Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1892-08-11

"Be sure you ride with Potts !" shout
ed Carrie, after the boat was fairly under
way, whereat little smile rippled across
the neighboring passengers faces.
1t was an odd speech. but May and i
understood it, for we had talked over
matters and things pretty thoroughly be-
forehand regarding our journey, and this
last admonition of Carries was simply
to give accent to an oft-repcated charge
We were going to lovely nook, dis
covered by Carrie the year before, in the
heart of the Catskills.
Suffice it to say that we had to ride
many and many long mile to reach the
aforesaid center, and that the line of
stages that led to our little nook was
owned and run by two stalwart, steadfast
men, named Potts and Kramer.
Potts was q lively follow, as round and
as rosy, and as shiny as a fresh red
checked apple. Kramer was taller, dar-
ker, more taciturn. Potts entertained
his passengers with a series of jokes,
squibs, anecdotes, legends, mysteries and
tales. Kramer attended strictly and
solely to the business of driving his four
horses. So it was no wonder Carrie
screamed out to us: Be sure you ride
with Potts!
But woman proposes and man dis
poses,n as we found out that balmy sum-
mer morning, when, on the Catskill
Landing, we asked, for the Potts and
Kramer line.
"Here, ladies'" said tall man, who
we know must be Kramer, motioning us
to a half-tilled stage.
Instead of getting in we looked around
expectant
All, yesl there he was, the jolly, round
faced Jehu, whip in hand, his lips curled
up in pleasant bow, his eyes twinkling
already.
1--WE don't want to ride with you"
said May, with charming candor, 1--WE
want to ride with Mr.. Potts, because he
talks tle most"
"Ha! hal hap shouted Mr.. Potts.
"Well, ladies, appreciate the compli-
ment, / really do, but it's impossible for
me to add another fare. You'll have to
ride with Mr.. Kramer. He's a jolly
| fellow. Get him started and he'll talk
the top off of a meeting house"
Mr.. Potts argument was irresistible.
We meekly got into the half-filled stage
and wound our way up over the long
hills, with Mr. Kramer sitting bolt up
right in front of us, looking neither to
the right nor to the left and oblivious of
all remarks that might be made behind
him. In vain would May lean forward
and say in her most winning manner:
II do wonder what that pretty little
place is called over therel" or (Which
of these peaks do you think is the high
est, Suep'
Not sound came from his lips till,
casting aside all subterfuge, she would
say:
'Mr. Kramer, won't you tell us"
And then, in briefest monosyllables,
would come the answer.
At last Mr. Kramer suddenly stopped
before. little waysido inn, and landed
all our dusty and tired fellow-travellcrs
at their destination. Then we went or
our way again-sole occupants of the ca
pacious vehicle. May yawned again and
again. Atlast she gave heart-breaking
sigh, and. exclaimed: A.
"What dreadfully dreary ride this il
to be surew
Mr.. Kramer turned his head ever Sc
slightly, and looked back at her. Fo
once his lips parted of their own accord
He was going to say something withou
being asked.
do you see that house over therel'
asked he, pointing to a pretty cottag
half hidden by clambering vines and sur
rounded by mass of brilliant flowers
''that is whore / live"
"Ah," said May, adjusting her blu
glasses more firmly upon her nose, ''wha
a dear, coy little place-thc pretties
one we've seen for miles"
As this was Mr.. Kramer's first and onl.
voluntary remark, May seemed disposed
10 encourage him by sufficient praise.
care YOU married :" she continued
fearful that the generous impetus L
speech would dry up forever.
Yes Mr.. Kramer replied, lookin,
back at us with curious twinkle in hi
eye; 81 was married sort Of acci
dentally."
Dear mel" cried May, with vivacity
81 am certain from your manner tina
-there was something very odd about you
Il ia al =,