Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1886-04-29

! ago, but | guess he's been through a
good many hands since had him
'Ile has peculiarities, 'crmed in Mrs.
Bates; but then he's VERY friendly
/ crtter when you know i'm
Yes, he is little eccentric, have
already noticed, assented Mr.. Maxwell,
rubbing his sore knees, and looking to-
waid his wife.
The latter burst into laughter, in
spite of Ter bruised aud bedragged con-
dition. 1t WAS some time before the
Maxwels could bring themselves to
face the prospect Of another drive be-
hind Dexter, but as Mr.. Bates gave
them some points about keeping tigh
rein, so that he "cOulc not take the
bit" " and also pointed out to them a.
mother route, quite remote from the
railroad, they finally decided to get
home as soon as possible, and get rid
of the troublesome brute.
They proceeded for a time in silence,
cautiously and with trembling, hoping
that no incentive would come dashing
up from behind to set Dexter off again.
Once Mr.. Maxwell, upon observing the
old rascal's ears 90 up, turned, and,
seeing q buggy coming in their rear,
got out and led him to fence, taking
care to secure him with the tie-strap,
and then pretended to be liking some
thing about the harness as the other
buggy dashed by them at full speed.
Dexter fairly danced with excitement.
Ills peculiarities are ineradicable, |
think Mrs. Maxwell remarked.
He has carried them far enough for
one trip. l shall be glad if we can get
home without further mishap,' said
Mr.. Maxwell, getting into the buggy.
But fortunately their conversation
had thrown them off their guard. and
the unhappy man had hardly seated
himself before Dexter went off with a
sudden plunge that nearly threw them
both from the carriage. They were
entered for another heat, "nolens,
volens"
Come on = shouted the occupant of
the fatal yehcle, taking Dexter's start
as challenge for friendly brush, and
away they went, pell NELL.
Mr.. Maxwell, as they were flying a
long neck and neck, glanced at the
driver of the other buggy, and, to his
chagrin, discovered that he was one OF
the largest ald wealthiest creditors.
and the latter was not very long in
identifying his rival in the mad race.
bad sign that Maxwell dabbling in
fast horses. L must keep an eye on his
future transactions.
Mr.. Maxwell waved his hand depre-
catingly. and shouted to his friend to
slow up, hoping to end the involuntary
race and to be able to explain matters.
| But Dilton mistook it for confirma-
tion of the challenge, and touched his
own horse with the whip, and shot
ahead few lengths.
Dexter had a most detestable habit
of starting off with sudden jerk, much
after the manner of the primitive loco
motives, which gave rise to the disa-
greeable necessity Of bracing ones
self. and grasping the seat, also his
method of stopping Was equally abrupt.
This little popularity was destined to
make trouble for the Maxwells in The
contest now going on. Coming to a
brook. over which there was good
bridge, and through which also passed
a wagon road for the convenience of
watering animals, Dexter seemed sud-
denly to become aware of the presence,
on his part, of intolerable thirst. So,
instead Of keeping to the road across
the bridge, he plunged down the side
road to the brook, where he came to an
abrupt stop by planting his front feet
out firmly in the middle Of the shallow
stream. Mr.. Maxwell, not being in
that firmly braced position which his
wife, as driver of the determined beast,
occupied, was thrown out into the mud
DIV water, his hands and face filled with
mud, and his heart with rage. The
latter was in no measure allayed as he
heard his wife almost shrieking with
laughter from her more secure and
comfortable perch.
Il really cannot help laughing she
said, apologetically. Il think | should
have Laughed if it had been myself in
the water Instead Of you. 1t Is only
one of his "pecooiarities," | suppose.
"a horse is vain thing for Safety
quoted Mr.. Maxwell, as he sat dripping
in the buggy once more. If am con-
demned to ride behind that spasmodic
brute again, shall insist upon having
him handicapped with heavily loaded
wagon
Mrs. Max we'll had planned little
garden party for this afternoon, and
her guests were already assembled upon
the grounds awaiting the return OF
their hostess. When she left the house
for drive with old Dexter, half an
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