Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-04-12

over which he had journeycd alone. To doubt
him never entered their minds. They must
discover his fate, and if it were what they
supposed, avenge him.
So one bright morning, well mounted. we'll
armed, and followed by favorite dog. a
hound who would by no means be left be-
hind, the t57o set forth in search of their
lost eomrade. They took the road he must
have taken, and asked at every tavern and
cabin for news of him. One old man re-
tnembered him well; another had pointed
out the dangerous place in the road leading
past precipice to a man of their lost friend
description, bat at that point tie clue was
lost. After much travel and many inqui-
ries, our comrades began to fear that they
should have paused to examine the rocks
and ravines at the foot of the precipice allu-
ded to, ere they proceeded further, and de-
termined to turn back and do So. They
came to this resolution about nightfall, and
Just as they reached the borders of little
farm, which bore evidence of careful tillage.
Upon this land stood also a farmhouse,
from the crevices in the shutters of which
streamed long bars of riddy lamplight, and
whence thssound of musicwas plainly heard.
1t was the only dwelling within sight.
1--WE will stay here said one friend to
the other, until dawn and then return
That the house was not an inn did not
matter to either of them Hospitality was
never refused ir the land at that day.
They rode boldly mp to the gate and gave
loud halloa. In an instant the door open
ed, and they could see within sudden pan
ic in lively dance, as all Heads turned to
see what had caused this interruption.
Can you let US sleep here to night, in
quired one of the friends, as one asks who
fears no refusal.
Certainly, gentlemen, said pleasant
voice. You re welcome. You II find
stable there, and corn for your horses. Our
man Jack is on the floor to night, but here's
a lantern if you'll tend to yourselves
''All right, stranger, said Harry, 'and
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 him, examined him
from head to foot turned red and pale, and
Suddenly clutched Ned's arm.
You remember the horse We bought for
Charles Chester, he asked.
Yes" said Ned.
Look al the fellow said Harry. Yes,
the very one The star on his forehead, the
scar on his fore-leg, the color, the height,
Ned. its Charley's horsel"
1T is the horse, said Ned, slowly. ''Har-
~. if Charley had lived to ge, his horse
would have gone with him
The owner of this animal may know all
We need to hear said Harry. 1T won't
be good news. Ned. -
Ned shook his heal, and sadly ana slowly
Tbs men went toward the house. They found
the dancing at its height, and that this wa
the homecoming of the farmers bride, 2
pretty young woman with rosy cheeks and
sparkling eyes, of whom the stalwart bride
eroon seemed very fond and proud.
sit down, strangers" said an old man
near the door. You We come at merry
time, and won't get much attention. My
son is jest the happiest fellow out, believe.
You see they've been waitin' quite a spell
and he had no luck, none at all, and it seem
ed he d got to give up; but six months back
he had streak Wonderful explained it,
but | don't remember, so lie sends for
her aud me from Connecticut She's an
was oversize was teaching, ye know-she
come. This is their house warming, and
them's the neighbers. They all Ike Ike.
Ike's good fellow-a real good fellow,
though say it Take nip, strangers
don be afraid of the jug. I'll illit again.
Why, what ails your dog?
The dog left outside was howliug rather
fearfully
Wants to come in. perhaps, said Ned,
but it migbtn't be agreeable to the la
dies.
Bring him in. said the old man; but
the dog would not come.
He stood beside patch of grass ID the
garden bowling wofully, and scratching ard
tearing With all his might Leave the spot
he would not, and the friends, as they saw
him, and remembe bered the horse in the sta
bic, felt the blood curdle in their veins.
''Whose horse is that with whits scar on
his foreleg-a handsome brown horse with
wonderful eyes p whispered Harry to the
old man.
That my sons horse, said the old
man.
Where did he buy it p asked the other.
Don't know, said the old man, Laughs
ing childishly. Come TO him with the
rest of his good luck six months ago"
Again the dog outside began to howl
Again the friends felt cold chills creep over
them.
Where are we to sleep?'' asked Edward
Of the old man. I'VE don't want supper
We need rest.
i'I Il show you" said the old man. ''The
house will be full to night, but you'll not
mind roaghing it.
And he led the way to an upper room