The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1874-07-30

gan to flatter himself that he had fc
once obtained a great bargain. BI
while regarding the steed with cor
siderable pride and satisfaction, b
came to the brow of steep hill. job
spoke soothingiy to the horse, an
drew up the reins tightly but froI
some unaccOuntable cause, the hitheK
to gentle animal began to make som
doubtful motions, and before Joh
could recover himself the viciou
beast caught the bit between his teetl
threw his head down against hi
breast, and bolted.
He had taken John at such a grea
disadvantage that the poor man wa
utterly helpless. Down the hill the
went at a fearful rate. John wit
difficulty preserving his balance, a
the wagon swayed about, and sawin
uponthe reins with all his might. Un
fortunately, the horse wandered from
the road near The bottom of the hill
and brought the wagon in contac
with large stone. John was throw
to the ground with violence. He wa
taken home in an insensible condition
and upon examination il was founi
that, besides receiving bruises, on
arm was broken and one of his knee
severely injured. Mrs. Gray minister
! ed 10 her husband with an affectionati
wife's care and tenderness. and shl
| had the satisfaction of seeing hin
soon recovering from the shock which
| his system had received. But hi!
wounded knee remained tender ant
sore, aud after several weeks of care
ful nursing the sad truth forced itsell
hof Hn Ii
crippled.
This was the most severe afflictior
thot John had yet experienced but he
did not complain as much as one
might suppose he would; his griei
was too deep for that. He felt as
though his cup of affiiction was full
he yielded to his fate with sullen res
ignation.
81 don't know how it is going with
us now, Martha" he would say. "We
have had hard row to hoe all our
lives, and now that l am knocked un-
der-but maybe the good Lord won't
utterly forsake u.s."
''Never fear, john" was the Wife's
CHEEKY answer. "We amt half SO bad
ly off as good many people in the
world. You know that am not one
of the sort that borrOWs trouble. So
long as we don't know what is in
store for us, let us contemplate our fu-
ture cheerfully +; then ii joy come, we
will meet it half way; but if sorrow
be our portion, we will oppose to it
its most powerful antidote."
John made no reply, but the thought
of his heart was, poor Martha! Oh
how much better things are you wor-
thy OF than are in store for you."
''I'Il tell you one thing, Martha, !"
said Jehn, after pause. "Old Rud-
die spoke to me some time ago about
buying our big pasture lot that lies
between his land and the creek. l
suppose that what we could get for
that would pay off the mortgage on
the farm. If we were only out of
debt there might be some hope for u.s."
81 know, John," replied his wife,
that the incumbrance on the farm is
the most serious thing that we have to
contend against; but have plan in
nay head for the management of the
farm which the selling of the pasture
lot would completely overthrow"
John looked at his wife very curious
ly.
"You know, John," continued Mar
tba, 'sthere is great deal of rough
land on our farm which is good for
nothing but grazing. We have plenty
of good spring water, which might be
made to run through the house. Now
my plan is to have dairy. A pOr-
ton of the work will be brought into
the house, which will give the girls
aud me good chance TO contribute
toward our common support. You
know that 1 was brought up on a
dairy farm, so that we will not be in
danger of failing through lack of
knowledge"
John shook his head donbtfully.
"Don't youa know, Martha, that
ried a dairy farm once, and lost mon-
~ by 2"
ayes, John, and l know that you
.ried a good many other things, and
Ost money by them all 1t won't
10 for us to trifle any longer, John;
We have got to set to work, and work
N right way. Our children are
grown up; and they must have good
schooling; and it must be very evil
lent TO yourself that, unless there is a
,hange in the management of affairs,
We shall soon be stepped in poverty
Now just put the full control of things
N my hands. l will soon show you a
lifferent reckoning"
John Gray looked upon his wife in
Istonishment. She had always been |
10 cheerful and hopeful, that he |
hought she never rightly appreciated |
heir real circumstances. She now
poke with such energy and confidence |
hat Johns pity was changed to pro-
ound respect. The need of . change |
vas apparent to John, and having
.reat confidence in his wife's good |
he did not further object i
o this proposition.
Mrs. Gray set to work with all the
mercy of her nature. and borrowed |
money, stocked her farm, and made |
he necessary alterations in the house.
And it was not many weeks before
he found her dairy in successful op-
ration.
All the family became time-tnned
With Mrs. Gray's enterprise. The
'oys managed the out door work with
kill and energy, the girls showed an
quail diligence in the household af-
airs, while John made himself gener-
lily useful, so far as his crippled state
you'd allow.
Gradually they emerged from their
debt and as prosperity be-
an to dawn upon them, Mrs. Gray
Jund herselfable to fulfill her cherish
d desire of giving her children good
ducation. John, though not reclaim
d from his grumbling habits, exhibit
4 growing inclination to look upon
ne brighter side. lie took peculiar
leasure III recounting the series -of
which eliminated in the
lnaway that made him cripple for
fe, generally ending with the refec-
on, 81 always was an uHlucky dog
ny way"
THE WYOMING SODA LAKES.