Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1872-07-11
In Search OF the Picturesque.

| In Search OF the Picturesque.
Toward moon we approached tn,
| village where we were to dine, ant
after driving through a barren, sand,
public square we reached the hotel
and were ushcred into a large room
lighted by eight windows guil,les:
of either blinds or curtains, where q,
army OF flies buzzcd joyously. Tel
wooden chairs, centre table, and :
spittoon composed the furniture
while the Father OF his Country and
IS. T.-1S60.-N. Plantation Bitters
adorned the wall. On the ringing o.
a hugo bell we went to the dining
room, where the long table was al
ready filled with people engaged in
hand.to hand conflict with the dish.
es.
'Pork-steak, bcef.steak, fried ham
aud eggs said the ringletcd dansel
at our elbows.
Beet steak said grandfather, and,
my good girl, bring lis some fresh
boiled eggs, and 4 little honey in the
comb
I'VE amt got any eggs, Sir, except
what's on the ham; we expected
some from Marathon to-day. but
they have Mt come. We do Mt keep
honey, but here's some tirst-rate
JAM
We'll. well, never mind, pitcher
of milk, then
we We got no milk, Sir; milk is
scarce ont here; but l can get You
cobbler or julep at the bar
sWe are still too near the city, my
dears.' said grandfather as we drove
away. by evening l trust we shall
leave the turmoil far behind US, and
enter the real Arcadia
On we iourneyed, and the broad
road heightened out before us in end
less monotony. 1t ran with mathe-
matical precision from one town to
another, and when we reached the
summit of small elevation we could
trace its white line straight before us
as far as the eye could reach. On
either side, shut in by zigzag fences,
were corn and wheat fields, and the
hot sun burned their faces and ours
with the persistent blaze of a cloud
less June day. The light top of the
carriage extending over the back
seat, afforded some protection to Sue
and myself, but poor grandfather
simmered in front. and moppea his
face in silence. About four o'clock
we came to way side inn.
We will stop here and rest few
moments said grandfather. Per
haps some iced milk would refresh
you.-Here, Sir he called out to
half.grown youth who, with his hat
drawn over his eyes, was lounging on
a bench at the door will you bring
us pitcher of iced milk 2
we do MT sell milk here replied
tile boy, with prolonged stare.
NO, suppose your customers sell
dom call for it; but these ladies
would like a glass with a lump Of
Ice
But we amt got any at all. We
sell it all in Marathon
Have you any huttermilk, them
No; we do TT keep buttermilk.
amy cider?'
No; we do mt keep that either
what in the name OF Andrew
Jackson do you keep asked my
thirsty ancestor, testify.
The bes: lager made in Marathon;
it came out by rail this morning.
i have never tasted this modern
beverage, Priscilla but | will now
venture, as it is all they have said
grandfather. handing me the reins.
Tanning himself vigorously with
his hat, ne disappeared into the
house, leaving the boy reclining on
his bench with easy grace. After
pause this youth opened converse
ton:
Fine day, MAN.
Yes replied, but rather warm
it'll be cal hotter before it gets
through. say, have you got any
pills p
WHAT l asked, in astonishment.
ANY pills or powders for teyer-na-
ger or liver complaint .
What can he mean?' exclaimed
Sue.
Why, you re patent-medicine
agents amt you? They always trav-
Ell through the country with horses
instead of taking the cars. There
was one along last week who had his
women folks with him, and his mcdl-
cines under the back seat
we are not agents, replied; I'VE
are travelling for pleasure
For what ?
For pleasure
At this juncture grandfather ap-
peared, and we drove away, followed
by the dull curiosity of the pill-con-
suming boy, who even left his bench
and advanced TO the middle of the
road, shading his eyes with his hand
to gaze alter the singular beings who
were travelling for 'pleasurc.'-I Con
STANCE +. WooLsoN, in Xsrpeys alag
a-ine for July.