The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1883-07-06
miscellanrnus.
A IInnp Journey.


Old Squire GriddIe was one of the most
peculiar men in Arkansas. You could take
his wagons and plows, his cows and steers,
but you musi not take one OF his horses away
from home. One day young fellow who
lived in the ncighhOrhOnd, having lately he.
come Il member nf the community, had occa-
sion la mike II horseback journey. lie did
not own n horse, and acting upon the sng-
gcsti0n OF fellow who understood Griddle,
he went to the Suurc's house and meeting
linn said
Squire, have occasion To do some horse
back riding, and rs do not own IN animal
of the most noble species lave come 10 bor
row one oi your spirited horses
The Squire looked ut him for moment,
and said: "All right, sir, you are perfectly
welcome to ride one of my horses" John, ito
servant, Saddle up Napoleon for this gen
tleman."
In Il few minutes the animal was ready and
the young man. taking the birdie reins, was
about to lead him through the gate, when
the Squire exclaimed:
"What are you going to do with that
horscE"
"rm going to ride him, as you said |
might do?'
"Ies bat you mustn't take him out Of the
lot. Ride him around the lot as much AS
You please, but you must not take him
away
The young man, completely "sold q" turned
away and suddenly encountered several of
the neighbors, who had secrcted themselves
To witness the performance ''Oh, we've all
been served that way" one OF them said,
land ii is ncighbOrhood custom to give the
victim the laugh"
The young man went home. He mctliia-
ted revenge He couldn't sleep Next
morning early, lie went ont and sat down in
the forks Of the road, and pondercd. Finally
he shook his head with satisfied air, and
arose. lie went straightway To the Squire,
and said
squire, want to borrow your horse
again 10 day
"All right, sir Like the one you had yes
tcrday, suppose. Yes well, you shall have
him again, John, saddle Napoleon
In few moments the animal was in read
mess for the Prospective journey. 81 sup
pose, said the young man, preparing to
mount, "lhat you object To any one taking
your horses out OF the lot"
Yes, sir. If you want to ride you must
ride inside The lot"
"All right" said the young man, mount
ing. Good day, sir" and he began to ride
around the lot The Squire looked ut him
for several minutes shook his head, went
into the house and drank n toddy. AT noon
the young man stopped and yelled "lIello "
"lIello" replied the Squire, won't you
alght?
mo, haven't got time. Thought I'd
stop and see if could get something To eat.
Houses are rather scarce along the road.
Bring me out something please"
He was supplied with dish of turnip
| greens and bacon, and his horse was given a
| bundle of fodder. After the hurried meal, he
said:
Good day, sir, much obliged"
Good day" repeated the Squire. "lIope
you'll have II pleasant journey" and the
| Squire shook his head, went into the house
and drank II" snittrr of apple jack"
just about night fall the young man stop
ped at the fence again.
'IIcllow
| "llcllo !" repeated the Squire.
"Pve been riding all day; have come II
great distance and my horse is tired. I'd
| like To stay over night with you"
| Get down. John, take the gentleman 5
| horse, Come into the house, sir. You say
| that you have come quite "A distance, and you
look tired Won't you have something to
| drink" continued the Squire when they had
entered the house. Drink hearty"
I'D like to get an early start in the morn
ing" said the young m,n. My destination
is yet great way of, and will he compelled
to reach il by tomorrow night"
Early next morning the traveller mounted
his horse and began the circuitous journey
Jast about noon he stopped at the fence
again.
Hello"
young man" said the Squire, walking
out and addressing the traveller, you are The
boss. have met II great many people -"
a. l,,,u,
n long journey before me- and unless hurry
on cannot reach my destination in time Il
transact the business which awaits me"
"Nevcr mind the journey. | say you nr'
the captain, and Ia show how appreciate
your genius, l'll present you with Napoleon
He's the finest horse in the State. TAXI
him home with you, Good day, sir"