Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-06-18
A POSTBOY'S BRAVERY

village where | lived when a boy was
the old north and south turnpike, the
main artery of travel in those days
across the northeastern tier of counties.
Down this road came rolling every af-
ternoon, the Li5 four horse stage coach,
bringing passengers and mail from the
south bound for the county town.
The mail bag for our postofice was
thrown off from the coach at the point
where our village road joined the turn
pike, and - MY father was postmaster
1t was my lntv to carry it from the
turnpike to The village postOfice
| had the choice of two routes for my
daily iourney; one by the public road
and much aIorter one which cut
through tho w 5 that bounded the vii
lage on that side, and it was along that
path that | usually carried the mail.
We were at that time in the midst of
the civil war and the mails were filled
with tidings from the soldiers at the
front, and not infrequently contained
packages of money and valuables sent
in Uncle Sans care to those at home
But the particular afternoon of which
] write, the stage, for some reason which
/ cannot now remember, was very late.
| watched the sun as it went down be-
hind the wooded hills to the west, and |
saw the twilight come creeping in across
the eastern field. | sat quietly upon a
roadside bank wishing for the coming of
the stage, and calling to mind the prob
able appearance of the impatient and
anxious group at the postOffice.
But the twilight grew deep, and actual
darkness fell around US before the far off
rumbling of wheels announced the ap-
pearance of the belated conveyance. |
had been debating for some time whether
| had not better go home without the
mail, for was naturally timid, and the
prospect of the night journey alone
through the wood, even though it was
but short distance, had terrors for me
which | could not subdue. But I had
been reluctant to start on account of the
ridicule which | knew would follow me
appointment which would meet me at
the other, and now the stage was here.
The horses were drawn sharply up,
the clatter Of the wheels ceased, cloud
of dust moved forward and enveloped
the coach, and o1t from the door in the
midst of the dust stepped two men.
They parleyed for few minutes with
the driver about the fare, and then dis
appeared in the darkness | had good
view of their faces as / went up close to
the forward wheel, and l saw that both
of them, though well dressed, were evil
looking in the extreme.
as that you, Harmon?" asked the
driver, peering down at me through the
shadows before throwing the mail pouch
into my hands.
YES" replied, complainingly, land
I've been waiting for you just two
hours"
''Wel, it won't take you long to get
home now" he said, cheerily; then,
bending down still further and beckon-
ing me to come still closer, he added in
low voice: You want to hang on to
that mail bag tight tonight, Harmon
It's GOT A sudden starting of the
horses interrupted him, he swung back
into his seat. and finding that he could
not readily quiet the impatient animals,
he cracked his long whip over their
heads, shouted out good night!'' to me,
and the next minute coach, horses and
driver were far down the road, swallowed
up in the darkness.
Are We 'fraid to go down alone?''
asked the farmer who had come out &c
see the stage go by.
L., l. L. ~.
farmers boy
"No, | amt afraid" | said stoutly.
dreading ridicule more than robbers.
"There won't anything catch me to-
night" | added, finging the pouch
across my shoulder and starting rapidly
down the road toward home.
For little way the road wound through
fields, and this portion of my route
traversed with stout heart. But just
ahead lay the woods, long stretch of
unbrollen forest, and approached them
with dread and premOnitiOn such as,
think, | had never before nor have ever
since known. Iplunged into them, how
ever, without hating or hesitation, know
ing that they must be passed. but, in
stead of peering about for dangers in the
darkness, kept my eyes turned to the
ribbon of starit sky above the tops OF
the tall trees that bordered the road.
When | Preached the point where the
footpath started in, at the left, | stopped
for amoment, debating whether should
take the short cut or follow on around
by the highway. Iquickly decided upon
the latter course. The short distance OF
the narrow patti, winding under inter
lacing tree tops, down steep embank
ments, through intense darkness, was nc
offset in my mind to the broader, lighter
and less terrifying, if longer, route by
the public road.
Suddenly l became aware that two
men were walking with me, one on eacl
side of me- They had come up so noise
lessly that I had not heard the sound o
their approach. Good evening, N.
young friend" said the one on my right
''wh2t's that you're a-carrying?"
Its the mail bag" said I, stoppin
and standing still in surprise and fear.
.'Is that so?" he exclaimed. I've ofte
wanted to lift a mail bag. Is it ver
heavy"
mot very" replied, actually han'
ing it to him in my bewilderment.
He took it, held it up by the end stra
as high as his head and shook it gent,
as if to make test of its contents.
Il believe there's letter in there II
me, Bill lie said TO his companion, ''ar
if there is it's necessary that l shou-
have it at once. Delays are dangerous
1.-THE only way to find out for certain