Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1864-01-21
Glls Storm Geller.
A RIDE TO A WESTERN WE'D
DING,

Among the checkered scenes of mission
ary life on the fontier, there are not many
more pleasant than a genuine Western
wedding. 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 fee,
which is really in proportion to the ability
of the parties, making the event quite well
come to the toiling preacher.
One day. on answering modest knock.
there stood before our DOLLHOUSE door, a
young man. bare footed. eoatless. with
coarse. well-patched pants and rimless
straw bat. his face beaning with 0 bashful
happiness, which would at once have sug
eested his errand, were it not for his garb,
or rather want of garb. srsT
Are you the minister he asked.
Yes / replied.
Then followed pause.
Is there anything said |, breaking the
silence, that can do for you?'
'Ye-e-s; | came to see If you would come
down to Mr.. P-'s, next Thursday, and
marry a couple
Where does Mr.. P live?'
Seven miles below, on the other side oil
the river They want you at two O'Clock
in the afternoon ~
Il will use my best endeavors to be there
at that time. but who are the parties?'
enquired.
%. you will know when you get there.
he replied, with look hich was its own
Interpreter.
A Ill L. r.
for finding the place. was about closing
the interview, but my caller fingered as il
he had more to say; and, after some en-
barrasment. asked what charged for mar
rying folks.
i generally leave that to the parties,
replied.
Then ersued another pause. broken al
length by his saying. in depressed tone
II have no money now; perhaps yor
would not come down and marry US, anc
wait for your pay?'
That WILL | replied. And Provi
dence permitting. you will see me at the
hour you have named
The cloud lifted from the sunburnt. face
and smillingly thanking me, he hurried a
way with light step.
Seven miles in prairie land is shor
distance. but not being in a mood to walk
Iengaged horse of a;neighbor. Mean
while. for the two intervening days j
rained, or rather poured incessantly, mod
Grating to gentle fall on Thursday. o.
calling for the horse, however, the owne
was very reluctant to let him go.
Elder said be, are you used to man
aging horses?'
'Somewbat-why?'
Because he added. my horse is
high spirited fellow, and has had trick O
throwing folks. Few can ride him with
out getting hurt. The fact is. 1 didn'
sleep wink last night. worrying abou
conserving to let you have him, / dom
feel right to let him go without speakin,
of it.
How does he generally throw his ri
ders!' / asked.
BY suddenly jumping to one side
He's powerful at jumping--beats all th
horses | ever saw in that line.' said he.
Il can look out for him.
He'll outwit you. Elder; / hope 20
won't try it,
Bat it was too late to go in search c
another; and pleading urgent business an
willingness to incur all risks. the formids
bic beast was led out-s powerful, intelli
gent. fiery animal. black as q raven. :.
What can be more inspiring than
horseback jaunt across a rolling NorthxeI
prairie? So, despite the cold and rain, an
now and then a prodigious leap by 'Blac
Hawk" the ride was most exhilarating.-
1t was two miles to the bridge. On al
irving there l found that the fresbet ha
swept it away. Just in sight however,
the margin of fine grove, was snug Iii
tie cabin. and riding there. the barking
dogs and my shouts brought the propri,
tor and bevy of flaxen- haired urchins
his heels. with eyes brimful of curiosity.
is there any way to cross the river?'
asked.
.Yes--on the bridge he CURLY replies
The bridge is gone
We'll. then. there isn't any way
But is there no place on the stresl
shoal enough to be forded?'
The settler scratched his shock head vel
comically. scanned me and my beast yer
leisurely, and said:
Take the road to the left, and you
come to the old ford; how twill be in tn
food can't sag. You can try it, thong
il you like; nothing like trying. they say.
There was no need Of trying. 1 foun,
on reaching the spot. There rolled Il
river. deep and wide, with steep banksio
either side. What was to be done? G
back and wait till the waters subsidsd.-
Tint W. not Western. The genuins pr
neer never thinks Of giving up an ente
prize. A short experience in the Weiss