The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-01-19

ii is, will cause a struggle. How would
shellin' con dor
al thought Of that, but after delibera-
ton abandoned the idea"
"a wrestling MATCH" suggested the
old man.
"The very thing, father. Wonder why
did not think Of that"
well, then, III see the boys, make the
arrangements and give it out in the
neighborhood."
To this the girl agreed, and the old
man, pleased ,eyond expression, started
off Immediately 20 call on Jack and Tom.
The programme was satisfactory to these
worthy gentlemen, and the neighbors,
when it had been given out, could not
repress ordinations of great gladness.
The day was appointed. The contest
was to take place at little Bill Simmons
store. Old Billings had several hogs
barbecued, and corn bread was brought
by the wagon load. The struggle was to
take place, after which kind Of corona
ton and dinner were to follow. Three
Judges, responsible and upright men, were
chosen and everything being in readiness,
the rivals were conducted to grass COW
cred opening in the woods. AT the
signal, both men grappled. All, but they
we're we'll matched. The grass flew in
green clouds from under their feet. The
excited people rent the air with cheers,
and blooming maidens waved their
handkerchefs and shouted. Dogs,
moved by the prevailing spirit, jumped
on each other and fought, and old men,
whose days of cracking hickory nuts with
their teeth had long since rolled off into
the background of treasured recollection,
whooped and let tobacco juice run from
the corners OF their mouths. Both
wrestlers fell. The crowd rushed for
ward, and the Judges, after a few mo-
ments elaboration, decided that it was a
" dog fall"
A short time was allowed for refresh
ments. and then the struggle was re-
newed. Again the grass flew, and again
tobacco Juice ran from the corners of the
old mems mouths. Another dog fall. y
"Fellow citizens said one of the
judges, although the charms Of the
young lady in question are sufficient to
stir these noble youths to ceaseless ac-
ton, yet there must be an end to all con-
tests. 1t is evident that neither of these
young men can throw the other, and
therefore pray the young lady and her
father to select some other test"
Somebody suggested foot race, and
this was tried without decisive result.
I've got test" exclaimed old Darbe
Sewer, and running to lot short dis.
lance away, he returned with a wild-eyed
young mule. Now" he said, "ths
man that can ride this mule shall have
the GIRL" The spectators signalized thei
consent, and Jack Meokley, one of tn,
lovers, was hoisted to the back of TIT
animal. A squat, a twist, a turn around
a hump, and Jack lay sprawling on tn,
ground. Tom Briley, the other lover
threw his ha, high into the air, ran tt
Zildus, and exclaimed:
Ethereal creature, you are mine
j" Not until you ride that mule"
"Oh, can ride him. You have heart
of Adams off OK, haven't yeu?'
believe did read something abou
him during my classical course at Rab
hi, Fork academy"
We'll, can ride him, and the bibl,
says he could throw anything but tn,
devil. Adieu, until claim YOU"
He was thrown across the mule. TIL,
animal bi, a mouthful of grass, chewe,
it oarelessly for few moments, looket
around at Tom and smiled. Tom looked
toward Zildus and nodded his head. TIL,
mule shook one Of his ears and stretched
his hind leg. Then he shrugged hi
shoulders, bumped himself. and sen
Tom over his head.
Thus, test after test failed, and at las
Zildus said My dears, fortune seems /,
be against US all, but this matter must b,
decided. have one more test. II,
that most willingly gives up the practice
OF wearing his breaches in his boots shall
receive the full measure of my love-"
The two men stared at the beautiiu
girl.
} What" exclaimed Tom, !" do yot
want man to give up all of his earthl,
pleasure? My father wore his bri,che.
! in his boots, an my mother would hav,
done so had she been man. hav,
done much to prove my love for you
and would do much more, but yo,
should not be so unreasonable, at leas
t, voa should not ask an impossihil,v