Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1873-12-18

we drove slowly, unmindful that the hill
shadows were growing long, and uncon.
scious Of the threatening cloud that was
creeping down the mountain behind us
Soon, however, the close echoes OF the
distant thunder reused us TO quicken our
pace and seek shelter If possible, ere the
storm should reach US. Pulling up and
securing the boot of our chaise, and put
ting our horse into smart trot, we left
the main road and entered wagon path,
stretching through deep forest, which
seemed to lead in the direction whittier
our destination lay. Here we must date
the commence of our troubles. Had we
followed the old proverb, never take
by-road when you can have the highway y
we should have been spared much vexa-
ton and trouble.
For several hours, through this inter
minable wood, we drove at rapid rate,
but with no perceptible change OF scenery:
i At last our faded animal came to dead
halt; and, by the light OF friction
match--that modern blessing--referring
to our watches, we came TO the pleasant
conclusion that it was about bedtime, but
with no prospect of soft bed in perspect-
i've.
However, something must be done;
and leaving my companion in charge OF
the vehicle, set out on foot to ascertain
il ANYTHING like human habitatiOn was
within hailing distance.
The rain was still falling in torrents.
| Now, albeit am great advocate for
| cold water, vet candor compels me to &C
knowledge that there are times and places
for its use, as well ms bounds TO the quan-
tity; and the indiscriminate application
Of immense doses from the shower-bath
of thunder-cloud Is anything but con-
ducivc to comfort However, there was
no help for it, and no use In grumbling.
After wading through mud and water
for nearly mile, was brought to stand
| by coming in contact with fence, and
directly beyond could distinguish the
dim outline of small house and barn.
| Clambering over the fence--for there was
| no time to waste in searching for @ gate
Il found the door, and gave q rap by no
| means gentle or subdued. AS this seemed
| to produce no effect, rap number two fol
| lowed in quick succession and an octave
above its predecessors. A shutting sound
from within announced that the inmates
were stirring A CLEAN Of light shone
through the chinks between the boards,
and steps approached the door. Then the
rafting sound Of heavy chain falling to
the floor sounded anything but agreeable.
Strange, thought I--doors fastened with
chains. All through that part of the
country had been used to seeing nothing
but latch.strings, and you may well i'm
agine that the sound Of q heavy chain
raised no pleasant emotions. What sort
Of people are these? Where have wan
dered2 But these ideas were cut short by
the sudden opening of the door.
A tall, athleticlooking man stood in
the entrance, holding in his hand sput-
tcrine candle, whose rays hardly reached
beyond circle of two feet in diameter,
and served TO render everything more
gloomy. To my inquiries as to whether
he could find accommodations for the
night for two travellers, he returned an
swer that he didn't know, but would go
and see." And leaving me standing on
the outside, he went shutting off.
After an absence Of ten minutes-which
seemed to me an hour--he returned, and
after very minute inquiries as to who we
were, whittier we were bound, and whence
we had come, said he would try to accom-
modate u.s.
Thanking him for his hospitality, re-
traced my steps as quickly as possible to
the spot where had left my companion,
whom found was just on the point of
starting off himself in search of me, sup
posing / had lost myself in the darkness
With much coaxing our tired beast was
induced to move on, and we took up the
line of march for our hotel. My friend
agreed with me that the circumstance Of
the chained door was rather suspicious,
but we thought anything better than pass.
ing the night in the woods, and concluded
to venture. Reaching the house, we found
our new acquaintance holding open the
gates of the enclosure. The rain, by this
time, of course, had ceased; for who ever
we'll sheltered? The suffering candle
had changed hands, and was now held by
q second Individual, similar in frame and
appearance to the first. Together they
embarrassed and led the horse into the
barn, and then returned to assist in un-
loading the vehicle.
Heavy" said one, apparently the elder
taking up our valises.
EYES," remarked my companion, tive
intend to do some sporting, and are well
supplied with shot"
! thought half smile played around
the mouth of our host at these words, but
l might have been mistaken.
In very short time, our moveables,
guns fshing-rods, ETC., were duly deposit
ed In what appeared to be the best
ROOM" and leaving the candle, which ap.
peared to splutter more and more, as If
indignant at such late hours, upon the
table, our conductor babe us goodnight
and left the apartment.
The room was furnished very much the
same as other rustic parlors. Upon the
wall hung plan of Solomon's Temple,
and a spirited colored engraving repre-
senting Andrew jackson upon milk
white horse. A pin.cushion and a stone
lemon adorned the mantel. One window
looked out upon--we could not tell what
for the darkness. This window was secured
by large nail, which fitted into hole
just above the sash. The door had no
fastening but by inverting chair and
placing 1t against the door--we made a
sort of alarm clock, which would arouse
us in case any one should attempt an en-
trance