The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1875-06-11
MAGGIE'S LESSON.
A Tale of the Far West.

A pleasant sight greeted Mr.. Martyrs
eyes as he threw open the door to the
apartment serving as a kitchen, dining
room and sitting room in one, on this
cold night in midwinter. A bright fire
cracked in the wide chimney place, the
kettle sang a merry tune all to itself, to
which a demure 'grimalkin nodded
grave approvals. A round table drawn
to the centre of the floor, with snowy
cover and neat appointments, shown in
the red light thrown out by the logs in
burning. But there was evidently some
thing wanting to complete its comfort
for the master, who glanced expectantly
around as he walked toward the fire.
where's Maggie2" he asked finally,
throwing down his bundle of frost crust
ed wood on the hearth.
"She has gone with Arthur Tracy 10
Sandvill, - answered his wife, mentioning
village several miles to the west. ''He
had some business to transact, and asked
her to 60"
"Gone with Tracy" repeated the
husband in a tone of surprise and anoy-
ance. I thought Harry was coming
here tonight"
II believe she decided to go with Ar
thur; girls are so changeable, you know. "
"Girls are foolsl" added Mr.. Martyr,
administering a vigorous kick to the
huge backlog by way of emphasis, send
ing a shower of sparks up chimney.
"Bear in mind, Janet" he exclaimed,
turning angrily toward his wife, "Mag
will play her tricks once too often.
Harry Nelson is fine young fellow as
ever stepped in shoe leather, and if she
offends him she will rue the day she
did it."
Mrs. Martyr sighed as she took hel
place at the tea table. Mothers love il
ever ready with an excuse, and in thii
instance reasoned as follows: Living il
lonely, unfrequented Western village
a mere settlement, with no society save
such as the rude settlers gave them
though thoroughly appreciating the
worth Of Harry Nelson, she could no
blame Maggie for being attracted b,
the polished exterior of the handsom,
Boston merchant.
Mr.. Martyr finished his supper in 81
lenee, but anxiety soon took the place o
anger in hisheart.
'Did you caution Maggie about com
home before darki" he asked.
eyes; ii is time for her to be her
now" returned the wife, giving an un
easy glance at the clock, which was o
the stroke of five.
Sand they have two stretches of wood
land to pass through" he muttered, lool
ing gloomly on the fast gathering nigh
The mothers heart sank; she undel
stood the ominous meaning conveyed b
his words.
Many parties, lingering beyond day
light in pleasure ride, never returned
the stained snow, and fragments of tor
clothing, told of their fearful fate, an
Of the scourge of the forests-th
wolves.
The hours passed heavily. Six-sel
en-eight struck, and still no signs {
their return.
At last, unable to bear this suspeni
longer, Mr., Martyr went out in quest
Harry, and with him TO devise son
means OF relief.
Meanwhile, the hours passing SO wea
ily to the parents few by laden with g
enjoyment to Maggie and hercompanio
With a pardonable vanity in her styhl
escort, she extended her calls to far b
yond their intended limit, to which TT
cy, wholly ignorant Of the dangers Of
Western life, politely assented. II
sun was far ia the West whom the Ia