The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-06-08
With me. Yet l could not definitely trac

over fields and meadows; that when ABOUT
to lay hands on, she would elude my grasp
with merry laugh. How long l might
have dreamt | cannot tell, but was sud-
denly aroused by the stopping of the coach,
and the yell of the driver, ''Columbus"
As became fairly conscious, 1 turned to
see where my fellow-passengers were.-
They were gone; but upon the walk in
front of the hotel where we had stopped, l
saw the lady about whom had been puz-
zling my brain, in the arms of a tall,
eavy-bearded man, smiles Of undisguised
pleasure playing upon both faces.
"Husband and wife, l mentally ejacu-
lated; "my future employer"
Not caring to remain at the hotel where
| the coach stopped, inquired Of one of the
! loungers at the door, as to the locality
where the contemplated newspaper was to
be published. Having learned this, | set
out to find it, which l did. There were no
indication that anything had been done
toward pushing on the enterprise, as the
building seemed to be deserted. Entering
it, all the doors being unlocked found
the first floor Uttered with machinery,
thrown promiscuously together-parts OF
hand-press, mixed up with parts of Rug
giles upside-down jobber. Going up stairs
fonnd the same chaotic state of affairs
Cases, stands, boxes of type, some open,
some broken, as if done purposely by the
negroes who had carried the material in. l
felt discouraged and heartily sick of my
prospects. AS stood, like topographic
Marius, looking upon the ruins. 1 was
startled by step and a voice?'
els this Mr.. Ransom?'
l turned and beheld the gentleman who
had taken away the lady passenger Of the
stage coach, holding out his band by way
of welcome.
eyes, Sir" returned. "Colonel Dav-
ids, presume.
At your service;" and, without wait
ing for rejoinder, continued: "This is
terrible mess! | am sorry, Mr.. Ransom,
that we have not everything in good order;
but whatever help you may want to get
matters straight, don't be afraid to seek it.
By the way, 1have engaged two young fell
lows. printers, to come here and help you.
If they suit you, keep them; if not, act
your own way. l want you to suit your
self in all mechanical arrangements that
may be made. But you must be tired by
the long ride you have had. 1t is long
journey. You will feel better in the morn
ing, however. Let us 60 down to the
hotel. l will arrange matters there to suit
you. Come along"' and without waiting
for an appeal, he led the way.
The colonel spoke rapidly and in 4 sort
of disconnected way; yet there was tone
of gentility in his manner and speech that
spoke of good-breeding. He was very TALL
slender, yet graceful in his movements;
but the most attractive feature of the man
was the head, which was massive. and in
dicative of powerful mind His dark
gray eyes, while kindly expressive, never
theless bespoke will that could not be
conquered
Upon arriving at the hotel, whittier l
had accompanied him, the colonel as he
with the landlord, and then turning to me,
said:
"Mr. Ransom, Mr. Walker will take
good care of you. May Iexpect you in the
morning?'
Upon my assuring him that l would be
at work on the following morning, he babe
me Good afternoon" and went off.
The hotel keeper was no exception to the
class who cater to the traveller in country
towns. So soon as the colonel disappeared
he turned to me, and, with confidential
wink, said
"The kurnel is a queer man. l reckon
you be going into the newspaper office with
him ~
YES" l replied.
"You know General Taylor, / reckon ~
s'No, l have not that honor" l returned.
"Well, the coloners great friend of Old
Zach's. Was through the Mexican war
with him. If he's 'lected Ireckon kur mel
Davids won't be left out in the cold.'
81 know very little about these matters,
Mr.. Walker" REPLIED observing that he
was determined upon drawing me into a
conversation. GAS I am very tired, I
would be obliged to you if you would show
me to my room.'.
Being really fatigued by the long ride
and the constant ,olting to which had
been subjected IN the stage coach, sought
my couch, and was soon sound asleep.
On the following morning went to the
Office, and found the two young men, of
whom the colonel had spoken, waiting for
me. We went to work in earnest, and soon
had the room cleared, and the stands put
up. The work of "laying" the type, put
ting up the hand press, etc, kept us en-
ployed for the next three days.
On Saturday afternoon, the thirteenth
day of August, 1S4S, had the office in
complete order for beginning work. Hav-
ing cot the chases on the stone, and the
heading of the paper, Columbus Wig, and
the head, column, and date rules in posi-
ton, l asked Colonel Davids, who stood
by. watching with evident interest the
work going on, if he had selected motto
for his journal.
81 never gave the subject thought"
he replied. But come into my room for
a few minutes, and we will decide upon
one''
| followed him into his.sanctum, an Gle
gantly furnished little room, and found a
number Of gentleman present, canvassing
prospects of old Rough and Ready's"
election.
Senator" said the colonel, addressing
q stout, torid-faced man, who sat tilted
back in his chair, and with his feet resting
on the side of the window, I'VE want
motto for our paper. Sit down, Mr.. Ran
som;' turning to me and handing chair
"What shall it be -
"Wel, colonel" said the senator, 81
am not an adept at such matters; but prob
ably our learned friend Blake can dig us a
pearl from that oyster he calls his brain?'
This was said with an ironical look in the