Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-03-10

cl1NAAhE hNANotl
Now felt that / was a match for
the latter, but as 10 the other one,
didn't doubt out what he might work
me up into shoe strings in less than
three minutes.
Will you explain yourselves, gen
tlemen? | asked, trying to smile.
Yes, | will, answered the big one,
putting great stress on the will
Certainly, growled the corpulent
gentleman, with grim smile.
Come this way, you rascal! said the
tall one, drawing me along with him.
His companion followed us out back
of the station, where we were out Of
sight and hearing of therest of u
Now. said the tall gentleman, turn
ing and confronting me, III introduce
myself. | am Captain Augustus Boy
ton. This gentleman is my father,
John Boyton Do you know us now
We'll, really | replied, wondering
in my own mind what the deuce was
coming; really, don't know anything
more about you tEan what you've just
told
'Hush' said the captain; and he bent
down and hissed in my ear. i am Car
ry Boyton's brother.
And ] am her father, growled John
Boyton.
'Ah, really, do you say so' | could
not help smiling, the whole affair
seemed so ludicrous Give my regards
to Carrie
Hal you laugh at u5 do you, villain?'
cried the captain. Look ere, said he,
lowering his voice to horrid whisper.
Look at these
| did look; for Just then he drew
from the pocket of his brown overcoat
handsome case, and opening it, dis
played pair of splendid silver mount
ed dueling pistols.
Take your choice
A cold tremor ran through my
frame. Was | to be murdered?'
Choose quick, urged the captain.
Sir said |, in a tremulous voice,
while the cold drops of Precipitation
stood out upon my brow, there must
be some mistake. I'm book-keeper
for Brown a. Co.. dealer in hides and
tallow My father was Norton Nc
Dougal, my mother was Mary Nc.
Dougal, my grandfather was
'Confound your grandfather! Either
marry my sister as you promised to a
month ago or take one Of these pistols
and
oh! help!'
Dry up, you whelp and the captain
clapped his broad hand over my mouth.
Choose quick, youngster said the
older Boyton,
4 won't fight, | Icried.
Then marry my sister, or we'll drag
you through the mill pond.
1t was hopeless for me to remon-
strate. could not convince the en-
ragged father and son that was not
the villain Mcclellan. | dared not cry
for help,
What should | do? Marry woman
whom | never saw before, whom
knew nothing about? l had little time
to consider. Life was sweet to me, a
ducking was disagreeable, and as to a
duel | should have been dead man at
the first shot.
Choose, said the captain, giving me
kick with his boot.
Ill mar-marry her.
All right
And the captain smiled grimly as
he returned the pistol to the case
The elder Mr.. Boyton went after the
carriage; but before | had ceased to
tremble he returned.
The captain helped me in, and then
seated between the chivalric father and
son, I rode away. There were plenty
of people on the street; but | was
warned not to shout, if | knew what
was healthy for me.
We rode at smart trot for about
two miles, should think, and then the
captain drew rein before large two
story white house, that stood near the
road, surrounded by high, white
fence. There was a gravel walk up to
the front door, and several large cher
ry trees stood in the front yard.
Here we arc, said the captain, get
ting down, and motioning me to fol.
low.
The door opened just as we reached
it, and who should fall into my arms
but the identical young lady who had
made such strong impression upon
my heart the night of the lecture in
W.
oh, John! | knew you would be
true she cried and the captain snick-
cred as he led the way into the parlor.
But once there | succeeded in con-
vincing Miss Boyton that | was not
Mcclellan. Her father apologized, and
so did the captain, and the upshot of
all was that | consented to stop over
night with them, and | am happy to
state that | passed very pleasant even
ing indeed.
1 learned, too, that this John Nc