The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-04-07


at every taverH and cabin for news of
him. One old man remembered him
well; another pointed out the danger
Gus place in the road leading past a
precipice to a man of his lost friends
description, but at that point the clue
was lost. After much travel and many
inquiries our comrades began to fear
that they should have paused to exam
inc the rocks and ravines at the foot OF
the precipice alluded to ere they pro-
ceeded further, and determined to turn
back and do so. They came to this reso-
luton about nightfall, and just as they
reached the borders of little farm.
which bore evidence of careful tillage,
Upon this land also stood farm house;
from the crevices in the shutters OF
which streamed long bans of ruddy
lamp-light, and whence the sound Of
music was plainly heard. 1t was the
only dwelling within sight.
We will stay here" said one friend
to another, "until dawn, and then re-
turn"
That the house was not an inn did not
matter to either of them. Hospitality
was never refused in the land to any one
at that day.
They rode boldly up to the gate and
gave loud halloo. In an instant the
door opened, and they could see within
a sudden panic in a lively dance, as all
! heads turned to see what had caused
this interruption.
4" Can you let us sleep here tonight ?"
inquired one Of the friends, as one asks
who fears no refusal.
Certainly, gentlemen" said pleas
ant voice. You're welcome. You'll
find a stable there, and corn for your
horses. Our man Jack is on the floor to-
night; but here is a lantern if you'll
tend to YOURSELF
"All right, stranger said Harry, land
thank you, too"
And the two men led their horses into
stable, already full. Ned watered
them and secured them for the night,
and would have left the place at once;
but that one of the animals attracted
Harry's attention. He turned back to
look at him examined him from head
to foot, turned red and pale. and sud
denly cutched Neds arm.
you remember the horse we bought
for Charles Chester?" he asked.
Yes" said Ned.
Look at the fellow" said Harry.
Yes, the very one. The star on his
forehead, the scar on his foreleg, the
color, the height Ned, it's Charleys
horse -
1t is the horse" said Ned, slowly.
Harry, if Charley had lived to 90, and
his horse would have gone with him."
"The owner of this animal may know
all we need TO hear" said Harry. st
won't be good news, Ned"
Ned shook his head, and sadly and
slowly the men went toward the house.
! They found the dancing at It's height,
and that this was the homecoming Of
the farmers bride-a pretty young wo-
man, with rosy cheeks and sparkling
eyes, of whom the stalwart bridegroom
seemed very fond and proud.
Sit down, strangers" said the old
man near the door; " You've come at
merry time, and don't get much atten-
ton. Ny son is just the happiest fellow
! out, believe-got no eyes for nobody
but that gal. You see they've been
waitin quite spell, and he had no
! luck, none at all, and it seemed he'd
got to give it up; but six months back
! he had streak. Wonderful Elk
! planned it, but | don't remember so he
sends for her and me from Connecticut
She's an orphan gal, and soon as the
school term was oversize was teaching
We know-she come. This is their warm
ing, and them's the neighbors. They
all like Ike. lkes good fellow-a real
good fellow, though | say it. Take a
nip, stranger-don't be afraid of the jug.
I'll fill it again. Why, what ails your
dog?"
The dog left outside was bowling
rather fearfully.
" Wants to come in perhaps said
Ned Z" but it mighn't be agreeable to
the ladies'
" Bring him in, said the old man; but
the dog wouldn't come.
He stood beside patch Of grass in
the garden, bowling woefully, and
scratching and tearing with all his
might. Leave the spot he would not,
and the friends, as they saw him, and
remembered the horse in the stable,
felt the blood curdle in their veins.
Whose horse is that with a white
star on the forehead and "A scar on his
fore leg-a handsome brown horse, with
wonderful eyes p whispered Harry to
to the old man.
"That's my sons horse said the old
man.
"Where did he buy p asked the
other.
"Don't know" said the old man
laughing childishly. Come to him
with the rest of good luck, six month:
ago
Again the dog outside began to howl
Again the friends felt cold chills creep
over them.
"Where are we to Sleep" asked Ed
ward of the old man. We don't want
supper-wc need rest"
I'll show you said tile old man
"The house will be full tonight, but
you'll not mind roughing it,"
And he led the way to an upper
room, where a rude bed was already
spread.
just lie down here, strangers" he
said. " There's blanket, if you are
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