Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1895-02-20
February go, 1925.
Captain Out,citted.

Farmer Kendrick had brought in al
armful OF snow.covered logs from tht
woodpile at the north side of the house
throwing them down on the stone hearth
with a noise like small earthquake
when Carrie Brown started up.
Give o'clock Oh, | had 10 idea il
was so late. must be going home"
"Allow me to accompany you, Mis-;
Brown"
You'll let me see you home, Carrie 2
Capt. Logan and Fred Jones both spoke
at once, bat Carrie shook her head.
Il prefer to walk home alone" she said
gayly.
"About the sleighing party tomorrow
night?' asked Fred anxiously.
IL have promised Capt. Logan,
said the village beauty, a rosy tint suf-
fusing her cheek.
"But, Carrie, l thought it was settled
between me and you two weeks ago p
exclaimed Fred with frown.
"Was it? am sure | had forgotten
it,"
Fred was silent. Capt. Logan's smooth,
sweet toned voice broke the silence.
81 exact no promises" he said, gallant
ly, "but if am not punctual TO the hour
and the spot, Miss Brown may draw her
own conclusions"
And Carrie went home.
"Pon my word she's regular beauty"
said the captain, staring through the tiny
window panes at the retreating figure of
Miss Brown.
"a beauty" went on the captain, "and
it's thousand pities she should be vast
ed on any of these country pumpkins who
vegetate among these wildernesses. Sam,
you young villain, are those boots of mine
blacked YETI"
"No they amt" said Sam, Grossly.
"Well, what's the reason ?"
"Cause | amt had time."
"See you find time, then, quickly, too, "
said the captain.
"Just wish | had the frin' of him out,
said the boy gloomily.
"You and are about equal in our love
for him, SAM" said Fred Jones, laugh
ing.
81 heered him talkin' with Miss Car,
rie about goin' sleigh ridn' tomorrow
night" said Sam shrewdly. T'djest like
to put Kick Tom in the shafts; would
if it weren't for Miss Carrie. He don
know nothin' about horses, that there
militia cap'n don't" And Sam chuck
led.
al say Mr.. Jones, why don't YOU &c
beforehand with him? Miss Carrie don
really care for him; she's only dazzleC
like"
miss Brown must choose for herself
SAM" he said, and Sam went back to hi
work.
The night came-a perfect night fo
sleighing expeditions and rustic love
making, the roads hard and well packed
and a glorious moon shining down white
ly, as if a rain of silver we're deluging th'
whole world.
Couldn't be better weather" said tn,
captain. "Sam, where are the sleigh
bells?"
Dunno" said Sam. There's then
old jinglers in the garret that used to be
long to Deacon John Kendrick, that was
in the Revolutionary war, and there il
the cowbells that Mary Jane might scoul
up with ashes"
"Pshaw - said the captain. "Do yOr
take me for Rip Van Winkle? There
a pretty little string somewhere, for saw
them when Mrs Kendrick went out day
before yesterday.
81 hain't so,n nothin' On 'em, sale
Sam, stolidly
"COme, come, Sam, don't make your
self out any stupider than you be by ma
ture," said the farmer, laughing never
theless, for the captains airs were fas
wearing out his welcome, and he secretly
sympatbized with the much abused Sam
81 guess they're out in the barn. YOI
had better 90 with him, captain, if yo'
expect to find EN-; our Sam is dreadful
thick headed when he chooses to be-
"Come along my fine fellow. We don