Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-08-03
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All on The Last Round.

derson had just graduated between the
plow-handles. 1t was said that he could
run furrow so straight that it would break
knock-kneed mans legs to walk in it..
This accomplishment was kind of frontis-
piece to future Volume of great agricul-
tural success, and more than one young
lady In the neighborhood had her eye on
the young catch. Dick wasn't bashful, but
he didn't seem to be particularly impress
ed with the charms scattered around him
like drops of water that linger on leaty
trees after the rain. But he soon met his
fate, a young lady, Winnie Hogrow. Winnie
was a beautiful girl and could cover as
much corn with hoe, and scraps IS much
cotton as any man in the neighborhood.
The couple ved-devotedly, agriculsur-
al;y. Hogrow had raised his daughter
with great care. and now that she had at
tanned the zenith of her usefulness, it
grieved him to think of losing her. One
Sunday Dick went over, and, going out
where the old man was Smelling corn for
the pigs, said:
''Mr. Hogrow, 1 suppose"
Il dOn'G suppose anything, SIT.
s'Well, then, you doubtless know"
81 don't know anything"
s'That's all right then. aI going to
marry your daughter, and by next corn
planting you will know something. Do
you weaken, Mr.. Hogrow ?''
''See here, young fellow, can't afford
to lose my gal. | have had powerful bad
luck this season. The cut-worms began at
tbs corn by the time it come up, aud the
bugs pitched into the cotton; and, 10
make things worse, my best mule and one
of my cows got into a fight the other day.
The COW hooked the mule and the mule
kicked the COW, and both of them died.
SO under the circumstances I'd rather
you'd marry somebody else.
81 don't accept your misfortunes as ex-
cuses. I'm going to marry the girl
''I'll tell you wha I'll do Dick. I'll
make this arrangement: Well wrastle,
and if you throw me the girls yourn'; il
I throw you she's mine. If you marry her
against my will. | shall pleasantly exter
inmate you. II you throw me and marry
the girl, this farm, together with the girl
is your'n. I'll give you three trials--one to-
day. one three weeks from now. and the
other six weeks.'
Dick was compelled to agree, although
the old man was recognized as the bes.
wrestler in the county. Hs had challenged
everybody, and had thrown everyone who
had accepted. After eating dinner the
old man announced his willingness to take
the first ballot Dick was willing. The
contestants, including the girl. went into
the yard. the girl took the hats and the
men grappled each other. The signal was
given and Dick went over the old mans
head and plowed short furrow in the
ground.
'sGive me my hat" he said to The girl
Don't give it up she remarked, haus
ing on the stile. go away and practice >
Dick left, discouraged, but, taking thu
girl 3 advice, wrestled with steamboat mel
and farriers until the time for the uex.
trial came. At the appointed time, Dice
appeared at Hogrow's residence.
Feel as though you can cut your capers
purity well?'' asked the old man.
Il think So feel that my cause is jus
and, with the ali of kind Providence, [
hope to pile you"
providence comes in purity handy a
times" said the old man, pulling Off AS
coat. ''but its hard matter to buck agin
al old stager. Get outeu yer jacket. II
fall, the gal and the fa.m are yourn' -
-Four hundred acres. and all under ferc.
Gal weighs one hundred and fifty pound.
Big inducements. The two men grapp!ed
and again Dick plowed up the earth.
Don't give up SAID the girl.
NO." said the old man, for the land is
under fence, and the gal weighs one hun
dred and fftY-can handle hoe wonder
ful!''
Dick went away aud pondersd. 1t was
evident that the old man could throw him
every time. To lose the girl WAS to wreck
his life An idea struck him. He smiled
He left the neighborhood and rem sined
until the time for the third fall was nearly
up. On the appointed day hs visited the
old man.
Il have agreed to everything,' said
Dick, land now | ask favor. Hitherto
I have been embarrassed. Let the 6aal
trial take place tonight in the dark. will
meet you here at 10 O'clock"
''Any way suits me- replied the Old
man.
At 10 O'Clock the old man stood in the
yard. chuckling. HIS combatant climbed
the fence and approached. Without ex-
changing a word the two men grappled.
The struggle was short. The old men weat
up into the air, came down and struck the
ground with force that almost took his
life. He lay for moment almost uncou-
scious. Dick raised him up and assisted
him into the house.
1.-The aal and the farm are your'n," said
the old man, and the young couple embrace
ed each other. The next day they were mar
ried. Shortly after the ceremony was over,
large negro man appeared at the door,
and attracting Dicks atten ton, said: Il
want my $40. 1 flung the ole man hard
'nough to kill him. Where's my money 90
Dick gave him $40, and, turning around,
received a searching look from the old
man. I'm EXPLAIN said the bridegroom
Realizing that couldn't throw you, and
at the same time realizing that my happi-
ness depended upon this marriage, [ re-
sorted to a bit OF treachery" Here he
stopped to buckle bis arm around his
wife. Il found a big negro that [ knew
could throw you, and offered him $40.
That's why 1 wanted the wrestle to take
place in the dark. After he had throw,
you, | rushed forward and raised Won HI ,,