The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-11-16
@iserilanp.
HOVrCAME TO GET MARRIED
AN ON PIoNEER's STORY.

Lsd in Ohio" said the old pioneer, % he shook
with suppressed emotion, but whether of . sad
or pleasant nature could lot be ascertained in
the dim light o; the fireplace.
"Let US hear your yarn" We suggested, with
Q reportorial eye to an item for considers
ton in dull season.
30, it amt any yarn, assure you," said tho
old man, as he chuckled and grinned, until
glacial movement of tobacco juice started from
each corner of his mourn and pushed its way
down to the wrinkles that led to his stubble.
covered chin below. shut the door theresa
mother cant hear what's going Oh, and Will
tell 49,, Nv : .,-...~ :. r.: - sried.
We complied with his request, and after stor.
ing away fresh supply of the weed "that
cheers but don't ipebrlate," re drew his chair
close to us and commenced:
ut was in the year 1850 that came to Cleve.
land, and became employed in hardware store
on Superior street. hid spent all nay previous
life on a farm, and had become tired Of rsnping
around over the pastures foddering cattle and
sheep in the winter, and working still harder in
the summer. 1 won't say snything about the
difficulties I experienced in getting employment
upon my arrival in the oity. nor how tried
every place in the town before | could fu0
boarding place that suited me, until became
acquainted with widow lady who kept few
boarders on what is now known as Euclid
avenue.
"My landlady was accomplished, and had svi.
IDENTIFY seen batter DAYS, but the death Of her
husband had left her in reduced circumstances.
She hid two daughters, both lively, intelli gent,
and possessed o. graces that only come from
association witt he better class Of society. They
were o; extremely gay disposition, and had
not been at the house a month before was hope.
lessly in love with Fanny, the eldest, and I
thought at times her manner towards me was
tender and encouraging. She carefully avoided
giving me an opportunity to be alone with her
long enough to declare my passion.
THE winter had nearly passed without find.
ing me any further advanced in my suit. until
one night In February, after a heavy fall of
SNOW, I askei Fanny to take sleigh ride with
me, to which she consented, and after tea tea
procured as housekeeping pair Of horses as
could be found in the city, drove up TO the house
OF nv affinity, and IN a few minutes we were
whrlius away out on the Cleveland and Medina
turnpike. had taken that road partly because
it led towards my old home, and also owing to
its being less Travelled at night than the other
thoroughfares leading from the city, and we
were not likely to be interrupted in oar ride or
conversation. The night was just cool enough
TO make II necessary to place my arm around
my companion, the horses were risky, and the
moon shone with that peculiar light which is
preferred by )o"ero - a.. others, unless it be,
that Of parlor lamp turned down 30 low that
aB an illuminator il is nearly useless.
Through Brooklyn township we whirled out
into tho country, where the lights from the farm
houses became more scattered and the baying of
watch dog was the only sound heard Fanny,
who had previously sung laughed and chatted
merriy Oh our ride, now became quiet. AS we
came 10 4 rise in the road that disclosed level
strip two miles in length before us, said to my.
ciF p.G a. Il x1o~
view, viii settle my fate, and 20 home hap.
pier or Ilg.- miserable man.
"Hrdly had come to this conclusion before
heard peculiar rushing sound behind US, and
looking around could see f3ck Of sheep com,ng
at fu.A ~ea .oWalda Va, and behind them two
or three dogs, which accounted for the fright of
the sheep which would doubtless run for miles
before stopping, and cause their owner much
trouble IL hunting taem up. But bright
thought cane to me- Fanny was city girl,
and mao never seen sheep save in the shape
OF cat.ete o. roast 10 uel mothers table. l
woul1 Indulge il - strategy of the kind which
is considered fair in love OF war. Lowering my
voice to the note Of The stage Jibbennainosay,
where ne speaks OF the death of his parents, vile
and friends, said, Fanny, my girl, are you
brayecau you bear terri bic newsT why,
Henry, what is the lnatterI What makes you
look 90 paleY' Assuming more tragic voice
replied, Be firm, dearest; rely on me; We are
followed by wolves. Look behind you, and you
can see the monsters, who are already thirsting
Tor our blood
She gave hurried LODI, backward, heard the
rushing sound Of many feet, the deep breathing
which, when heard in the forest Of the north,
causes the widest dismay; then drawing nearer
TO me. said: / did not know there were any
wolves so no!r the CITY, Henry Neither did I
think there were any, replied; but it seems
we TIRE MET ken, for those behind US are OF the
gray peoies, and most dangerous of any to meet.
Driven by hunger tney have approached the set.
ten nj, and unless our horses can go to the
Stone tavern in Parma before we are overtaken,
we ere lost
"Atth,s iunc,ure the old, curly horned leader,
tired and out III wind from the long run, gave
vent to prolonged bleat, which was fearful
enou b 80 soorg girl less timid than Fanny
| saved on tho horses bits and hourished nay
which i-antio4ly around them, until they were
excited ard aDp0reutly doing their best to
escape tlo late behind them, but was secretly
holding them back, 70 allow the wolves (P) to get
closer On came The bloody horde, painting for
breath, nearer sld nearer, until l began 70 throw
out robe. eud blankets. These will keep them
chewing lew minutes,' said, and We may es-
cape But the sheep had no appetite for the
robes, and wor. close behind rs.
81 arose in tbs sleigh, gave the reins to Fan.
ny, saying, Drive for your liie-I will sacri-
fee myself for you,' and made movement 90 il
to jump out OF the sleigh. Never, never she
screamed, We will die together and she pulled
me down beside her, to await her fate. While
thus employed, l succeeded in obtaining hasty
avowal of Fanny, at IL, same time was holding
back the horses, &c let the pursuers go by. They
Rme the mous.o separated and passed u on
Ter size, while held my hat over her faco
she might NOT see the deception had play
her.