Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-12-11
A HEDGE FENCE,
Bv SARAH B. SCARBOROUGH.

A hedge fence was what Nancy Mott
called it; but to the uninitiated it seemed
only possible wind break of tall, thick
set, glossy-lcaved Usage oranges.
But, at any rate, it had been set out
for hedge fence, and it had in reality
more than fulfilled the intent and purpose
of it's owner, Nancy Mott.
When old Obed Mott died twenty wears
before. the farm was divided into two
equal parts from the back fence to the
highway in front; and young Obed and
Nancy, the only children, took possession
OF their respective portions.
: Obed chose the half facing the cross
road; and he had also the wood-lot, as an
Offset to the old house and outbuildings
on the main pike, which portion fell to
Nancy.
He built house, and then brought
home wife. But Nancy kept the even
tenor Of her spinster life in the old
home
Obed continued to "work the place" as
he had done for years, carrying on Nam
cy's portion on shares. He kept up her
fences, looked after her stock, and took
care CT things generally.
Nothing happened to make this other
wise than satisfactory until, some years
later, Nancy's COW broke through the
front part of the line fence, and totally
destroyed Obed's garden. The COW was
an unruly creature, and had caused
damage before but this was the last
feather. Obed's wife felt righteously
yexed. The garden had been fine one.
Somethin's always gettin' in," Obed
complained to Nancy that day. you've
got to get rid of that snoopin' critter,
Nancy, or else somethin's got to go up
atween us that's boss high, bull strong
an pig proof.
"Fences amt immortal, no more'n
folks" she retorted, stung by what
seemed q sign of wanting interest in her
and her possessions. eyes, it's time
somethin'' went up that won't tumble
down if you pint your finger at it."
Unfortunately, the next thing Obed
did was to mention the mattefof new
fence at an evil moment, when an advice
giving relative Of his wife was present.
"Obed, if you have your eye open for
futur' troubles, you'll take each one O.
you half O. that air line fence, an be
holden fer It," was this relatives pro-
phetic advice.
Prophetic it surely was, for if Obed
had had ian eye out for futur' troubles
he could not have done surer thing to
bring them than to take this advice,
which he did.
He went to Nancy. "You can take
front or back, ary one" he said, as he
concluded his suggestion with regard to
division of the fence, having weakly
propped it up by quoting his authority
and reasons for the step.
'I'll take the front half" said Nancy,
sharply, with spasmodic tightening OF
her lips.
The next week the old fence was
cleared away. during Obed's absence
from home. When he came back On I'M
known workman was blowing deep
furrow right on the line.
Women don't know nothin'," was
Obed's disguised exclamation, as he first
noted the proceeding from back win
dow. "I'll have to 60 an see bout
It."
He drew on his boots and went, and
was met by Nancy. -,
What air you thinkin' bout, Nancy
he began.
Bout the fence" she replied, coolly.
"Well, that amt the way to build a
fence"
+" 'Tain't? I'd like to know how else
you'd start hedge fence!''
"a hedge fence? You don't mean to
say that you're goin' to set out a hedge
fence?"
That's just what I'm goin' to DO. I'm
goin' to build somethin, that'll be boss
high, pig proof and bull strong sue
answered with emphasis.
Obed went away speeches. but soon
returned with his wife. =
eth be just breedin'-place 1o'
snakes" sold Obed's wife.