Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1870-09-28
The Double Elopement.


California, and in this village dwelt DR..
Hammond and his family. They were noted
for their kind hospitality, and for the interest
they took in the general affairs of the village.
So it very often happened that their on
ly daughter, Artie, was the belle of many
little social parties. There il was that she
repeatedly met young man by the name
of Charles Cavey. and his fancy for Miss
Artie's pretty fancy blue eyes, and dark
brown curls, kept him constantly by her
side
But what was going to tell you was
this-that the Doctor had made up his
mind to spend the summer up near Lake
Tahoe, so he could have fine time hunt
ing and fishing during the heated term,
and, as matter of course, he wanted to
take his family with him, for he could not
think of leaving them down there in the ter
ribly hot weather Of the summer.
Now Artie did not like this idea at all, So,
after having good cry about it, she came
into the parlor where Mrs Hammond sat
and said:
Now, mamma, this is too bad just to
think of US going away off up into the
mountains, where we can't see anything but
Indians and sage brush. shall die, mamma,
| know L shall, If you take me away off up
there"
Il? No, my dear, said Mrs Hammond,
gently, 'and to tell the truth, Artie, shall
be glad to get you off up there where you
cant do so much running around. l am
about sick of this going all the time"
well, ] am not said Miss Artie, with
an independent toss of her pretty head as
she went off to the window. She had not
stood there long before she saw some one
coming up the little lane which led to the
house. Then she turned to her mother, and
said:
''Oh, mamma, Charley Bavey is coming
here"
''Yes, just as l expected, you cannot
think of anything but Charley Bavey, now,"
said Mrs. Hammond, as she left the room
She suon heard Artie and Charley talking
very low together, so she began to wonder
what they were saying, and finally she
went to the door to listen. She heard Charley
say:
Yes, darling, I will come with the buggy
just at dark tomorrow, so we con 20 aud
get married in short time. Your folks
woh't think of such thing until it's too
late"
But, Charley, suppose papa won't for
give US, " said Artie.
''Oh, there no danger but he will and
you II go, won't you. Artie? Only think
what heavy. lonesome life it will be with
out you, darling"
As Artie looked up into pair of very
loving hazel eyes, she smilingly said, "Yes,
Charley"
Now, good night, darling. and by this
time to morrow night, you Il be my own dar-
ling little wife. "
Saying this. Charley kissed her, and was
gone.
Now, as Mrs. Hammond had been listen
ing all the time, she heard everything Char
ley said. SO sh. said to herself, ironically,
your dear little wife by this time tomorrow
night. On, yes, we Il see about that
But when Artie came out her mother was
sitting at the table, sewing. She looked up
and asked:
well, Artie, has Charley gone so soon ?"
YES, mamma" was all Artie said, as she
left the room.
The next day passed off at last, and just
at dark buggy drove up to the front
gate.
Now" thought Mrs. Hammond, "Tll
show them 4 trick that's worth two of
them"
So she put on Artie's cloak and hat and
ran down to the gate. A gentleman very
CALAMITY helped her into the buggy, but
never spoke d word.
WELL" thought she, hes afraid to
speak for fear Artie's father and mother
would hear him. Ahem -
So away they went, and Mrs Hammond
sat there thinking what a nice trick she had
played on Artie by running off with Charley.
Then she began to wonder if this was the
way he treated Artie when they went out
riding; and next, what would the doctor
say2 But what puzzled her most was tb at
they were going in the opposite direction
from what she had expected. So at last
she said
''Well, Charley, hadn't We better &c
home?'
Imagine her surprise to hear the doctor
voice answer her:
what! Maggie, is that you2 What in
the name of all that's good, bad, and indif
ferent, are you doing here?''
"Oh, doctor, | thought it was Charley =
"Well, I'd like to know where you were
going with Charley at this time of night?
"Well, the fact of it is, Maggie. as sa
on the porch last evening, overheard Char
ley and Artie talking about running off tt
get married, so thought I'd just save
Charley the truble, and take Artie out for
ride. began to think she was keeping
very still"
Doctor" said Mrs. Hammond, that i
just what heard, and my object in goins
with Charley was the same as yours was i,
taking Artie off.