Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-12-19
MMiseelIaneous. q
A Good Father.

DR.. Graham having passed a very cred
liable examination before the Army Medl-
cal BOARD. was commissioned an assistant
surgeon In the United States army in IS
and ordered TO report for duty to the COM
mandine officer al Fort Y'kavett, Texas.
There were no railroads IN the Western
country AT that time, aud the usual way of
getting 10 Texas was by tho Mississippi
River 10 New Orleans. and then crossing
the Calf 10 stage 1t up through the State
DR.. Graham was very desirous OF eNamin-
ing the Western country min-ralosic
so spilled and received permission from
the War Department to 20 by way OF Ar
kansas aud the Indian territory TO his
post.
On his arrival at st. Louis he shipped
the greater part of his baggage by way ot
the river. and taking only what he could
carry on horseback, started on his journey
bile IN 81. Louis, al the Planters Hotel
he formed the acquaintance of gentleman
who, learning where he was going. gave
him letter of Introduction To his brother
who was farmer living on his route in
AfkaHsas. IL is not necessary tor u to iol-
low him on his road, or tell what discover
les he made in the interest of science: sui.
hclcnt IL is that one day, toward dusk he
reached the honse of the gentleman to
whom he had the letter, snd di>mOunting,
Knocked at the door and presented his let
ter TO the Judge (rven In those days every
one was a judge In Arkansas who would
not have needed II TO have accorded him
an open-handed welrOme; for travellers
were a god-send. and new. was a. much
sought after then as now. Alter a short
visit. he proposed TO 90 on to the next
town. about four miles off, where he in
tended 10 put up for the night. The Judge
would Tot listen 10 his leaving, and was so
cordial in his desire for him 10 stay that he
would have been rude not 10 have done so.
The judge. alter directing one of the SER
wants TO attend to his horse. invited him
into the dining-room. where he was intro
duced 10 the wife and daughter of his host.
and also TO substantial Western supper,
to which he did ample justice.
After supper they adjourned 10 the par
lor, and he entertained his new-made
friends with the latest news from the out
side world. The judge brewed some stiff
whisky punch, which Graham, socially in-
clined, imbibed quite freely. The old
couple retired, and left their daughter to
entertain him; aud whether il was the
punch. or what. at all events he made hot
love TO her, and finally asked her to be his
Vile and 90 TO Texas with him, to which
she consented. She being very unsophis.
ticated and innocent. took everything he
said in downright earnest, and with her il
was case of "love at first sight"
But am anticipating. During the night
our friend the doctor woke up, and re-
membered what he had said. and il wor-
ried him; but he said to himself. after
emptying his water pitcher, Never mind.
I'll make it all right id the morning. |
must have made fool of myself. she's
lovely, but what must she not think of
me-" and rolled over and went to sleep
again. Morning came, and upon his going
down to the parlor he found the young
lady alone, for which he blessed his lucky
stars. and was just about to make an apol-
ogy. when she said:
81 told mamma, and she said il was all
right" at the same time giving him Il kiss
which nearly took his breath away. Papa
Is going TO town this morning. dear, and
you ride In with him and talk it over; but
he won't object, know
But, my dear miss. l was very foolish,
and
mo indeed; you were all right"
well, will go TO my post. and return
for you. for l must go at once"
NO: can 20 with you"
"You won't have time"
"Ob. yes. | will. Papa will fix that Ii
back oil the way here"
But have no way of taking you.''
81 have thought OF that; that does not
make any difference. Father will give US
team"
With nearly tears in his eyes he went in
to breakfast, TO which at that moment they
were both summoned; but, alas! appetite
he had none. Ii was not that she was not
pretty and nice; but he thought what
coniOuDded fool she must be not IT, see that
he wanted to ge; out OF it. But it va, no
use. When the judge started ioI town,
Or. Graham was sitting beside him The
Judge saved him the trouble of broachiug
the subject by starting it himself:
Il always. young man, give Nell her
own way; so il is all right; you need not
say u word"
But I've got to 20 on to-day"
The old judge turned his eyes toward
him. He had an Arkansas bowie in each,
and one OF those double-barrel shot gun
looks as he said. "You amt a-trying to
get out oi il, are your
The doctor, taking 10 the situation, said,
pr Omptly, all hope being gone, mo. SIR
'rhat's right. / will fix everything for
you: give you that black team of mine and
light wagon to carry your wiie's things"
(here the doctor shuddered.) land thou
sand MS starter. You can be married to-
night, and leave early in the morning.
That III suit, won't it?"
"Yes, Sir" answered Graham, family.
But On the judge turning toward him, e
said, "Yes, Sir, certainly" 1
''Aiter you get fixed at your post viii
come down and pay you q visit. ! have
been thinking about selling out and moving