The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-06-16
0ait and 9umor.
A LONG JOURNEY.


peculiar men in Arkansaw. You could
take his wagons and plows, his COWS and
steers, but you must not take one OF his
horses away from home. One day young
fellow who lived in the neighborhood, hav-
ing lately become member of the commu-
nity. had occasion to make a horseback
Journey. He did not own horse, and
acting upon the suggestion of fellow who
understood Griddle, he went to the Squire
house and meeting him, said
esquire, | have occasion to do some
horseback riding, and as | do not own an
animal of the most noble species | have
come to borrow one of your spirited
horses.
The Squire looked at him for mo-
ment, and said: "All right, sir, you are
perfectly welcome to ride one ofmy horses. "
John, to servant, Saddle up Napoleon
for this gentleman
In few minutes the animal was ready
and the young man, taking the bride reins,
wes about to lead him through the gate,
when the Squire exclaimed:
''What are you going to do with that
horse ?"
"I'm going to ride him, as you said l
might do.
Eyes, but 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, >
turned away and suddenly encountered
several of the neighbors, who had secreted
themselves to witness the performance.
"Oh. we've all been served that way one
of them said, "and it is a neighborhood
custom to give the victim the laugh"
The young man went home. He medi-
tated revenge. He couldn't sleep. Next
morning early, he went out and sat down
in the forks of the road, and pondered.
Finally he shook his head with satisfied
air, and arose. He went straightway to
the Squire, and said:
esquire, I want to borrow your horse
again, to-day"
"All right, sir. Like the one you had
yesterday, l suppose. Yes, well, you shall
have him again. John, saddle Napoleon.
In few moments the animal was in
readiness for the prospective journey II
suppose" said the young man, preparing
to mount, chat you object to anyone tax
ing your horses out of the lot.
ayes, 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
at him for several minutes, shook his head
went into the house and drank a toddy.
At noon the young man stopped and yelled;
"Hello p
'Helloy' replied the Squire, won't
you alight?
'sNo, | haven't got time Thought ID
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 a dish of turnips,
greens and bacon, and his horse was given
bundle of fodder. After the hurried
meal, he said
Good day, sir, much obliged"
Good day." repeated the Squire.
Hope you'll have a pleasant journey, "
and the Squire shook his head, went into
the house and drank '.snifter of apple
jack"
Just about night-fall the young man
stopped at the fence again.
Hello y
Hello" repeated the Squire.
1--WE been riding all day; have come a
great distance and my horse is tired. I'd
like to stay over night with you!"
"Get down. John, take the gentleman's
horse. Come into the house, sir. You
say that you have come quite Il distance,
and you look tired Won't you have
something to drink, continued the Squire
when they had entered the house. "Drlnk
hearty"
"I'd like to get an early start in the
morning." said the young man. "My des-
tination is yet great way off, and | will
be compelled to reach it by tomorrow
night
Early next morning the traveller mount
ed his horse and began the circuitous jour
ney. Just about noon he stopped at the
fence again.
"HelIo y
"Young man." said the Squire, walking
out and addressing the traveller, "you are
the boss. | have met great many peo-
pie"
''My friend, haven't time to talk.
have long journey before me, and unless
hurry on l cannot reach my destination
in time to transact the business which
awaits me-"
"Never mind the journey. l say that
you are the captain, and to show how l
appreciate your genius, I'll present you
with Napoleon. He's the finest horse in
the State. Take him home with you.
Good day, sir