The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1878-10-10
A TALE OF THE OLDEN TIME.

In the summer of 1757, when we were
fighting against the encroachments of
France on our Northern and Western
borders, there lay among the picturesque
hills of Northern Virginia a large plan
8ation. The family mansion stood on
elevated ground, with sloping lawns, and
broad piazzas, shaded by an abundant
growth of ivy and tall poplars.
The owner of this beautiful estate was
ed eccentric old planter, whose chief
pride lay in the immutability of his
word. A law of the Modes and Persians
sOuld sooner have been broken than his
commands changed; and under his ar
bitrary rule he had brought up a
daughter-his only child She was Just
IL, and was possessed of a beauty so
rare and unconscious that, added to
her prospective wealth, it caused her
Same to spread far and wide.
About this time the atrocities of the
Indians grew so daring and terrifying
shat the planter determined on getting
3 son-in-law possessing strength and
courage, even at the sacrifice of his
daughters happiness; but he matured
mis- plans before he revealed them.
One afternoon, late in August, the
planters daughter stood on the western
piazza, leaning against a pillar covered
with climbing roses. She was detected
Ay gazing into the golden, hazy clouds
that lay piled in the distant west, and
nervously pulling apart the roses, until
the floor at her feet was covered with
petals. ooh, DEAR" she exclaimed at
last, Il wonder if anything can be
done!"
About what, honey?" asked a moth
erly-looking darkey, looking up from
her knitting through a pair of large
brass spectacles
Haven't you heard nanny, of faith
er's Last whim?" sighed the girl. eve
are to have a jumping-match on the east
lawn in two weeks. All the young men
of the villages are invited to take part.
and [ am to marry the one who jumps
the farthest."
Lord O Massey, chile! de butchers
son might Jump de furdest"
Oh, no, there is little danger of that
L fear others more"
[ reckon, darlin', dem savaees is de
cause of all dis here trouble" said the
woman thoughtfully. "Massa is awfully
drald dey'll come up here an butcher
MS widout judge or jury, an he's gettin'
ole, honey, and needs son dat can fite,
an larn de boys to fife, too"
A quick step on the gravel walk made
&he young girl turn. cob, here is Tom
at lastt" she exclaimed, as, with beaming
face and heightened color, she sprung
lightly down the steps to meet fine
hooking young military officer.
[ am so glad to see you," she said,
extending both hands. "And so old
Tim actually found you?" ....
Yes" he replied, taking her hands,
and then lifting her tell-tale face to find
d confirmation of her words in the inno-
cent depths of her dark eyes. "Tim
found me, and here am, Nettie; but T
have only ten or fifteen minutes to STAY.
Let us walk in that path yonder, where
we can talk undisturbedly;;" and he
drew her hand through his arm. "Your
mote tells me of this jack-a-napes whim
OF your fathers, and the consequent
.son-in-law business. It fairly makes nv
blood boil to think he would subject Won
TO such trial"
But you can Jump further than any
enc else, Tom, and you won't have to go
TO Carlisle, will you?"
No, thank fortune, not for some
sime. We are at Fort Cumberland now,
but in a few days will be nearer this
plantation. Col Stanwix sent me down
with party of men to help dose these
indians with gunpowder. They have
committed some fearful ravages not very
far off
Il wonder where Col. Washington
RS? Why doesn't he stop these cruel
dies, if he is as brave as they say 90
asked Nettie.
Because Gov. Dinwiddie is always
interfering with him. He has scarcely
more than enough men at his own head
quarters IN Winchester to protect Fort
Loudon alone. As to his bravery. it
can't be questioned. He received four
bullets through his coat at the battle of
Monongahela, two years ago, and had
two horses killed under him, and he was
gust recovering from fever, too. But.
Nettle, we can talk Of this some other
tune Now to business On the day of
she match, if -"
oh, don't say it, Tom," interrupted
Nethe, hiding her face on his arm.
You know father is memorable, and if
you fall"
Fail or not fail, you belong to me,
darling" exclaimed the young man,
esnphatically, "and nothing shall 'sepa-
nate us. Wear this ring as pledge,
and, II the worst is realized, you and I