The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1871-07-29
misrelIamp.
A DAT AS A HICKMAN.

'helEn no, McCreer! w nat In the woriu are
you swearing about so furiously? 2" asked, en-
amid a volley of oaths that might have
checked his satanic majesty.
'Oh good morning." replied the man; Eek.
cuse me, MIR. Morris. l was talking rather too
strong, perhaps but the fact is, am in a des.
perate straight. You see, Mr.. Elmore's horses
are both sick, and he wants me to let him have
my best span and coach Immediately. Well, the
dapples are the best, and to my eye better than
his own; but there's not a man belonging to my
stables dare drive them but Cary, and he is
down with the fever. The other horses are all
out or engaged. and I don't know what the"
"There, there" said l, mo oaths. I have no.
thing on hand, and l really believe should like
to play hackman for a day in New York"
Surely, Mr.. Morris, you are joking" ejaculat-
ed the man in amazement.
"No, am in earnest" for the idea was so nov.
ell that /, a lover of adventure, became every
moment more determined to try it.
Il am in earnest, Mr.. McGreer, say no more
about it. You know I can manage anything.
just have them hltched up. Now leave me in
the office for moinent-but stop don't let the
men know who am, and by the way-I almost
forgot it-have our team sent around in about
an honr."
Left alone, proceeded to alter my appearance
as much as possible, assuming the haoiliments
d
of the higher grade. The metamorphosis was
hardly completed when Mr.. McGreer entered.
"Mr. Nor"
Michael, ye name" interrupted, "sure there
is no reason that should be cheated out of
name."
We both laughed and received congratula.
tions upon making good son of Erin.
Stepping out of the office, mounted the box,
gathered up the reins and was off, The horses
....n- l..A IL ~ =
trim by the time stopped before Mr.. Elmore's
residence. 1t may be we'll to state, Grace Ell.
more was not the least inducement for assuming
any present position. All winter she had been a
dream.idol of mine, or rather half one, for
could not really decide which preferred, Grace
or Maude do Morris, young French lady, who
WAS spending the winter in New York with her
parents. Both were bewitching, and enbrac.
ed every opportunity of being with either.
Springiug from the box, rang the bell, and
presently assisted Miss Gilmore and her two
friends into the carriage.
The day was warm for March, and the four
windows were open-Grace sitting on the seat
nearest me-
Round the pleasant streets, driver Any.
where for ride" che SAID
We started, and for quarter of an hour the
ladies chit.chat was Of no account to me, when
suddenly Miss Fannie exclaimed:
by the way, Grace, rumor says you are en-.
gagged to George Morris, and the solitaire on
your fore finger seems to confirm it.
"Rumor honors me-" was the reply.
"NOw, Grace" chimed in third lady, stop
your nonsense, and tell rs canddly, are you en-.
gagged 7"
''Well, I'm arranged before court for some
terrible crime, and commanded to answer, guilty
or not guilty Y-is that it ?' was the half laugh.
ing, half annoyed response.
NO" replied the third lady, "only to crafty
friendly curiosity"
all l wish ; but this much will acknowledge
the ring you mentioned did once belong to Geo.
Norris"
Was there ever such an abominable falsehood
told, every word of which is true T thought
angriy, as heard the comments upon my mon.
ey person, parents, 80. That girl had led them
to suppose that we were engaged, and there is q
ring to prove it-a ring she took from me in
sport, few evenings since, and which intend.
ed to recover upon our next meeting. Well,
there is one thing certain, Grace Elmore will
never be my wife. could not trust such
schener My resolution was strengthened when
heard her say in confidential undertones, to the
one lady, Miss Fannie having been left at her
own house:
II have. of course, no feeling in the matter,
only a school girls love; but think that
George would make q most desirable husband,
while his wealth. with my own, will place us
above any change of fortune Then he is very
handsome. and l have decided to take him. I
don't think 1 could do much better"
"Pity l have not arrived at o similar conclu.
sion," was my mental sarcasm.
just then she called atfectionately "home,
driver
Willingly did place her on the carriage steps
and then turn towards the stables.
"By Jove! l wish could have as good
chance to Maude de Norris" calculated, as
drove up to my station. McGreer was waiting tor
me. There was grey.haired gentleman with
him. but McGreer stepped aside and asked me if
l objected to gong fruther, Mt the same time
overpowering me with thanks; and saying if
the horses were cooled down he could give them
to some else
NO. no." replied quickly, for was DESTROYS
of learning more of humanity. II will keep
my place for the present; send me where you
choose" Turning to the gentleman, McGreer
bowed and said, "Mr. Lancey, this carriage is at
your disposal
In Mr.. Lancey recognized a worthy mer.
chant, though not we'll known in higher circles,
his means placed him only with those who were
in very good circumstances.
"Where?" l inquired, as he entered the car.
risge
"To - street, north SIDE"
quiet, easy little place it proved to be-a
three story brick, new and handsome, though
lacking elegance. Here the gentleman alighted,
returning in short time, accompanied by a
Young girl Of, I should Judge, some nineteen
years, whom he addressed as Maggie. Her rich
brown hair Was curled neatly at the back of her
head. and the soft violet looking hazel eyes were
the most enchanting that ever met my gaze