McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-01-31
AN UNCOMMON SENSE
MATCH.

The weather had been very cold eve
for January. For days nobody ha,
stirred out unless compelled by neces
sity, and I've no doubt our dear mothe
had long. MAJ = times for chang
which would allow her noisy children
to exercise their lungs and muscles ,ou
of doors.
At last the change came. During tn,
forenoon the thermometer. indicated .
rising temperature, and about midday
+'the old woman up in the sky begal
emptying her feather-beds.
Thick and fast the downy snowfakel
fell, wrapping every tree and shrub il
q garment of pure white and making
even the ''stake and rider" fences, the
log barns and corn-cribs, thing of beauty
which wero too truly ''joys not to last
forever
Hastily we children were clad in
coats, oloaks, scarfs, mittens, and all
that paraphernalia of outer garments
which loving mothers provide and in.
sist on being worn, despite the protests
of the wearers.
At last we were free and out upon
the hill near by, where there was grand
sport, sliding, snow-balling and making
snow men.
The afternoon slipped quickly by,
the snow ceased falling, and the even
ing was settling down clear and cold,
when upon the opposite hilltop there
came in sight farmers box sleigh,
drawn by span of bay horses. Hasti-
ly we drove our sleds to the foot of our
hill and reached it just in time for a
<'hitch.'
The driver of this establishment was
nowise visible.
The hand which guided the team
seemed not hand but huge wad of
buckskin and yarn, and it proceeded
from sort of tower of bed-quilts, blan-
kets, buffalo-robes, comforters, sur
mounted by head-piece enveloped in
green and red ''Bay State'' shawl.
There was little crack undoubtedly
left for the eyes, but no eyes could be
seen by us.
EdgIng around very little, but
probably as much as circumstances
would allow, the roll of dry goods and
furs inquired if "Yon house was Squire
Blaek'sp''
We replied affirmatively, and settled
down to the enjoyment of a ride to our
own door, during which we exchanged
whispered speculations as to whom the
stranger might be.
When the sled stopped committee
of us reported the arrival at the house
while the remainder watched the tying
and blanketing of the horses, and then
formed voluntary escort.
In answer to muffied rap father
opened the door.
"'Squire Black, supposep''
eyes, sir; come in. Getting quite
cold ousside," said father, eying his
guest curiously.
swell, yes; we've had fearful spell |
O. weather, and I've been on the road |
for the last two days of it. 1 see you
don't know me, Squire, and l swan,
my eyes were so full o. frost I hardly
knew you; but reckon you'll see who
l am when get this forgery off,"
From the moment our visitor had
stepped inside he had been engaged in
one garment after another,
q process for all the world like peel.ng
an onion.
At last there stood revealed a Young
man of four or five and twenty years,
with broad shoulders, face
bronzed by exposure to the weather,
but goodly face to look upon, with its
rather square jaw, ruddy cheeks, full
smiling lips, brown hair curling over a
broad forehead, and blue eyes, which
my fathers questioning look
~ a merry twinkle.
In moment father extended both
lands and grasped the stranger most
"You are one of Aunt Annals boys"
A hearty laugh preceded the reply.
~ wasn't afeerd but you'd git it =
light, Squire, give you time enough; ..
IN the little Joe Tolon you taught 1
ong division to-"
We knew Aunt Anna was a former I
andlady of fathers when he was ped
gogue; that she lived forty or fifty !
niles from us-a great distance in those
ays-and our interest began to flag n
fter mother came in from the kitchen
nd the conversation was continued a
bout old neighbors of whose existence Il
re had been ignorant. We betook IL
urselves to the kitchen, where mother p
,on followed.
Presently, while Joe was caring for b