The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-12-23
THE WIFE-CURER,
BY B. P. SHILLABER,

Been up tO.the country ?" queried as
met my friend Burner in the street few
days since. l hadn't seen him for some
time, and he looked sunburnt and rough as
if he had been exposed to the country sun.
He informed me that be had, and that he
aad been to visit Tom Somers, mutual
friend of ours, who had moved away from
town many years before. After inquiries
concerning his visit, and his enjoyment
during the warm months, conversation re-
verted to our old friend.
never was more surprised in my life,"
said Burner, 4" than was to see him in the
depot at Ramshead. l had quite forgotten
that he was located there"
His wife-yes, yes," continued Bur-
ner, singular woman, that; did you know
her?
Eyes" replied i" she is little, bustl-
ing, talkative thing full of fun and chat,
and making her home merry by the music
of her voice Nice little woman"
Burner looked at me a moment, and
burst into laugh, to my great wonder
ment. requested him, in tone of chagrin,
to inform me what the deuce he was laugh.
ing at.
Talkative!" said he, when he could
check-rein his cachinnatory colt 81 found
her any thing but that, tell you. I never
knew the lady when she lived in town, but a
more taciturn body never saw than l
found her."
"Indeed!" 1 remarked; then there
must have been change, truly"
81 met Somers in the depot" continued
Burner, 81 and he was very glad to see me,
inquiring after his old friends, and you with
the rest Through all his joy, however, l
saw that there was vein of sadness and
when l alluded to his family he appeared
embarrassed, and disposed to change the
subject. had no object in view in visiting
Ramshead, other than the change of scene,
and did not intend to remain there but day
or two but meeting Somers led me to
think that it would not he bad to tarry
there awhile, seeing that there was beauti-
full pond of water in the vicinity, as had
seen from the cars as l came along, and a
deep wood denoting game. Somers used
to be great on those things, you know.
limited at our former sporting practices, and
mentioned my half resolution 10 stay; but,
instead of manifesting any interest in the
subject, he sighed deeply, and replied
Burner, haven't taken pole in my
hand nor put gun to my shoulder for five
long years, and l never shall again.
81 looked at him with astonshment, but
| knew that be was sincere. l fancied that
saw tear in his intelligent eye, and my
heart drew stronger towards him than ever.
then quite resolved to stay, and ordered
the porter OF the hotel to carry my baggage
my valise and gan-up to the house,
which was close by. My rod-cane carried
in my hand. Taking Somers on my arm,
we followed the porter, and in few mo.
ments later found us seatedin my room, with
little RUNNER of claret negus between us
an excellent lubricator for dusty day.
"Wel, how are you prospering, Somers?'
l replied, wishing to penetrate, if possible,
the mystery that enshrouded him, deeming
that it might be some business difficulty in
which he was involved
doing capitally," he replied haven't
lost dollar since came here. People have
nicknamed me Lucky Tom How wrong
ly people judge in measuring menv
What do you mean by that?" said I, as
l saw the cloud creep over his face, as you
have, while standing on the mountains, seen
shadow fitting across the meadow.
al mean," said he, that in measuring
us they take but one feature sinto the ac-
count, and upon that base hypothesis of
happiness, or luck, as the case may be-"
care you not happy?" l asked, in tone
calculated to win his confidence.
81 am far from it," he replied; indeed, a