Year: 1864

man 3 fertile resources of tact and skill most s1rfKlngiy appear-of the making the rude log house and simple home made furniture wear an aspect of comfort and taste not unfreouently wanting in homes of luxury.

 The household consisted of the father-al- ready ntroduced-mother, three daughters ans the young man who had called for my ser vices.

 Mother is not well, and would like to see you moment, Remarked one of the young ladies showing me into an adjoining room, where lov. ing hands had spared no pains to fortify its pining inmate against exposure, and soothe the anguish of suffering.

 A bed, with it's snowy counterpanes and taste ful curtains, stood in corner of the apartment Omit reclined the dying mother-the emaciated frame and hectic cheek marking her victim oi consumption.

 l am so glad to see you, said she, extending hand. It is a long while since minister of the Gospel has entered our door and yet re- gret that you have been put to so much trouble and exposure in coming. God will reward you! But I wished to speak with you about this marriage.

 From her remarks learned that the family was from New England. Her husband on his return from the war, removed them 10 the West, making one or two permanent locations, and then selling out and going stll further in to the unsettled woods. It Was while On their way out that the young man, to whom their daughter was engaged, made their acquaintance, and joined his for tune with theirs. It was under circumstances of great trial to them. and his presence and aid were peculiarly eptable-indeed, indispen- sable. With untiring zeal he devoted himself to their comfort and whether on the long journey in the emgrant wagon or in the tolls incident to making new home, he was like a son and brother.

 We came, here, said the mother. because of niy health-hoping that the climate might do that it was too late. But for my husband and Georges sake, who have sacrificed to my ac- count, hope this last settlement may prove productive some day. They have secured a good tract of land, that must be valuable hy and by but we are land poor now-all oul money is gone.

 Another season, however, we hope our crops will bring us something more than the noces. saries of life. George is like child to me and, what is more, he is a Christian. Annie and he are tenderly attached, and despite our present poverty shall rejoice in knowing that they are united before I am called away from earth.

 But the few friends that had been invited had come in tue simple words tlut make two iuseparably one were uttered the table fol supper was being laid, and bride and bride groom poured forth their joy in Christian song Strangely touching was it, here, On the lonl 1 prairie. to listen to the welded love they ex. pressed. Very happy were they and comeI. too, in the freshness and vigor of their youth And, as We gathered around the wellsprea' board, the sick mother taking once more he place at the head of tue table. her face beam ing the peace she felt there was a glow of hap pness in my heart, such as 1 never experien- ced in my life before, as guest st d marriage l feast.

 We'll, Elder, said>my Methodist friend, as alighted at his door on my return, not lint broken, eh? But you had to swim the river Guess you didn't get much of fee, though did you?

 Never better paid in my life. Whats my bill for Black Hawk?

 Well, seeing you feeling so rich, I think will not charge you anything at all for this time. All is, I'm glad you got back safe and souud.