IN THE OLD WEST 89 



the country, with many other advantages too 

 numerous to mention. But when did the course, 

 &c., e'er run smooth? When the affair had be- 

 come a recognized " courting " (and Americans 

 alone know the horrors of such prolonged pur- 

 gatory), they became, to use La Bonte's words, 

 " awful fond," and consequently about once a- 

 week had their tiffs and make-ups. 



However, on one occasion, at a husking, and 

 during one of these tiffs, Mary, every inch a 

 woman, to gratify some indescribable feeling, 

 brought to her aid jealousy that old serpent 

 who has caused such mischief in this world; and 

 by a flirtation over the corn-cobs with big Pete, 

 La Bonte's former and only rival, struck so hard 

 a blow at the latter's heart, that on the moment 

 his brain caught fire, blood danced before his eyes, 

 and he became like one possessed. Pete observed 

 and enjoyed his struggling emotion better for 

 him had he minded his corn-shelling alone ; and 

 the more to annoy his rival, paid the most sedulous 

 attention to pretty Mary. 



Young La Bonte stood it as long as human 

 nature, at boiling heat, could endure; but when 

 Pete, in the exultation of his apparent triumph, 

 crowned his success by encircling the slender waist 

 of the girl with his arm, and snatching a sudden 

 kiss, he jumped upright from his seat, and seiz- 

 ing a small whiskey-keg which stood in the center 

 of the corn-shellers, he hurled it at his rival, and 



