Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-12-24
readers, but the night is growing apace
and let US all peacefully rest.
CHAPTER II.
TIE COMMITTEE.

Iowa and adjoining counties so favorably
contrast with the morotonous prairies of
our sister State. The merry jingle of the
sleighbeIls and shouts of joyous laughter
tell the story of night of winter enjoy
ment out of doors; but let Us, dear read
err, draw rein at this comfortable looking
house on our right, from the windows OF
which the lights shine so cheerfully. This
is the residence of the Grundys, and we
are certain Of welcome There is some
thing very exciting on the tapis here TO-
night. So, let us enter.
Three persons form the center of the
family group-Uncle John FROM Avoca,
Aunt Mary from Arena and Cousin Jennie
from Mineral Point Their advent is al
ways looked forward to, by all, as time
Of general rejoicing, especially on the part
of the young folks, as the two former al
ways remember" them, and Jennie is an
acknowledged favorite everywhere. I'm
Gle John was an active Indian fighter in
the pioneer days of our country, and has
fund of anecdotes which he never fails
to introduce to the attention of any who
will listen. lie is now telling of the cause
of his lameness, which all suppose was
from a gunshot wound received in battle
none but the old folks" having up to
this time been undeceived.
"Ons night" said he, short time
previous to the Battle of Tippecanoe, /
was detailed for picket duty. There had
been Indian signs for some time, and the
most experienced of those on duty were
chosen for scouts. I was picked out on
this occasion, and, armed with my rifle
and knife. started from the camp, where
afterward occurred the celebrated battle
where Col. johnson didn't kill Tecumseh.
The night was dark, and tell you it made
me feel queerish to know that every tree
or stump might hide bloodthirsty Indian;
but knew my rifle was true, and that |
should probably meet none but single
scout within that short distance of cur
camp. So, seated myself on the trunk
of fallen tree, and was intently listening
for some sound to betray the presence OF
an enemy, when suddenly sight greeted
my eyes that made my heart jump into my
throat. l was on duty, and shot from
my rifle would alarm the camp; but there,
within few feet of me. standing as if pre-.
pared for an encounter, was huge bear.
A dozeE Indians would not have so star
tied me, and thoughtless of consequence,
| hurriedly emptied my rife into his body,
and. turning, fled toward camp The fact
is, / was panic-struck. On the way was a
rail fence which in my haste attempted
to leap, but failed and there is where |
received the shot which has since made
me lame" f.#'tLA
And what had rail fence to do with
shooting your said Cousin Jennie.
"Why," answered Uncle John, +" the
fact is was not shot, but only run a Knot
hole in mig kuee. In jumping the fence l
struck protruding knot with such force
as to make what resembled bullct-hole.
The same party that picked me up in the
morning discovered that my bear was
only a black hog had strolled away from
camp. And now hope you are satisfied
Satisfied y says Aunt Mary; Eyes
more than satisfied. You might have
kept the story to yourself, for the honor Of
the family-for it is an'honor to shed ones
blood for his country, provided he doesn',
lose too much"
"But what about this Christmas bust
ness?" cries Harry. PRS
Eyes! what about Christmas p from
the younger portion of the group.
"Well," says his mother, as too many
cooks spoil the broth. in regard to holiday
matters you must allow me to appoint the
committee of arrangements. So, Harry
you can saddle Charley, and go to Thral
& Sons and get those boots and shoes
your pa, ordered. Hurry back. Uncle
John, you can have no idea how cheap they
sell at that store, or what excellent work
they do. 1t gets old fashioned before il
wears out. And Mr.. G. saves freight tc
Chicago by selling all his hides aud pelts
to them. And you, Carrie"
AT this moment the conversation is
interru oted by the ringing of the door
bell, followed by the entrance of young
man of prepossessing appearance, who
is greeted cordially, and introduced as Mr.
Richard Clanc. -.
cit being such a beautiful night, and
the sleighing so fine," says he, that
thought would call and request the pleas
ure Of Miss Carries comp"
Yes, Carrie" says Mr.. Grundy, lyon
may accompany Mr.. Clane for ride, pro
vided he will call at P. Lawrence's book.
store and get the books and papers spoke
about. You see, Dick, that take it for
granted you are going to Mineral Point, as
that road is the best" E7. 3s.
Carrie disappears to hide her bushes
the proviso is agreed to, and but a few mo.
moments elapse bef,re the chatter of bells
announces the departure of the couple,
who, if appearances can be relied upon,
are both worshipers at the shrine of the
"And you, Hattie" resumes Mrs. g.,
''can go and practice the music you bought
at Lawrence's store the other day, while
Mary can 60 with you and play an accom-.
paniment on that Singer we got Of Mr..
Wrigglesworth at the CHRoaIcLE. office,
which will hem, fell, tuck, or gather, but
will not rip. Bythe-by, Mary, you may
hem those you know-things for Dot
aud Dick And, Tom" rdgfst ,,.,i- 7r
But Tom was not visible. He saw he
was not wanted, and the the buzz of his
lathe might have been heard for the past
half hour. ae nT .Ffto'