The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1880-07-30
occurred in Texas.

n VNE AZ LN = y hAs
IT occurred in Texas.
We were travelling through the in
terror Of the State in our own convey
ance. Nv husband had tendency to-
wards lung-trouble, and his physician
recommended this journey as the best
means of establishing his health.
had no children TO keep me at home,
and begged SO hard to be taken along.
and made 50 many promises about scant
luggage, and giving no trouble. that ut
last he allowed me TO accompany him.
II was strange, wild, lonely life we
led. Sometimes we would drive
through the country from sunrise to
sunset without meeting or seeing hui
man being. We would always endeav-
or 20 make our arrangements so as TO
secure nights lodgings under roof;
but two or three times 1t happened that
we had 10 resort to the tents which we
carried in our light wagon. and en-
camp out on the vast prairie. under the
quiet stars.
The week before my adventure oc-
Cured, we had been SO fortunate as to
encounter. or rather to overtake, par
~ Of three New Englanders, who we're
jaunting through those wilds on BUSH
ness, something about cattle. believe.
They seemed gentlemen Of abundant
means and leisure. and it was so de-
lightful to come upon three cultivated
people after our long absence from
home that we welcomed these strangers
as old friends. and finding. after half an
hours conversation, 1t mutually con-
venient to proceed in the same direc-
ton. we were presently jogging along
together. talking and comparing notes
a coniidentially as If we had known
one another all our lives.
One cool evening in January, we
drew up in front Of the large comforta-
BILE dwelling which had been described
to US by our host Of the night before.
and where we were assured we should
find substantial comforts and ready hos
pitality.
One Of our party alighted. knocked.
and was soon admitted into the hall.
A parley ensued, lasting several min
utcs. and presently he came towards Us
accompanied by the owner Of the house.
= tall. personable man. well-dressed and
well-mannered.
This gentleman said our friend,
introducing him. Mr.. Rice, says il
will be impossible for him to accommo.
date our party this evening; his house
Is full
~ am very sorry. indeed" said tbs
other. especially sorry since ] find
shall have 10 turn . lady from my
door," and he bowed in my direction
. but every available room Is occupied
In fact, 1 and my wife will have TO be
take ourselves TO the parlor sofa TO
night. We would gladly admit yot
but for being 30 crowded"
"What Is the cause Of such |
crowd?'' asked my husband.
The fair in the next town. sir; a
these people in my house are on theil
way to attend il. and | and my famil,
intend going tomorrow. We leas
such quiet life ordinarily that we wei
come little change now and then"
He was very kind; he talked tn.
matter over with US, went bacl
into the house TO consult with his wife
and finally returned and offered us tn
use Of bare garnet room Tor tn
night.
There IS only the bare room, bu
perhaps these gentlemen may prefer
to camping out. My wife suggests,
here he turned to my husband. tina
you take your wife at ence TO Da
Turner's cabin; II il only about mil
Of down the road bit. You had bet
ter lose no time, or their one spar
room will be secured by other travel
crs. Dan and his wife are rattle
rough-looking customers. but You Tel
Patty / sent You, and She do the hes
she can for you. She used TO work 70
my wife before she married Dan, and
think she's good-hearted soul. Dal
himself well, Dams no favorite
mine; but, ten chances TO one, he
gone to the fair himself. II l coul
give you even lounge, | would b
only too happy to do 50. but ! hav
only bare floors to offer, and thin
this lady ought TO rest comfortably o
bed tonight"
After some further discussion, tn
plan was agreed upon As the mos
feasible which presented itself: and v
were about to start. when Mr. kic
said:
Perhaps Il would be best TO lcav
any valuables you may have with 70
here at my house. ! have lock-roon