The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1882-09-28
Fighting 1t On That Line!


Farmer Bolder was an honest man. He would pay
every obligation, certainly he would eat his
meals. Thus, by prompt habits, and industry he not
only kept "even with the world, but managed to lay
by snug sum of money-besides owning the best
farm in Backwood County.
Prosperity seemed to travel hand in hand with
him; he had good crops; his stock the finest in
all the country; his family were in health and his
neighbors kind; many there were who envied him i;
for, could he take his ease? In fact Bolder
was of this opinion concerning himself. He would
enjoy life while he could. There enough and to
spare; and he would settle down to peaceful, quiet
life among his kind neighbors. Thus he unused,
while walking across his meadow one day.
But the cloud ever follows the sunshine. When he
had reached the other side of the field, he made dis
covery: Neighbor Bludkins' fence was fully four
inches over the line! What multitude of emotions
rushed through the brain of Bolder at that discovery
OF course Bludkins would have to move the fence
He would go and see him at once.
"Bludkins.' said Bolder, on arriving at the for
mers residence, 1--WE seed tibet yer medder fence
four inches my land. Of course wen fix the thing
all mp peesable Ike
"Of course!" said Bludkins, 'sbut l think ye are
Mistaken on they go to investigate, stoutly
claiming that the fence oyer the line, and the
other stoutly denying It.
Look hyer, Bludkins, I'm o. few words, an
say thet thet fence has gotter be moved"-
AN say be blest If 1t willr' roared Budkins
and he turned on his heel and departed
Bolder bided his time, and when Bludkins passed
that way next morning, he found six panels of the
fence moved over. These he proceeded that day to
move back. The next day his dog was poisoned, The
next, Bolder's best appeared with her off,
The next, of Budkin's finest Jersey pigs seen
perambuatng about the fields, with both Topped
off Affairs getting serious, and the condition
of things was not much improved when Bolder awoke
one morning to find ''scoundrel daubed on his front
bars, with poke-berry juice.
Next morning, Bludkins awoke, and found "thief'
painted with whitewash upon his barn. He immedi
ately preferred charges against Boder in the Church.
Bolder retaltated by suing Bludktns for SANDER.
But, like all worldly matters, this little
brotherly love and neighborly harmony which had
been flowing and bubbling along gently and loving
ly, was destined to be interrupted. Dark clouds be-
gan to lower these two homes. Bolder was
prost aed by raging fever and in the throes of his
burning agony came to the gates of death.
A paraytic stroke for the time disabled Budkins
In this time of sickness the feud about the line fence
was permitted to repose for time. At last, in order
to bring about in the neighborhood and peace
In the Church, the good pastor succeeded in inducing
Bludkins to to the dying Bolder, and ask
Onciliation.
They found Bolder vsry weak, and much emaciated.
Bludkins approached with much trepidation. Tears
coursed down his cheeks as heand the good minister
stood by the bedside.
BRO Bolder," said the minister, 'we're sorry to
you so weak. Here's Bro. Bludkins come In to
inquire after your health and to assure you of his
friendship. Dear Bro. Bolder, you at perfect
peace-are you ready to die?'
"My peace is made; have fought the good fight;
have kept the faith shall enter into eternal
life,' slowly answered Bolder.
Dear Bro. Bolder, you remember you have had
some trouble with Bro. Bludkins. Do you fully and
freely for give him:'
Tears started down the cheeks of Bolder; tears
trickled lovingly and playfnly along the nose of
Bludkins; even the solemn minister weeping.
Bolder, with effort, raised himself upon ell
bow, gazed steadily into the eyes of the minister and
asked: do you think I'm goin' to dIe?"
"Bro. Bolder fear the worst!'' solemnly answered
the minister.
Them said Bolder, bein' as I'm to die, I'll fur
give Bludkins. But, mind ye, in anything
should happen, an should git WELL that dod-drot-
ted scoundrel of Bludkins will move that fence
back, or damned ef Idont shoot himr'
And the good minister left that bedside, firmly
convinced that Bolder going to fight it out
that line-fence.