Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1873-03-14

fairs should occur. Having thus concluded
they proceeded to lead their parents astray.
I've been talking to john said Sally,
demurely, to the old folks. and we have
concluded to elope it is all settled, and we
are ready just as soon as it can be arran-
ged'
Il saw Sally last night" said John to his
parents, land she agreed to elope with me ;
SO think the thing had better be hurried
right along
One week from this time all the prelimi-
naries had been arranged. Sally bad been
supplied with bran new dress and all the
other 6xings and John had been given
enough money to buy suit of wedding
toggery. Inc respective parents were
laughing in their respective sleeves at their
own cunning The Browns we're overjoyed
at outwitting the Smiths, the Smiths were
happy at fooling the Browns, and both
chuckled over speedy relief from fnaucia l
embarrassment. e
TIC eventful night c,me, and John hitch.
I'd up one of his fathers horses aud drove
over towards Sally's domicl When with
in dozen rods of the house he gave sig.
nal whistle, and Sally came out. Under
the peculiar circumstances they feared no
int rference, and did not deem it necessary
to exercise any great amount of caution. -
John gave Sally resounding kiss, helped
her into the wagon, and away they went
Shortly after they departed. two scenes
transpired which must be here recorded
| Jonas Brown returned from the village
store, and entered his house in state of
great mental and bodily excitement The
latter was caused by fast walking, and the
former by-but the conversation that ensued
! will best explain.
They're gone /! exclaimed Mrs. Brown,
exultingly, they Il be hitched in an hour
or less
The deuce they have! hoped to get
here time enough to stop'em.'
To stop 'em 2
| Yes, that's what said'
What for /?
Just this Old Smith hain't worth
cent-can't pay what be owes-will be sold
out within month-it's the talk of the
whole village
Goodness gracious! 7 gasped the old lady,
what shall we do p
I'll TIL you what I'll do Sally shant
marry the beggar III follow them to
| Squire Jones, and get there before the cere-
money
With this he hurriedly hitched up a horse
and spun away toward Squire Jones' house
| about five mile distant
fHba oth,r ,oono ,,,oDt;ooaJ xuoe
at the Smith residence, and was opened by
the precipitate entrance Of Mrs s.. with
the breathless exclamation
Has he gone ?
who {? Inquired the husband.
john
yes > and Smith rubbed his hands with
glee He went off half an hour ago.
Don't stand there rubbing your hands,
screamed the lady, but harness up TIE old
mare just as quick as you can, and follow
'em. The Browos ant worth dollar in
the world Kate Robertson just told me so
and mortgage on their farm is going to
be foreclosed So Sally won't get solitary
cent
Smith hurried the old mare into her har
ness, and ratified away towards Squiee Jones
residence.
John and Sally had proceeded leisurely
J about four miles, the former driving With
one arm, and holding Sally on the seat with
the other, when they heard the sound of
wheels short distance in the rear. They
had just passed long bend in the road, and
looking across, they saw, revealed by the
moonlight, the pursuing Brown.
why, that's pa = exclaimed Sally.
Yes, and he means mischief, I'll bet,'
said John.
what shall we do p screamed Sally,
'Ill show YOU said John.
Jumping from the wagon, be removed
long rail from the fence, aud placed it across
the roadway. Then he drove on again at
rate that made the horse steam like boiler.
Brown came on at fearful rate, only to
be summarily checked by the rail. The
horse jumped the rail, but the front wheels
collapsed under the collision. Brown was
tumbled out, and the frightened horse ran
away with the wreck of the vehicle
Just as Brown was picking himself up
| from the ditch, he saw the accident repeat
ed this time Smith being the leading &C.
| tor, and bis mare galloping away with the
| four wheels.
Brown and Smith were inveterate enc
mics aud neither would speak but both
started on rapid run tor the Squire's about
a mile off, where they arrived very much
out of breath. They burst into the house
like whirlwind, just in time to hear the
words:
q now pronounce you man and wife,
Hold on = yelled Brown. I object I?
$50 do l. screamed Smith
You are little too late.' remarked the
Squire. Nothing but divorce can fix it
now
The parents fumed and gared at each
her.
I am sure, pa pleaded the daug liter,
that you and ma both said
Daughter hurriedly interposed Brown,
turning very red, but striving to appear
digui6ed, L am not disposed to be tyrannical;
now that you are married [ shall not refuse
my blessing
And you father said John, we would
never had eloped. if you and mother hadn't
said .@
Never mind, my son. interrupted Smith,
I will not he hard with you'll forgive you
both
Brown and Smith thereupon became re-
conciled. and all rode home in the. clippers
wagon.
TAYLOR, LINCOLN AND DAVIS The
Springfield Ql.} Journal states that
about the year 1882, while General Taylor,