Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-08-19
Josh, Jsmima. and the
Wolves.

] rs he CNDIcSStl H. 4tDLA tttc SolO VI 4a9 A~s'N'
% the crown Of his foot Jenima was pretty,
to Josh; her hair, "red as the sea, large eyes,
which bad the faculty Of looking ways oppo-
! site each other at the same time, and nose
which looked as If It had been heightened by
the addition of several others.
Now GOSH had necer escorted Jemima home,
/ for she lived two miles from fleasburg. She
came to meetin' every Sabbath night, and
would walk across the fields all alone, not in
tho least afraid of the wild beasts which at that
time infested the country But enc night our
/ hero resolved 70 bear the danse company and
accordingly prepared for his nocturnal Journey.
He got his grandfathcr's horse pistol and load
ed it to the muzzle, and thrust a large butcher
knife in his bosom, which thrust didn't hurt
him much, for it was the bosom of his coat
/ \ lantern completed his " fxings."
The meeting closed, and Joshua, with Jemi-
ma leaning on lis arm, like large sourd bang
ing from tall vine, set oat for tic Pineapple
mansion.
We are in tho woods, now, Jemima," said
JOSH, as ho assisted his partner over the fence
of the last field, "and now comes the TUG of
war. III bet dime that these woods are full
Of wolves"
al think they will not attack rs; bnt il
they do, oh, Joshua, on thy arm | will rccline,
and breathe my life out sweeily there" And
she gave such a sigh that Josh started think
ing it the balf-smothcrcd growl Of a bear.
"Whst is the matter, Josh?"
ooh, nothing" And gaining new courage
at the sound of Jemima'S voice, he squeezed
her arm till she nearly screamed aloud.
Suddenly cry echoed through the woods.
"Wolyesp shouted Josh.
Bears rc-cchoed his partner.
Come, nina, let us git" And they got.
Through the woods they went, Josh really
dragging Jemima along The foe was ap-
preaching, the couple could hear bis footsteps
in the leaves, for they had wandered from the
path.
"Jcsh, can't 90 any further we must
tree it, said Jemina, as she paused for
breath.
"By gosh, we must Here is a tree with
limbs nigh hanging on the ground. Climb it,
Jcmima Here | 60. Gods If the animal
climbs the tree, what then ?" and witha bound
the terrified Josh climbed up the tree, leaving
Jamima 10 follow him or be deyourel by the
/ terrible pursucr few feet in their wake.
But Jemima was an old climber, and was
soon beside Josh, who was pcrchcd on one OF
the highest branches of the tree.
Listen Jcmima, hear the horrible thing
gnawing at the tree. It's wolves, surer'u
shootin. They will gnaw the tree dowr in
half an hour
." fear so, joshua
/ But hold, Jcmima, I've got pistol :" said
our hero, thinking for the first time that night
of bis weapon. Now, just keep still while
| shoot"
He deliberately cooked the weapon, pointed
it down through the branches where their pnr-
suer was paving amorg the leaves, and fired.
II was destructive shot, and Josh went spin
ming through the air like creased lightning
He had loaded his pistol so heavily that it
kicked him from bis perch into the jaws Of the
animal below. But fortunately he alighted
on his feet, and in an instant he was again in
the tree, hatlcss, lis red locks catching in the
branches, which cruelty tore them from bis
head.
a was a burned fool, Jcmima, to have
loaded that pistol so heavily, and it kicked me
right into the wolves mouths but thank
Moses, escaped.
Just feel my bead.
Jcmima placed her band upon Josh'S crani-
um and withdrew it, wet with gore.
That is my blood shed for you, Jemima
and am willing to shed more, dosoaed if
amt
"Can the wolves climb ?"
"Cimb like rabbits, Jemima and every
minute am looking to see them come up here
. do believe my shot killed half dozen o
them. Listen at them gnawiug. If we could
only keep them gnawing at something else be-
side the tree till daylight, We would be safe."
Maybe they are ike bears they will cal
anything you throw at them"
Well, try them 50 first here goes my
boots, Josh groped his way out on limb.
Farewell, dear boots, bran new ones, cost
eight dollars this blessed morning. Farewell
I sacrifice you to Jemima,' and the splendid
boots were soon gone.
For while The animal ceased guawius Tho
tree, aud guawed the boots Josh cursing in
wardly tic while. At last gnavipg recon-
nencel. Blast him be ain; satisfied Will
eight dollars worth Of leather, so I'll have tc
give him seventeen dollars worth Of cloth,
and away went his coat it was soon afterwarC
followed by his vest aud stockings, and JOSH
declared bis unmcntionable - raimeut would
follow the rest, at which declaration Jemim'
blushed, and said
"Oh. Joshua"
" Blast if don't, Jemima. lie spoke de-
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