The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1902-03-07
BY JOHN
CLARKE

u some wears since, the little viii |
lage of Roscvale, in the western part |
of Nebraska, was in its regular week
ly condition of eager anticipation, and
most OF its population. old and young.
male and female, had collected at the
post office to await the arrival OF the
mail from the east, which was the
most anxiously looked for because 1T
came but once in seven days. The pos
tai officials had not yet learned the
trick of cxpediting mail routes.
The mail was carried on horseback.
the usual mode in those days, when
there were neither railroads nor
coaches to connect the remote settle
ment with those nearer to civilization.
When mails were light, one horse
SufYced for the carrier and his charge,
but in this case, Joe Stanton. who
was contractor as well as carrier Tor
the route. IA ID two horseshoe to
carry himse { md the other for the
mailbags-- al ne took pride in own
ing a pair Of stceds as fleet, staunch
and well-cared for as any in that
country. not only because he was
great horseman, with fine apprecia-
ton of good stock, but because the
route he travelled was constantly be-
set with more or less danger, and 1T
might at any time be necessary Tor
him to rely upon the swiftness OF ms
gallant beasts for his own safety, as
well as that of the precious missives
intrustcd TO his care.
Grill
their wandcrings, occasionally crossed
his trail, had for some time professed
TO be peaceable, but they were at al
most any moment sufficiently trcach-
.crous to murder and rob man, or
small party of whites. whenever they
could do SO with safety. and. for
short time past there had been grow
ing rumors that they would probably
engage in open hostilities as soon as
an alliance of all the principal tribes
could be effected. This danger, though
still regarded by the settlers as rather
remote. caused them 10 exercise I'M
usual vigilance, and rendered Joe
Stanton more wary and watchful
while on the road.
81 ~
of 25. more or less. of fine appearance
and great strength and agility lie
was born and raised in a New England
state. had received liberal educa-
ton. and, having little beyond his
own resources to depend upon for
success in life, had gone west to push
his fortune in whatever path might
open most promisingly before him
His first stopping-placc was in the
southern part Of Indiana, where ne
engaged in school-teaching. and fel
hopelcssly in love with one OF hi'
scholars, Mile Stacey by name, 70
bust beauty, with much natura
.shrcwdness, but little or no refine
ment. As his passion was returned
with the proper degree Of ardor. Joe
Alike all young lovers. was more or les
-oblivious of the faults and shortcom
ings OF his inamorata. and. when the.
were sometimes q little rudely thrus
upon his attention, consolcd himsci
with the reflection that he would il
time be able to eradicate them.
The course Of true love ran smooth
iy enough; the fair ones parents ia
~ored Joe's suit, and smiled approx
ingly upon the young peoples en-
.gagement; and, when the old folk
decided TO remove to the far west
It was agreed that Joe should accom-
pany them. and that the marriag
should take place az soon as
should establish n home OF his own.
They set out TO perform the Joul
ncy in wagons, Joe doing a share 9
camp duty. and. besides having pre-
vided himself with saddle horse an
good rife, he spent some time
hunting by the way, and thus adde
considerably 10 the quantity and "
ricty Of the porty's provisions. Il
soon became an expert and enth'
siastic hunter and would often spen
an entire day in pursuit of antelop
deer. and, occasionally, buffnl
which. however. was not a favori'
Wand when anything more tender q
tOothsomc was to be had