A ROMANTIC STORY.

Western Star, Issue 950, 23 May 1885, Page 4

A ROMANTIC STORY.

' 'Some years before the American war, Otis Burton, a farmer, seeking his .fortune in the West, drifted to Missouri, where hemetau accomplished young lady with whom he fell in love. She was pleased with him, but before ho made his passion known she moved to a distant part of the South. About this time the war broke out, and the two soon lost all traces of each other. Burtou joined the Union army, and was soon aftevvards wounded, and, as it was supposed he would die, a letter Svas sent to his mother informing her that her son could not live. He, however,' was blessed with a good constitution, and recovered, He went back to bis regiment, and was detailed with a company to take supplies across the plains", The party was attacked by Indians, and every mau in the force except Burton killed. He was reported to have been slain with the vest. The Indians decided to let him , live, and took him a prisoner to their retreat in, the mountains of the southwest.' He gradually recovered from wounds he had received in an encounter, made himself agreeable to bis captors, and adapted himself to their ways of living. After he had been in captivity some six months or more he was allowed more liberty, and now began to watch for ,a chance to escape. The Indians had stolen a number of ponies, and among these was one which JBurton’s practised eye showed him was highly bred, swift, and with speed and endurance. This pony was cared for and petted, by Burton, and he was allowed to ride him. One day he strayed away farther than usual, and, though not acquainted with the country, made a dash for liberty. He was closely pursued, but the gallant little pony had the “ bottom ” for ja winning race. He rode three days, and then began to find that he was getting out of the hostile country. In the distance he saw a house which he • knew must be inhabitated b|pv whites. He shouted with feeling that he had gained freedom ajfc last.. He knocked at the door of the house, and,a surprise awaited him. Ijt was opened by the woman he had loves in lang-syne. He was at once recogjnised, and received a hearty welcome. Barton told his adventures and narroty escapes to a willing listener. She, tooj, told her story. She had married ...Confederate officer, who was afteri wards killed in battle, aud she novy -owned the farm she occupied. Is ii necessary to tell the rest ? They betrothed, there was a merry weddingj and the happy couple are still living in a;south-western State. Surely in real l life are romances as strange and mord interesting than those woven by the fertile brain of the novelist.