National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1872-07-19
In Search Of the picturesque.


lage where we were to due, and after
driving through the barren, sandy pub.
lie square, we reached the hotel, and
were ushered into large room light
ed by eight window guiltless Of either
blinds or curtains, whore mn army
Of flies buzzed joyously, Ten wooden
chairs, centretable, and II spittoon
composed the furniture, while the
"Fathcr of his Country" nd IS. t.
1s60.-X. Plantation Bit, rs' adorned
the walls. On the ringing of huge
bell we went to the dining-room, where
the long table svas already flied with
people engaged in handto-hand-con-
test with the dishes.
Porksteak, beefstcak, fried ham and
eggs" said the ringleted damsel at our
elbow.
Beefsteak," said our grandfather
"and, my good girl, bring us some fresh
boiled eggs, and little honey in the
comb"
ave amt got any eggs, sir, except
some from Marathon to-day, but they
haven't come. We don't keep honey
but have some first-rate JAM"
"Well, well, never mind; pitcher
of milk, then
"We've got no milk, sir milk is
scarce out here but l can get cobbler
or julep at the bar
1--WE are still too near the city,
my dears," said grandfather, as we
drove away, "By evening trust we
shall leave the turmoil far behind us, and
enter the real Arcadia"
On we journeyed, and the broad road
heightened out before us in endless mo-
notony. 1t ran with mathematical pre-
cision from one town to another, and
when we reached the summit of small
elevation we could trace its white lire
straight before us as far as the eye
could reach. On either side, shut in by
zigzag fences, were corn and wheat
faces and ours with the persistent blaze
of cloudless June day. The light top
of the carriage, extending over the back
seat, afforded some protection to Sue
and myself, but poor grandfather SIM
mered III front and mopped his face in
silence. About four o'clock we came to
wayside Inn.
1--WE will stop here and rest few
moments said grandfather. Perhaps
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: evil you bring us pitcher of
iced milk ?"
eve don't sell milk here" replied
the boy, with profound stare.
"No, suppose your customers seldom
call for it but these ladies would like a
glass with lump of ice"
But we amt got any at all. We sell
it all in Marathon"
Have you any buttermilk, then ~
"No; we don't keep buttermilk.
"Any cider
"No we don't keep that either"
"What in the name of Andrew jack
son do you keep ?" asked my thirsty an
cestor, testify
"1he best lager made in Marathon /;
it came out by the rails this morning"
II have never tasted this modern
beverage, Priscilla, but will now VEN
ture, as it is all they have" said grand
father, handing me- the reiAs.
Tanning himself vigorously with his
hat, he disappeared into the house, leav
ing the boy reclining upon his bench
with easy grace. After Il pause tins
youth opened conversation
"Fine day, ma'am."
Yes, l replied, "but rather warm"
"Itll be deal hotter before it gets
through. say, have you got any pills +"
"What asked in establishment.
"Any pills for fever. mayer or liver
complaint %
"What can he mean ?" exclaimed Sue.
"Why, you're patent medicine agents,
amt you? They always go through the
country with horses instead Of taking
the cars. There was one along last week
had his women folks with him, and his
medicines under his back seat. ="
eve are not agents, replied we
are travelling for pleasure"
"For what %
For pleasure"
AT this juncture grandfather appeared,
and we drove away, followed by the Gu
riosity Of the pill consuming boy, who
even left his bench and advanced to the
middle of the road, shading his eyes
with his hand to gaze after the singular
beings who were travelling for "pleas-
ure,
4 -.