dancing would line up around the walls of the room. 
The little dance went along fine, there being no booze available, 
but about midnight it started to snow and by day we had about two 
feet of light, fluffy snow. My sisters ordered me to go home after 
their horses, which I did, although it was only sport for me, except 
that I would rather be in bed. 
During this latest dance the boys and I decided we would storm 
my father. He had never allowed any dances at his house, so we 
thought it would be a good joke to storm hiim This plan was scouted 
around all over the neighborhood and met with general approval, and 
on the appointed night, about 5:00 o’clock, the girls and boys began 
to march in like a bunch of soldiers. They told mother and father 
their intentions and asked them to allow them to dance. Father 
flatly refused but told them they might stay and play all they wanted 
to, but he absolutely would not permit them to dance. This was 
finally agreed on. I guess Dad had changed a little in his spiritual 
feelings since he quit distilling whiskey. 
My father had the young people put their horses and mules away 
and had two large rooms cleared of furniture and we played snap, 
chase the squirrel and many kissing games, which everyone, of course, 
enjoyed. The night was passed fairly well and everyone seemed to 
enjoy theirselves, but not so much as if we had been allowed to dance. 
Remember, readers, I have told you that my mind was thoroughly 
made up to leave home and start west on New Year’s to take up my 
wild career of hunting and trapping. The time is near at hand and 
my plans were carried out, which will be interesting in the next 
chapter. 
- 20 - 
