Edward Roblin
More than a century ago there lived near the base of the Shawangunk mountain, in Orange county, a well-to-do-farmer by the name of Price. One day a boy came to him seeking employment. Mr. Price eyed the lad circumspectly over the rim of his gold spectacles, asked him a few questions, and was so well pleased with his ready answers and intelligent ways that consented to take him on trial. The boy proved to be an industrious and trustworthy hand, and remained with Mr. Price until he had grown up into a tall, fine-looking young man. That lad was Edward Roblin.
Price. One day a boy came to him seeking employment. Mr. Price eyed the lad circumspectly over the rim of his gold spectacles, asked him a few questions, and was so well pleased with his ready answers and intelligent ways that consented to take him on trial. The boy proved to be an industrious and trustworthy hand, and remained with Mr. Price until he had grown up into a tall, fine-looking young man. That lad was Edward Roblin. Now it so happened that Mr. Price had a comely daughter named Zadie, a year or two younger than Edward. Inasmuch as the young people were thrown much into each other's company, with few other associates of their own age, it was but natural that the childlike friendship of youth should ripen and develop into a more tender and enduring affection as they grew to maturity.
Zadie, a year or two younger than Edward. Inasmuch as the young people were thrown much into each other's company, with few other associates of their own age, it was but natural that the childlike friendship of youth should ripen and develop into a more tender and enduring affection as they grew to maturity. Mr. Price was not a very observing man, or he was too much absorbed in money-making, or else the young people maintained a very discreet behavior during their courtship; certain it is, that the first intimation the old man had of the state of affairs, was when young Edward one day approached him and formally asked the hand of his daughter in marriage.
This revelation fell upon the father like a thunderbolt. He flew into a towering passion; sent his daughter up stairs, and forbade their speaking to one another again. In vain the young man pleaded his cause; he had served him long and faithfully, almost as many years as Jacob had served of old. The father was immovable. “You can`t have my daughter, and that's the end of it,” and he sent the young man from his presence.
In one important matter the father failed to exhibit the wise foresight for which he was noted-he did not discharge the young man; in fact he could not well manage the farm without him. It must not be thought strange, therefore, that the young people found means to communicate with each other, and to carry on a sort of clandestine courtship.
One morning Edward was not found at his chores. And he was always so punctual. Mr. Price went to his room and knocked. No response. He opened the door. The room was empty, nor did the bed bear evidence of having been slept in the night before.
“A pretty how-d ye-do, I do declare,” and the old man flew quickly to the door of his daughter's apartment. He did not stop to knock. The door yielded to his touch. Her room, too, was without an occupant, the bed carefully made, and the pillows in place. The truth now broke in upon the mind of the old man.
"It's fully twenty miles to the Dominie's, and, by my troth, I'll be there, too!" ejaculated he.
Dominie's, and, by my troth, I'll be there, too!" ejaculated he. He hastened to a local magistrate, where he swore out a warrant on a false accusation against young Roblin for debt. He next secured the attendance of a constable, and thus equipped the two went flying over the country behind Mr. Price's fleetest horse. Arrived at the house of Dominie they did not stop for ceremony; there was no time for that; but they burst unannounced into the room just as the young couple were standing up before the minister.
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