The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-10-27
FAMILY ARRANGEMENT.

The major, who has done considerable proving in his day, related to us the following story:
 A number of years ago, shortly afer my arrival in Arkansaw, started out, through fondness for adventure, to visit the wilder portion of the state. had no particular business in these wilds, understand, but merely desired to mee, curious people, for which species of hu- manity Arkansaw ever has and no doub, always will be renowned. Late one after noon stopped at fence surrounding a rather large log house, and asked of a boy who sat on the fence who lived there The youngster crew like a rooster, bu, paid no farther attention to the question.
 Cant you talk :'' asked.
 "O-o-k-o-o-k-o -o.k-e-r-o-o-o. '" he replied.
 4 grizzly-bearded man came from the house and asked what wanted.
 Wanted information as 10 who lives here, bu, this young rooster only crows in reply"
 Wall. wha, else would yer expeck a rooster 10 do: Nerve hearn O the dog that run with the chickens til he couldn't do nu,hin but oackle an crow, haven't yer: Wall, his chap is in putty much the same fix He ken hear all right bu, he kain't talk.
 Rather strange. Why don, you take him to the north and exhibit hlm :'
 That wouldn't do no good fur don't think he ken be cured.'
 Il mean show him.
 "oh, yes now reconnize what you mean. Halter talk plain ter me, stranger ain't hard O hearin', but my under s,andin's lee,le stiff
 How far is il 10 the next house:'
 Thar amt none"
 'Nou don't mean to say ,ha, yours is the only house in this entire country, do you ~
 ~ No. not lackly, but it's mighty nigh il. Foxes is mighty sea,tern' out here"
 = am glad you told me, as fl would be unfortunate 10 ride on in hope of stopping for the night, and then mee, with disappointment. suppose that under the circumstances can remain here un- til morning"
 "eartinly, ef yer ken pu, up with our style
 ' l can pu, up with anything.
 Get dewn. Bob, take the stran gers horse. Do yer hear:'
 "O-o-k-o-o-k-o-o.k-er-o-o-o.." re- piled the boy.
 was shown into large room with an immense fireplace, before which sat a pleasant-looking woman and beautiful girl, about eighteen years old. They arose when they saw me, but neither of them spoke.
 My wife an darier, said the man. They air deef an dumb. can't hear a thing nur speek word. A great piece O bad luck ter fall on two wimmin O the same family, but reckin Ole Marster knows his own business
 The women went into an adjoining room and asked, How did yoa man. age a eourtship with deaf and dumb girl:n
 "Went along as smooth as yer please. Cster take sweet ta,ers ter her an she soon found out what that meant, but she gin me back Irish taters. what ment that the thing want entirely agreeable. I kep, on though an finally she gin me a sweet tater what ment that the affair was set tied an that we was engaged. Say. thar. Bob, see ef supper's ready. Do you hear"
 boy answered and in a moment returned with another crow which translated. meant that vesperian refreshments were in wait ing. The meal, although its principal dishes were coln-bread and bacon, was enjoyable to hungry man, and l ate with vigor which seemed 10 challenge the respect of the host, tor he piled bacon on my plate with an unsparing hand.
 l enjoyed good nights rest. but was somewhat provoked to ind heavy rain falling when awoke, however. after l took another look at the beautiful deaf and dumb girl so far became reconciled that felt half inclined to look around for a sweet potato, but rot seeing one handy, and having some doubts as 10 the pro- priety of such a proceeding on so short an acquaintance satisfied myself by gaz-