Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1880-10-28
4 WILD RIDE.

Out on the broad prairie, the broad
I-emerald ocean Of the west; above in
the sky, the pale gray of swift-cOming
night; below on the earth. a vast level
waste of green carpeting; to the east,
to the west, to the north, to the south
a vast horizon, stretching away in the
misty, invisible distance.
A dreary region, doubtless, save to
the plOwman, or the stock-raiser. or
lovers sauntering arm in arm over the
velvety turf
There was nothing to disturb our
sense of blissful solitude, except the
great circle Of emigrant wagons drawn
up for the night, and they with their
busy owners, were just far enough away
to give us the feeling of companion
ship without unpleasant proximity.
The whole scene around us breathed
Of peace on earth, good will towards
men" and yet with loves quick in
sight, | saw that there was cloud
over the spirit OfOne dearer to me than
all else on earth.
What is it Mary?' [ asked at length
after a long interval Ofsilence. Some
thing troubles you this evening. There,
don't deny it, dear, it will be useless.
Is it that you begin to doubt the wis
dom Of your fathers move to a wild
western home? IF SO, believe me, it
was the wisest and most hopeful
course open to Il bankrupt merchant
he will be q rich man yet. Not that?
Then, do you regret my imprudence in
deciding to seek my fortune also at
his side? Ifso, you should have said
it sooner; for now, my lady, / declare
I'll not go back again, even at your
royal bidding"
That being the case" answered
Mary Iaughalgly. 81 will endeavor to
be patient under the attiiction. But
seriously, Harry" and the shadow
crept back over her sweet face, Il do
feel unaccountably depressed this
evening. j have tried to help it, but
in spite of me my mind keeps dwell
ing on John Barton's oath. You re-
member he swore that he would follow
and snatch me from you before we had
crossed the Rocky Mountains; we shall
reach their foot tomorrow, | hear, and
though it is foolish, know l shall not
feel easy till we have crossed them IN
safety. You need not tell me that
Barton is not here, and that | am
surrounded by honest kind-hearted
people, even if had not you and faith
er. [ know all that but | feel frightened
all the same. | cannot help it, so be pa
tient with me, Harry dear, till wears
Off"
| drew her closer to my side, and we
walked silently toward the camp, now
Illuminated by the numerous fires
kindled within It's circle.
l did not wonder at the dear ones
horror of John Barton's oath. / too
had often thought, with d vague TN
easiness, of the liyid, vengeful cOunte-
nance and kissing voice, full Of hate
and revenge, of Mary's rejected lover
as he stood confronting us on our de-
parture from our native town and
swOre a solemn oath that she should
never reach her destination nor ever
become my wife
He received no word ofreply, only
blow from my clenched hand, that laid
him PROSTATE ON the road, and there,
after ascertaining that he was not
seriously hurt we left him.
. Two months had passed since then,
and although had secretly kept a close
watch, | had been able to detect no
signs Of Barton's presence or pursuit,
and thus my vague anxiety had faded
away until, [ confess it, Mary's words
imbued me somewhat with her own
uneasiness.
More silently than was our wont,
therefore we entered the camp, and
proceeded toward Mary's wagon-home;
but to our surprise it was not in its
usual position, although my own
vehicle, whose place was next in the
row. occupied its accustomed spot.
After a considerable search we found
the missing wagon standing outside the
circle; the driver, Il sulky, sullen fell
low had never liked, stood close by
it i'll earnest conversation with dark,
heavily bearded man, who had joined
the train on horseback few days be-
fore. Both men hastily withdrew on
our approach, but not until had de-
manded Of the driver an explanation
of the changed position of the wagon,
and received mumbling reply, to the
effect that it would be more sheltered
from the cool night winds.
'"The horses We're embarrassed befors
/ knew it." said Mr. Scott, my dear
ones father; ''but perhaps it is as well,
after all, for the wind was almost to
brisk last night. Going Harry? Well,
goodnight; sorry we shall not have you
for near neighbor tonight, as usual"
A soft good night" to Mary, q inger-
ing pressure of the hand, and then
making my way to my own wagon, [
crept in, and lay down to sleep at the
side of my rusty dog, Rover, whose
duty it was ''to keep watch and ward"
over my property during my absence.
1t wastlong, however, before l lost
consciousness; thoughts of Mary and
her presentiment of evil to come, kept
me awake until late hour; but when
[ did fall asleep ut last, it was into a
sound slumber, from which l was
aroused by q violent shake from hand
grasping my shoulder. The hand be-
Ionged to Mary's father, but the voice
that addressed me. seemed that of a
stranger, so hOarSe, and shaken, and
full of anguish was it.
Harry! Harry! for Gods sake, rouse
up-rouse up
In an instant Twas upon the ground,
Rover at my side, watchful and ex-
pectant.
"Mary?' l gasped, for there was
something in the wild, half crazed look
of the man before me-usually SO bright