St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1859-09-15
Ronlantit skettb.
Carrying the Mail.

BY VI. y. MAITLAND.
A listlcss group was assembled in
the parlor of a private clearinghouse
at R Springs. 1t was one of
those still summer mornings when the I,
air is so sultry and oppressive, that
we feel it wearisome to exert our
selves or even to think =; while the
unusual stiffness Of the air, and alter
nate clouds and sunshine seemed the
precursor of a storm. 1t was nine
o'clock, and our morning duties were
over. We had made our accustomed
pilgrimage to the spring, drank our
usual allowance, and breakfasted
now the unexpressed thought was,
what shall we do this long summer
day 2" Some of the boarders were
quietly ensconsed in their rooms,
while two young girls, daughters of
our host, young lady boarder and
myself, formed the interesting group
above mentioned.
Ellen and Louise stood by the win
dow gazing absently into the street.
Mary pretended to crochet, but her
work rested idly in her hands while
reclincd on sofa holding a book,
which did not read. At last Mary
said,
You are very entertaining this
morning girls-what may be the sub
ject of your meditations y"
II was just wishing" replied Ellen,
that some good fairy would come
and take us away from this stupid
place. You may look all day and see
nothing but few invalids taking
their daily exercise. ! wish the SOL
diers were stationed here again, then
we would have gay times
a. have "a splendid idea,' interrupt
ed Louise, :" | will be your good fairy
to-day. Let us go and carry the mail
to Monticello-Mr. Turner is just pre-.
pairing to send it."
Garry the mail ~ echoed Mary
and |, in great astonishmcnt. A gay
burst of laughter eflectually banished
our emma.
"Why not ?" said Louise, 81 have
been before. We have only to drive
to the Office, leave it, and return VIC
will have a pleasant ride, which will
be much better than moping here. Il
you will all go, will send over anc
ask Mr.. Turner"
Anything for change said we
and Louise departed.
Our establishment was soon at the
door-not very splendid equipage,
must admit; for it consisted Of an an
cient vehicle, dry and dusty, whose
springs creaked in a dismally rheu
matte manner and anold, grey horse
the fattest and meekest of quadru
peds in appearance. -
Are you sure the horse is gentle !!
asked my cautious sister
"Oh, perfectly |" and We smiled a
the possibility of danger.
The girls sprang in, and ], being
the smallest, was promoted to the up
permost seat, and the honorable pos
of driver. We started off quite brisk
ly, unheeding the repeated injunction
. to drive carefully, and get back to din
=, ncr.
We had not proceeded far, whe
the sun, emerging from its cloud cnl
tains, poured it's burning rays ful
,, upon our defencelcss heads, remind
, ing us forcibly of our negligence i
leaving our parasols behind. ais
began to have faint suspicion tina
= our gallant grey" was not yer
9 fast traveller and regretted that n
one had been considerate enough I
: provide me with whip /; for to hi
= dull ear the human voice seemed
n have no charms-at least it produce
:. no effect.
, Again the sun was clouded. :" If
i would only remain So" said we bl
y hardly was the wish uttered, whe
forth it beamed with renewed powe
We had advanced about two mile
" when we observed by the roadside
G large oak, magnificent tree of ha
IT a century's growth. Our horse whit
t. had already shown signs of wea
d ness, observed it too, and seemed
10 clined to rest in its shade. All my I
N forts to make him keep the road we
of useless he was the strongest, and
d. knew it and | was fain to subn
is and let him has his way. With a &c
n tie ohasse= to the right, he brought
d, under the low, spreading brancht
IN and looked around with an intellige
IS expression, as much as to say, Dol
you admire my taste?" We laugh
merrily over our novel prcd.cameiI
,e and tried to make the best OF 1t,
tie amuse ourselves, we began to pull
he the green branches, and deck the c;
at riage with the spoils then | spra'
C. out and trimmed the horse in the sar
IL manner in every accessible part
the harness | fastened the wavi