The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1900-03-13
OLD AGE IN THE SOUTH.
Good Sporting Blood a Thrilling
Standby Even In Declining Years.

Standby Even In Declining Years.
"Some one has said" remarked Jack
Tollifer, that the closing years in the
life of q southern gentleman are sad
and lonely; that the man who leads
an out of door life. hunting and horse
racing has no resources left with which
to tighten his old age. Well, it may be
10, but it seems TO me that that's
rather sweeping statement Just take
my Uncle Archie in Virginia, whom
visited during the holidays three years
ago.
why, Jackv he exclaimed as he
met me at the door of the square old
| fashioned homestead. 1 am glad to see
you. Come right in and make yourself
| comfortable
| 81 followed him into the dining room,
where the carved oaken legs of the
old side table were almost bowed un-
der the game and fruits and wines.
"'Yes. Jack my uncle said when
we were seated, it certainly does seem
good to see you, and only wish you'd
come oftener. But | suppose I'm get
tin to be poor company for young
L
their huntin and ridin, but we old fell
lows have to just sit round and think
it all over. No more foxes or coons
| when your knees get feelin that stiff
way. | guess there isn't much left
in this world for your uncle now. But
it's a great comfort to see you again,
Jack; deed it is
'1t did seem hard for an old widower
to be living that lonely life, too old to
take any part in the hunting that be
was so fond of and with no one to talk
to but old Joe and Aunt Sally. His
one remaining interest seemed to cen
ter in his pet horse. who, like his mas
ter, was of good thoroughbred stock
but well on in years.
Jack my uncle said on the morn
ing Of my departure, Robert L and
may be well on past huntin and racir
days. but I'm goin to drive you dowI
to the station behind him. and, though
there may be horses in the country
that are faster now. don't think wei
miss that train of yours by very much
Joe, just let that shovelin rest awhil,
and harness Robert l. to the light bug
gy. | shall drive Mr. Tollifer to tn,
station
'The old darky touched his hat ant
hobbled off to the stable. Soon he re
turned, leading Robert l. with on,
hand and dra agging the clinking har
ness with the other. In the road b.
stopped, threw the lines over the hors
and hobbled back TO fetch the buggy
Just then we heard a shouting and tn
sounds of galloping hoofs up the road
Nearer and nearer they came until
small party of horsemen dashed int
: sight and did not stop until they drew
rein in front of Uncle Archie.
"'ColoneI Tollifer.' the leader begal
breathlessly, have you seen-er-th
boys er- go by here lately? Jus
scared up a big red foX-er-bigges
ever seen here-started up back Of
"'Whatp shouted Uncle Archie, hi
eyes suddenly swapping. Big red fox
First in two years? No. Which way
haven't seen 'em. Goodby, Jack
} God bless you, my boyi joe he cried
you drive Mr.. Tollifer to the stationp
Sweeping the harness off, he scram
| bled eXcitedly to Robert LIS back ant
without saddle or stirrup. flew on wit
| the rest in their mad tear down th
1 road. Soon could only catch glimpse
: between the clouds of dust of the whit
| whiskers blowing back over his shou
ders-an impressive reminder of tha
l old age which, they say, so saddens th
!, lives of gentlemen of the south."-Ne'
|, | York Sim