The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1863-11-05
A RIDE TO A WESTERN WEDDING.


sionary life on the frontier, there are MOI
many more pleasant than genuine
Western wedding. The heartiuess, 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 fee, which is rarely
small in proportion to the ability of the
parties, make the event quite welcome to
the toiling preacher.
One day,on answering a modest knock,
there stood before our leg house door a
young man, bare-footed, coatless, with
coarse, well patched pants and rimess
straw hat, his face beaming with a bash
fu' happiness, which would at once have
suggested his errand, were it not for his
garb, or, rather, want Of garb.
care you the minister" he asked.
"Yes,' [ repli.d.
Then followed a pause.
"Is there anything" said I, breaking
the silence, "that | can do for you?'
ayes; | come to see if you could
come down to Mr. LIS next Thursday,
and marry a couple.'
"Where does Mr.. L. live?"
"SeTen miles below, on the other side
of the river. They want you at two O.
clock Thursday afternoon"
81 will use my best endeavors to be
there at that time," said I; "but who are
the parties -
"O," he replied, with look which
was its own interpreter, "you will know
when you get thcre!'
After getting all the directions nccdful
for finding tho place, I was about closing
the interview, but my caller fingered as
if he had more to say; and, after evident
embarrassment, asked what | charged
for marrying folks.
81 generally leave that to the parties,'
replied.
Then ensued another pause, broken, at
length, by his saying, in depressed
tone
81 have no money now; perhaps you
wouldn't come down and marry US, and
wait for your pay!'
"That will" replied. "Aud Prov
idcnce permitting, you will see me pre-
ClsClJ al the HOuT iatneu.
The cloud lifted from the sunburnt
face, and ssniIingly thanking me, he hur-
ried away with a light step.
Seven miles in prairie land is a short
distance; but not being in a mood to
walk, [ engaged horse of a neighbor.
Meanwhile, for the two intervening days,
it rained, or rather poured necessarily,
moderating to gentle fall on Thursday
On calling for the horse, however, the
owner was reluctant to let him go.
"E.der," said he, Che was Method
ist,) "aTc you used to managing horscs?'
"Somewhat-why? p
"Because," he added, "my horse is a
high-spirited fellow, and has bad trick
OF throwing folks. Few can ride him
without getting hurt. The fact is, |
didu't sleep wink last night rying
about consenting to let you have him;
and | don't feel right to let him 20 with
out speaking of it,"
elbow does he generally throw his
riders ?" | asked.
'By suddenly jumping to one side
He's powerful at jumping-beats all the
horses | ever saw in that line," said he.
II can look out for him.
He'll out you, Elder; hope you
won't try it,"
But it was too late to 90 in search of
another, and, pleading urgent business
and willingness to incur all risks, the
formidable beast was led out-a power
full, intelligent, fiery animal, black as
raven
What can be more inspiring than
horse. back jaunt across rolling. North
west prairie? So, despite the cold and
rain, and now and then prodigious leap
by Black Hawk, the ride was most oxhii.
Grating 1t was two miles to the bridge
On arriving there, I found that the
troshet had swept it away. just in sight,
however, in the margin of a fne grove,
was snug little cabin, and, riding brisk
ly there, the barking of dogs and my
shouts brought the proprietor to the
door, bevy of Aaxen-haired urchins at
his heels, with eyes brimful of curiosity |
tlIe thnsa anu NOV D., .xna, -