The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1898-08-19
. fl POLITICAL VENTURE (
BY ELSIE D. TROUP.
and had beer married

letter from an old friend and neighbor
who was in business in Colorado offer
ing him a position with good salary
attached and a promise of future ad-
vancement.
From the time of our marriage we
had felt satisfied and happy with the
modest income yielded by an honorable
position in the town of L in Ohio,
but, when a greater opportunity Of
fered, we seriously considered it, and
at length concluded to accept.
We made our preparations for the
change with many heart-burnings, for
the severing of old ties was hard to
bear and as the last partings with
childhood friends were said and the
tree-clad hills disappeared, we felt
somewhat less certain as to the wisdom
of our choice.
But new scenes brought new
thoughts, and soon cur journey was at
an end and the hearty grasp OF MIR.
Thomas hand assured us that we had
one friend in this new land.
We had heard much of the clear air
tains, and as we glanced over the little
town lying at their feet, while from
two sides a fower-sprinkled plain
swept to meet the sky, we felt sense
of ioy and interest in the new life open
ing before us. The air of activity was
in such contrast to the quiet life we
had left, that it seemed we had stepped
into a new world. We soon found
ourselves merged in the busy whirl,
for Williams duties began at once and
upon me developed the arrangement OF
our new home.
Mr.. Thomas had taken for us a house
two miles from the town, and well
coined it's possibilities with delight,
for 1 was sure no more cozy home nest
could be found. The house was an un-
usually good one for a new country,
having been the home of wealthy
Englishman who had returned to his
own land.
1t was built of strong mountain pine
and stood where we could have fine
view of mountain and plain, and far
enough from the road to afford seclu-
sion.
In one corner of the yard stood q
good stable, for the Englishman was
sidered this fortunate, as we had de-
cided to buy strong horse, that
might drive William to his work, and
that we might, together, in leisure
hours, visit the many beautiful places
about us. had no fear of being lonely,
although the country was new and my
only neighbor lived mile away In
long, low ranch cabin.
secured a strong girl to aid me IN
putting our house in order, and felt a
just thrill of pleasure when the work
was finished and heard William's
words Of praise.
The dining-room contained q beauti-
fAlly ornamented CRATE, in whose wide
depths the mountain pine burned glo-
riously, and upon it's polished shelf I
arranged vases of gay mountain flow
ers, while easy chairs, bright carpet,
soft muslin curtains, shelves for books,
and small piano, our only luxury,
made the room complete.
A broad hall separated this room
from the kitchen--which was large,
light and airy, and where Tillie reigned
a model house girl-and from the
hall broad stairway with spacious
landing led to the sleeping rooms
above, of which there were three. To
give extra security against intruders
there were double doors and strong
u ~,
bars.
AS the autumn days came on, the
charming drives and trips I'VE took
brought both health and happiness,
and wheu one evening William asked
me to drive him down after tea that
he might attend n political meeting,
and on the way informed me that our
friend Mr.. Thomas was o candidate for
county treasurer and had asked his
aid, 1 little dreamed that 1t was the
first cloud in our happy lives.
How clearly l remember that ride!
I linger in memory over the delight I
felt as our pony trotted gayly over the
road that stretched away as smooth as
q floor, while the mountains and plain
were bathed in the soft moonlight. We
talked of the future, of what might be
the benefit to us if Mr.. Thomas should
be elected; we talked of the past, and
the friends at home, little dreaming
that over us was the shadow of a great
calamity.
returned home before the meeting,
for William said he would walk back
after it was over, and spent the even
ing reading until II o'clock, when Will
liam came in flushed with victory, for
it had been decided in caucus that Mr.
Thomas would be chosen candidate
for treasurer. AS William related the
incidents of the evening l thought
never saw him so happy and full of the
enjoyment of life.
AS the days went on he was full of
interest about the campaign and was
rarely at home, for should Mr.. Thomas
be elected William would be his deputy,
so he consoled me for the lonely hours
I spent by picturing the added COM
forts and pleasures of the future.
November came with o clear, sting.
ing cold. and no politician ever felt
more satisfaction than when, at dawn
after election, William eKclaimedi
"We've wont" But much of my joy
proceeded from the feeling that now ]
should have my husbands society
again.
There was only one thing that caused
me uneasiness. This new country was
overrun with tramps and men seeking
work and the banks in the town were
not proof against burglary; SO, Us our
home was very strongly built and quite