South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1879-10-24
a NIGHT WITH WOLVES

II was about thitty-fve years ago that
my father was chosen to surrey n road
between Detroit and Lansing. II was
literally work in the wilderness. NV
father. who was domestic man, became
tired after a few months of his loneA-
ness. and resolved to have his wife and
children with him.
lie took a furlough, came on to Bal
timore. and started back with us in two
days, giving my mother but little time
for preparation. But he was driving,
hot.temperel, as well as an afrectona,e
man, and never felt that any obstacle
was Of sufficient Importance TO stand in
the way Of any within or wish Of his
own.
Such fiery 1ergy ia q useful quality
no doubt, bnt when carried to the eX-
trcme, rs in my fathers case, is likely
10 bring discomfort and possible misery
into business relations and the home
circle.
1t was early in December when we
ing but thirty miles TO make before
reaching Lansing.
The weather was bitterly cold, and
the snow lay deep upon the ground. AT
the last village in which we stopped my
mother desired TO remain day or two,
that the children might rest. There
was three Of US, Mary. aged nine, my
self, n big boy of six. and the baby,
scarcely two months old.
But my father. conscious Of no fatigue
himself could not enter into the feel
ingS OF weak children.
Nonsense, Jane, he said: after this
long journey TO stop just at tho door Of
home have cosy little house for
you. We will push on AMI reach Lau-
stag hy nightlall. Think bow pleasant
it will be TO rest in your own house, with
bright fires and n good supper 10 vel
come you,
Ny mother made no further objec
ton, and we continued our journey.
The stage numbered heavily through the
snow, and il was nearly dark Wien We
stopped for supper al an inn, still nearly
fifteen miles distant from Lansing.
When supper was over, my mother
seated herself with the children at tue
blazing fire, when fathers voice was
heard outside clustering an9rilY.
Why have the horses been put away?
he shouted 10 the landlord.
did not suppose it possible for you
to 90 on tonight, Col. Mcclure.
What business had YOU TO suppose
anything about it? What should hin.
der me from going on? cried father.
Save your anger for your slavos.
Colonel said the landlord, coolly.-
There is nothing TO hinder you. but
there is much 20 hinder n delicate wo.
maG aad children. It's not likely you'll
reach Lansing until morning. the snow
Il 50 deep, and the track is hard 10 fad.
Ny mother went out and called.
softly, ChU'os, let me speak 20 you a
moment She was q gentle, weak little
woman. Charles, cannot we stay here
all night? | am 80 tired, and The child.
ren-,c. us stay; ADD her eyes filed
with tears.
i0u always we're lazy little thing.
pulling her pl1yf'Iy hy the car. Go;
bundle mp! Wen bc oTia ten minutes.
and be a. bone before nine o'clock.
Colonel The landlord bcckouol him
aside. 7 did not wish TO speak Of il be-
foro Mrs McL1rc, bat the roads be-
tween here and Lansing have been in
Tested with wolves all winter.
Bah . wrctchej little coyotes You
know there's NO more danger in them
than in so many rats. lis only poor
trick to bring custom 90 your tavern,
Joe.
stop there, Colonel; not another
word, sir
The landlord turned away. Hc was
70 wgn or much rectijudo and good
sense, and he was justly offended.
Put The horses 20 the coach? said the
hostlcr Does the Colonel know
llo does not choose % listen, said the
landlord but he'll be wiser before
morning Hitch up tie horses