Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-03-25
Y JOURNAL AND BUSINESS DREqgoRY-ITs AIN. TO AMUsE. TO INsTRU

he had wandered forth to enjoy his favor
lite sport. and giving way to the excite
ment of the hunt, had carelessly proceed
ed several miles from home. Hunger
now became pressing, and having lef
the prairie for the bank of the stream
he began to look forward in hopes 0
seeing the well-known roof of a tavern
which was situated on the river Des
PLANES.
At length, after proceeding some dis
lance down the stream, the inn of The
White Rabbit" appeared in view. This
was a rudely constructed building, de
signed for the accommodation of hunters
and travellers in that portion of tbs
West; and we'll it carried out its design
as We ourself can witness, having more
than once had occasion to test the skill
of the good landlord, and to taste hi;
wines, his v~enison and wild fowls.
Clinton entered without ceremony, ane
giving his gun and bag of game into the
hands of Boniface, threw himself care
lesslv upon a lounge.
"You are always sure Of making q
good haul, you are" said the landlord
casting a glance of admiration at the
heavy game bag. "If | should hunt q
week I'm snre | couldn't kill a dozen
such fat chickens as you have got to,
day"
ton, " but during just too hours time this
afternoon. But it is nothing; l have
killed twice the number before now in
half the time"
LUCKY fellow !" sighed the landlord
Lucky? Why, every man has his
gifts, as my grandfather used to say. ]
have the good fortune of being a tolera.
BILE good shot, while you, old fellow, are
blessed with the faculty which enables
you to get up the most tempting supper
in the world. By the way. | am a Little
faint in the regions Of the stomach, and
Che memory Of the fat ~venison steaks I've
had the honor of eating at your table be-
fore now makes me impatient; so serve
me a dish as soon as possible, and in ad
dillon to the usual fee, you shall take
yosHr choice of the chickens in my bag
Good r. exclaimed the landlord; "and
if you've no objections, | will take the
rest at the usual-price."
. "Impossible," replied Grover, "Ihave
killed them expressly to giveto my REICH
bers. But the supper"
In eleven minutes and a quarter
said Boniface, looking at his watch.
Left to himself, Clinton Grover took
his dogs head upon his knees, and strok-
ing his neck mechanically, was soon lost
in meditation.
He had remained but a short time in
this position when two travellers arrived
at the door of the inn. The waiter has
tened to take care of their horse and car.
riage: and to invite them 70 enter.
Water him in half an hour and give
him four quarts of oats" said the elder oil
the tive, whowas apparently one of those
who, at that time, in case of necessity,
helped travellers on their way by private
conveyance. EDO not unharness him.
he continued, +" for although he has been
driven from Chicago to day he has got
some half dozen miles farther to go to.
night"
as it not more than half a dozen
miles?" asked the younger traveller.
ut is not more than eight, at the far
thest,0 replied his companion.
"Then it seems to me it is scarcely
worth the while to STOP"
"You can do as you like about it,
said the elder traveller, somewhat sharp
ly; but as for my horse, he shall go no
further until he has been fed"
II beg your pardon" returned the
other, II had forgotten the horse in my
impatience to get along"
"The two now entered the tavern,
and Clinton Grover had a fair view Of
the countenance and figure of each. The
younger alone attracted his attention.
He was a year or two younger than him.
self, and possessed OF a fine dark eye, q
lofty brow, and a slight but well proper
toned frame. He entered and sat down
at a short distance from the huntsman.
Clinton, who was somewhat yexed to
think that his supper was delayed, con.
tinued to pat the neck Of his dog without
appearing to notice the strangers.
As is often the case, when we least
wish for company, two additional travel
lers arrived just at the time when The
landlord was coming to % tina
supper for three was ready. As it was
bis custom to make all his guests sup to.
gether, he fastened to order a few add
tional preparations. thus causing a second
delay, to the great annoyance of Clinton.
The newcomers advanced in the bar
room, and seemed greatly rejoiced at be.
holding the young traveller who sat op.
posite Clinton. 1t appeared that they
had become acquainted at Juliet. or Oh
the road between that place and Chicago.
Clinton. who was Of a taciturn DISPOSE
ton, remained silent while the four new.
corners engaged in a lively conversation
At length the supper was announced.
The table was plentifully spread, but
five excellent appetites served greatly to
relieve it of its load. The repast ended
the company returned to the bar-room
i'm which the horse boy had, in the mean
time, been RECALLING Fido, Clinton's dog
With scraps Of venison and poultry.