The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1872-11-26
MISCELLANY.
CAUGHT IN A PRAIRIE STORM.

ssPrairies The very name can make me
SILVER When covered with snow they are
trackless as is the ocean to an unskilled navi-
gator. i would about as soon cross the Sahara
without guide as to try to get over the
snowy plains of the West and Northwest. The
real fright | once had in one of these tracts,
sir, was bad enough to serve me for life
time''
ssTell us about it, captain.
"Wel don't mind. My Uncle Dan and
his family were staying at the D. settlement,
for he had taken the Western fever, and they
were out there. Uncle Dan was always
speculator-though he did manage to line his
pockets we'll He purchased a vast tract of
land at d. with an eye, it must have been, to
such promises as were held out to Abraham of
old; for acres and acres of this land he could
never utilize, though later he might sell it
again to personal advantage. was out help
ing him. The family consisted of his wife,
two grown-up daughters and two young sons,
and there was niece, Cordelia. From the
first moment saw Cordelia Bardwell thought
a great deal of her. Perhaps that's why |
staid in the uncivilized place.
"sRolfe,' said Uncle Dan, one morning in
the latter part of the winter, it looks like
fine day, does it not p
Clear and bright, sir, | believe
'"Aye, likely to last. What say you to
taking Brown Bess and going to Bingley's
Mills for mel?
"'I will go with pleasure, Uncle Dan.
"sThe weather may break up any week.
now, Rolfe, and must have the lumber ready
to come down the river as far as the forks with
the freshets. There's master lot to go down
next season, and we shall have vast deal of
teaming to bring it over here from the Forks
But, Rolfe, know it will be good speeula-
ton. By erecting number of cheap substan-
tial buildings on sections of my land, can
advertise and sell first rate
"sWell, sir, / am ready to go over to Bing-
ley's Mills for you, and make what arrange
ments you please about the timber
$3.50, Hector boy, go out and get the mare
harnessed'
"sUncle Dan, may l go to Bingleys Mills,
too9' cried pleading, pretty voice, as Hector
leaped off on his errand.
81 could hardly believe my ears. The voice
was Cordelas.
"'The child must be crazy = cried out aunt
do you know the length of the journey,
Delia?'
'e'It's lovely day, aunt. 1t won't hurt
me-
"sYes. it is a lovely day, MOTHER SO clear
and calm cried one of the other girls-Myra,
ti,ink--with quite an eager tone, and poor
Della never goes anywhere.
1eThat was trne but still felt astonished.
Later knew that it was kind Of conspiracy.
The girls all wanted to get some trustworthy
person to the post Office at Bingleys Mills to
post letters and get some that were laying
there, not intended for papa and mamma to
read.
al really don't know why Della should not
CO. said the unsuspicious, gocd-natured uncle.
you will be sure to take care of her, Rolfe?
"tFll try to. SIR
$50 in less than half an hour from the time
it was first mentioned, was gathering up the
reins, and Brown Bess was tossing her head
until the bells jingled merrily,
"sIt's royal travelling called out Uncle
Dan, as we started. Don't be out too late,
weather lately, and
"The rest was lost in the cronching of the
crusty snow, and the ping, ping, ping of the
cup-shaped bells.
ss4This is an unexpected honor, Miss Cor
delia,' began, as the sleigh went smoothly
along.
sssSusan and Almira voted me their minis
ter plenipotentiary, she responded, coldly.
81 and Cordelia--who was no blood relation