Litchfield enquirer., 1863-12-10
Alisfellanp.
A Ride to a Western Weddinr.

The heartiness, the bold dash, the generous hospitality of the thing, and often the novel phases of social life which it reveals, together, of course, with the ,tee, which is really in pro- portion to the ability of the parties, make the event quite welcome to the toiling preacher.
 One day, on answering modest knock. there stood before our log-house door young man, bare foosed coatless, with coarse. we'll patched pants and rimless straw hat, his face beaming with bashfal happiness, which would at once have suggested his errand, were it not for his garb, or rather want of garb.
 Are you the minister ? he asked.
 Yes,' replied.
 Then followed pause.
 Is there anything, said I, breaking the si- lence, that I can do for you r
 'Yesss I came to see if you would come down to Mir. P's next Thursday and marry couple.'
 Where does Mr. P. live?'
 Seven miles below on the other side of the river. They want you at two o'clock in the afternoon
 T will use my best endeavors to be there at that time, said I, but who are the parties ?
 O. hs replied, with look which was its own interpreter, you will know when you get there.'
 After getting all the directions nsedful for finding the place, was about closing the inter- view, but my caller fingered as if he had more to say and, after evident embarrassment, ask ed what charged for marrying folks.
 generally leave that to the parties,' re- piled.
 Then ensued another pause, broken. at length by Lis saying in depressed tone
 have no money now perhaps you would not come down and marry us, aud wait for your pay''
 That I will,' replied. Aud Providence permitting you will see me at the hour named
 The cloud lifted from the sunburnt face, and sniIingly thanking me, he hurried away with a light step.
 Seven miles in prairie land is short dis tance. but not being in a mood to walk, en. gagged n horse of n.ishbor. Meanwhile, for the two intervening days it rained, or rather poured, ncessantly, moleratins 10 a gentle fall on Thursday. On calling for the horse, how ever, the owner was very re uctant to let him go.
 Elder said he, are you used to managing horses 2
 Somewhat--why '
 Because, he added, my horse is high spirited fellow and has a bad trick of throwing folks. Few can ride him without getting hurt. The fact is, didn't sleep wink last night worrying about conssnting to let you have him and don't feel right to let him go without speaking of it.
 How does he generally throw his riders 2 I asked.
 By suddenly jumping to one side. He's powerful at jumping-beats all the horses l ever saw in tsat line,' said he.
 I can look out for him.
 He'll outwit you. Elder 1 hope you wont try it.
 But it was too late to go in search of an other, and pleading urgent business and will was led out-a powerful, intelligent, fiery ani nal, black as a raven.
 What can be more inspiring than horse back jaunt across a rolling, Northwest prairie So, despite the cold and rain, and now and then . prodigious leap by Black Hawk, the ride was most collaborating. It was two miles to the bridge. On arriving there I found that the freshet had swept it away. Just in sight. however, in the margin of . fine grove was snug little cabin, and riding briskly there, the barking of dogs and my shouts brought the proprietor, and a bevy of aaxsn-haired urchns at his heels, with eyes brimfull of curiosity.
 Is there any way to cross the river r asked.
 'Ye.-on the bridge he replied very curtly The bridge is gone.'
 We'll, then. there isn't any way
 But is there no place on the stream shoal enough to be forded ?
 The settler scratched his shock head very comically. scanned me and my beast very lsis- urely, and said
 Take the road to the left, and you'll come to the old ford how twill be in this food, can't say. You can try it, though, if you like; nothing like trying, they say
 There was no need of trying, I found, on reaching the spot. There rolled the river, deep and wide, with steep banks on either side.- What was to be done Go back and wait till the waters subsided That was not Western. The genuine pioneer never thinks of giving up an enterprise. A short experience in the vicis. itudes of frontier life wakes up selfreliauce and love of adventure, which makes danger and difficulty to be courted rather than shun. ned indeed, they are every day occurrences adding piquancy to privation and hardship.
 And, as looked down into the water of the river. there rose to view the image of that rag 1 ged, barefooted, coatless, moneyless bride