The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1905-03-31
a CHEAP SLEIGH-RIDE.
NN%~N@N@NNN $1,000 NONINNNNNONNMN
BY THE "oLD UNI"

right-now for It,
When they were out of sight of the
stable, Elias took the carver" out of
the socket and proceeded to wake
up" the old plug"
by iolly!" he cried, as the veteran
struck pretty good gait, there is
some fire in the old flint He must
have been a wonder-in Ginerel Wash
ington's airly days. Well astonish
the natives, arter all, and take the
starch outer some of the cracks. l say,
Tom-isn't this gay? G'lang there
yer old three-legged crab!" And down
came the whip again. Jest look at
him, Tom. It's blood that tells, after
ALL Go it, old boy! Go it,"
They had now left the narrower
part of Washington street, and were
on the Meek" the sidewalks lined by
thousands of spectators, the track cov-
cred with vehicles of all descriptions,
numbering vehicles on runners, stage
sleighs, forty-pound cutters, Jumpers"
(dry-goods boxes nailed on hickory
saplings, which served at once for
shafts and runner), butchers and
countrymens "pungs."
Elias was in the highest spirits. He
tapped his arms like wings, and
crowed like chanticleer; he shouted,
he yelled, he sangA In short, he be-
haved like an escaped lunatic from
Somerville, to the horror of his sedate
companion. But there was no occa-
ciO
else was as crazy as Elias Sharp. if
not quite so demonstrative.
I'm all right, old Teller" he said, in
a lucid interval. How are your. By
Jove! this beats Fourth of July as fur
as chain lightnin' beats an OK team
Look a-there, old boy. There's lots of
flyers on the road. Jerusalem!" he
cried, as cutter whizzed by him like
a bullet. There goes 'Acorn'-Jim
Oakes-behind Polly Ogden. Might
as well try to chase creased lightnin'
'ez to go fur him"
do YOU know the road to Brigh-
ton?" asked Blivins.
Reckon l do, old boss. Up the hill
past DR.. Porters meeting house-bend
to the left then to the right agin,
down the hill into the square and pull
UP at the old Cattle Fair hotel. HE
way, there-old Methusaleh!"
All, that rush down the hill, with fly
ing teams coming in the opposite d.
rection-snowballs hurled from the
horses heels and humping against
dashers-pretty girls laughing or
reaming-shaving through the
truck" without half inch to spare;
the whirling snow binding the eyes,
like mist of needles-who that has
known It's wild excitement can ever
forget it?
They pulled up at the Cattle Fair
hotel
Might as well bait the horse" said
Elias, as he surrendered the team to a
hostler." He's done nobly and, de-
serves it. Walk In"
They entered the huge bar room, big
enough for the manoeuvres Of regi-
ment but now choked to repletion
Elias was Immediately surrounded by
a group of North Enders. whose &C
quaintance he had made in North Mar
ket street-mostly retired sea cap
tains. Blivins, who was of shy dis
way corner. and watched the buzzipg
multitude. After about an hour Elias
rejoined him.
Enjoying yourself, old feller?" he
asked.
mot particularly. Isn't it time to
be Jogging back to town."
"Pshaw! what's the use of bein' in
a hurry. 'Tain't often we have frolic
and the fact is. I've agreed to take
supper here with my friends. Every
man pays his scot. This house is ia
nous for venison suppers"
How much will it COST" asked BLY,
ms, anxiously.
"Oh! about two dollars and half |
apiece. That amt nothin'-and if |
you're short, or think you can't afford |
it, I'll pay for BOTH"
II thought this was to be a cheap |
cost five dollars at the |
well, you see, got roped in for
the supper. But don't fret, old fellow;
I'll pay for you"
NO. you won't. Since I'm in for 1t,
I'll stand my hand, but mind, no fur
Their extravaganza"
Honor bright, old Teller. How
much money have you got about your
trousers?"
twenty-five dollars"
IL can match you. It's all right, old |
boy. And now come upstairs. III in
troduce you to my friends-jolly old
fellows from the North End"
''Id rather not" said Blivins, hold
ing back.
"Pshaw! you're going to dine with
EN-. They won't bite your heard off,"