The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1895-08-08

days. lam convinced there was not
a word of truth in what he said. And
yet nave known men who dealt in
horses who were perfectly reliable. and
l have often heard my father say, he
knew a large number in the blue grass
country where We live, who raised and
traded horses, whose words were as
good as their bonds.
While on this subject of liability let
me tell you of little matter that came
under my observation few years ago
down on the Ohio river. had gone
down to little village on business,
and just before starting from home
my father told me if | came across
a good farm horse at a fair price to
bring him back with me. He was in
need of one to take the place of one
he had recently lost. saw one on
the street for sale that thought
would answer the purpose provided he
was not too old. The fellow wanted
eighty dollars for him. examined
the horse and asked the Ounce his age.
He very promptly answered 1--we seen
the time, stranger, when l would tell
you he was six last spring, but l must
tell you now he is twelve 'And why
the difference between now and then?'
said l. well, stranger, was baptized
last Sunday and have quit lying alto
ge,her.' ga friend standing by told
me the horse was eighteen years old,
and no one knew the fact better than
the fellow who was trying to sell him.
So the poor fellow must be re-baptized
before he can be safely regenerated. p"
"Well, doctor, with all the lights
before me l am perfectly convinced
this is your lost horse, and that l am
the purchaser ofstolen property. Col.
H. and all my friends here think as l
do, therefore you can take possession
of him."
"Under existing circumstances"
said the doctor, "it will never do for
you to lose your gold and your horse
too. We are both Confederate soldiers
in the field for the defence OF our
homes, firesides and constitutional
rights. We are meeting an enemy
having every advantage of US both in
numbers and facilities of every descrip-
ton. The whole world knows it is
not fair fight, therefore we should
help each other all we can, and put
our best foot foremost, and show the
world that there is at least no alloy in
in our metal. You are we'll aware,
Lieutenant that gold we have none
down here but insist on your purchas-
ing another horse with this, which is
equivalent to your two hundred dol
lars in Confederate money"
After much persuasion he agreed to
accept the amount and with it pur
chased very fine charger the next
day. The most peculiar feature O.
this remarkable little story is yet to be
told.
A few days after the doctor had
purchased back Rob Roy as he sup
posed him to be, he mounted him tc
pay visit to his uncle and family
Arriving while they were at supper,
he was ushered into the dining room
by Nelson, the man servant, all greet
ing him with hearty welcome, hi
good old uncle saying: DWELL. my boy
it gives me great pleasure to inform
you that your horse and my mules are
all safe and sound in my stable, and
the thief is in the county Jail. They
were found below Vicksburg ant
brought back yesterday, after much
delay to prove property, &c. | wrot
you full account Of it yesterday b.
mail" "My dear Uncle. you art
surely mistaken, moment ago l dis
mounted Rob Roy at your gate.
found him in possession of cleye
and gentlemanly Lieutenant Of cav
airy regiment that joined our com
mand few days ago from the blu
grass region OF Kentucky. He ha
purchased him at Bardstown, and pa
for him two hundred dollars in gold.
"Well, my dear boy, you have certainl
taken advantage Of that clever Ken
,uckian. 1t will never do. Couldn
you tell by the form and action of h
horse that it was not Rob Roy1"
"No sir, and no man on earth coul
Ill" said the..doc,or. "Come, it is nc
yet dark, let us see them side by side.
"Well," said the old gentleman
they are perfect match, as much allk
as two drops Of blood" VlDETrE.