV hs' DE-
glanced at the girl in amazement
She was sewing steadily. No donbt T.
was the fear of the elder lady that com
PEELED her to be guarded. But What al 7