The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1865-08-03
VOLUME 26.1

| way, on my hands and knees, with sio"
determined care that has since surprised nj
avoiding every branch or twig that NIGH
crackle in NY path hurried on past thu
flock without SO much as disturbing {
sheep. a
Not till a long distance interviewed did
stand erect, and fresh for the events OF the
night. Whatever they might be God in his
mercy alone knew. Hs
turned and saw the black forms of thu
bush rangers moving about the blaze, anc
| with run started for the hut. Before d
quarter of an hour saw it dimly against
ttbe sky, and almost at the came instant q
frightened snort told me that the horse was
within few yards of my course. Uttering
a hurried thanksgiving that | had found
him so providentially near, unfastened the
aobbles with quick steady hanus, and led
aim to the threshold.
put on my patched saddle and bride,
and in another five minutes the fine old col
was stretching himself to a swift free gal
Top. My mind was to full for thought; but
can remember uttering repeatedly the
words ''Thank God !"
| What contrast to the still hot monoto-
| nous days, and enervated frame What a
testimony to the power of mental excite
| nent over bodily lassitude The horse felt
my determination too, and sped along with
>ut pause or stumble 1t was seven miles
| to the station, and the black belts of timber
| rose, and passed, and came again as hur
| fied on for dear life, over Grabbed ground
| and abrupt hiIIocks. The brave old cob had
rs little thought of rest as had. Once, in
Iced, he paused at rocky crossing place,
| out Immediately resumed the swift pace al
| which we had started. Have horses intui
| tiCn or presentment | don't know but
have often wondered at the long unurged
ged gaIop of that brave gelding.
There away beyond the black darkness,
| see something that is not a star. Is it
moving, or is it the pace of the horse 1t
seems extinguished now. No, there it is
again. Hurrah, it is candle. 1t is the
homestead, calm aud peaceful. Again thank
| God.
Strange to say, never felt such a sense
! of pleasure as | did when learned that /
| mad found the house so quickly-tke most
familiar point is not easily gained in the
trackless bush at night. A minute more,
and had dismounted to take down the slip
panels of the station fence; another minute,
and had galloped up to the front entrance
at pace that dashed the gravel from the
| trim kept paths.
The door opened, and a gush of light
streamed upon the darkness, glinting ON the
sides of the reeking horse. MIR. Christmas
himself-old, but hale and vigorous as
many younger man-peered out into the
night with an expression of surprise. In
beyond, were the evidences of calm and re-
fiuement. A quiet comfort dwelt in the lit
tie glimpse | had of the room, that settled
upon me even then, rough bushman as l was
with pleasing sense. | can recall myself,
bending below the withers of the painting
horse, to peer under the rather low veran
dab, my dress wet with perspiration from
his heavy si.es, and my hand pressing the
moisture from his shoulder till heard 10
fall pattering the gravel.
Mr. Christmas thought it was his working
overseer, for he said, is that you Curran 2
and without waiting for reply, he turned
to place the lamp upon the table, and then
stepped out to where was.
"Well, Curran, what is it | thought you
were al the fire.,
sit is not Curran. sir,' replied, ''but
Ned, the shepherd. l have come to tell
YOU"
Better have your supper first, Ned
You've had hard ride, see Are the sheep
all right 2"
t'There is no time for supper Red Jim !"
hurriedIy told him all knew. He heard
me to the end without once interrupting.
and then said quickly, Come in. There it
indeed no time to lose"
stepped after him across the pleasant
L. L
reading. ~ f
Ladies" said Mr. Christmas, as grace
fully as though | held the position of gen
tleman rather than Of a servant 'this is
Ned Graham, the shepherd, to whom you
remember sending medicine and comforts.
during his Illness" The ladies bowed
pleasantly as Mr. Christmas continued, "He
is now come to return your kindness with
interest" .~.s Wr
They looked at me with surprise; prin-
cipally, think because Of the emphatic,
distinct way in which the last few words
were spoken. After a pause the master
said, ''Amelia, Emily wish to speak to
you both for a moment" ~
They all three left the room, while I, Gu
| rious III such matters, looked at the open
books that were lying on the table One
was lvanhoe; second some French work
and that opposite the old gentleman's chair,
large family Bible.
| In few minutes heard Mr.. Christmas's
step as he returned with two double bar
relied guns. There vas rigid expression
on his face, very different to what had
ever seen there before; not the sIia htest evi
dence of faltering or fear. er-
Are you cool and good shot p were
the first words he uttered.
II am, sir" l replied confidently ''Are
the guns loaded, and the ladies safe ?' 4
''They are in as safe position as l can
find for them, Ned, and the guns are loaded
with coarse shot and ball. You had better
see if the powder is well up in the nipples
| am sorry to say my caps are none Of the
best A shot missed may be death to us,
aud to those value more than myself
However we are in the hands of Cod
"What plan DO you purpose Mr.. Christ
mas p asked earnestly. -zsH
''rake half glass of brandy, and will
tell you"
/ He signed to the sideboard, where de-
canter stood, was about to follow his
suggestion, when he said, ''Stay Don't
pass between the light and the window. Go
round the table. Everything must wear
the appearance of peace. We cannot tell
where they are now, and it would not do to
arouse their suspicious
''Now," said my master slowly 'there
are only our two selves to defend my home
and my children. My servants are all alb
! sent at bush fire that was reported this
afternoon, and everything will depend up
on our GOODNESS aud determination. We can
: not do otherwise than shoot to kill. The
} gang will, of course, enter by the slip panels,
| for they will not run the risk of leaving
their horses behind. Then, as the faintesi
| noise can be heard on such night as this
they will not hazard the pulling down O
the fence. We will each take up position
e behind the large posts take sure aim, ant
e fire low. I'll fire first" iH4
AS silently as specters. we walked across
Il IN the Maddox entrance and Stond onooSif,