The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-04-19
DUMPUs REDIyIvUs.


their way TO pass the honeymoon with friend,
who arrives accidentally at the same inn.
After spending jovial evening with his ira
yelling companion,
About one o'clock Mr.. Cookie took his
chamber candle, and still talking and still
laughing, loitered with it in his hand.
What noise is that 2 said he suddenly.
Noise heard nome replied Kilkenny.
Hush = said Cookie.
What can you mean 2
Why heard door open and shut
Singular event, in hotel of this magni-
tuden
Do be quiet, said Cookie - hear some
body pacing along the gallery
Well, and if you do replied Kilkenny,
you do not mean to pretend that you expect
captain of banditti 2 VI
No, nD,-but listen
A voice was heard on the other stairs, call
ing Chanbermaid and after several repe-
titions Of the cry, the unfortunate damsel
reused herself and wrapping around her
somefhiHg proper, descended and inquired
what was wanted.
There is strong smell of fire. said the
wanderer ... "... .".
Fire, sir no, sir Where, sir don't
smell it, sir 2
smell il very strong,-a smell of burnt
wood cried the stranger.
Burnt wood whispered Cookie. pointing
to their wood fire we are the delinquents-
hush =
Don't smell it at ALL said the housemaid.
Every souls gone to bed, and every fire has
been out several hours
Indeed : replied the fre-seeker then
ii is more serious than supposed it must be
some massive beam smouldering.'
Lord, sir how can you have them fam
ciesn
i smell it strong" replied David (for there
was no installing his voice J and Miss
Titterton smells it worse than do =
MISS who = exclaimed the chambermaid
with an air of offended dignity.
Mrs Dumps, mean said David in con-
fusion, correcting himself Mrs. Dumps is
very much alarmed ."... VI.
Do you hear :! said Kilkenny
Hush replied Cookie: it would be
cruel to let him know. we are here
IN tell you what exclaimed Mr.. Dumps,
must and'will speak to the master of the
house-call him directly, for do smell it
shocking strong.'
Betty went away to call the host and Da-
vid with his chamber candle in his hand, and
clad very much as people are who ought to
be in bed, paced YEARLY up and down the long
gallery
At length the host made his appearance,
wrapped up in dressing-gown, and looking
by no means pleased with this untimely tor
mentor. Still his urbanity of manner did not
forsakc him, and with the utmost politeness
he inquired what the gentleman and lady
could possibly want
We smell fire, sir replied David.
Fire
Yes,-wood,-a beam, something out of
sight it will break out by-and-by.'
The host shifted, as in duty bound, all
over the house, and then returned to assure
him that there was no cause for alarm.
Il certainly do smell fire. persisted Da-
WELL said the host, a party accustomed
to burn wood at home have had wood fire
here to night
Now that accounts for it, replied David
why did you not tell me SO before
There was no cause for alarm, | assure
YOU said he il did not occur to me to men
ton the wood fire; but fire is what | dread
least in this house. "A
Indeed =
Yes
Nothing so horrible " said David.
But i have reservoir at the top of the
house, which holds sufficient to put out the
worst fire that we are ever likely to see.'
Well exclaimed Mr. Dumps, taking up
his candle, which had been placed on the
table that is a uery great comfort I'll 60
and tell Mrs. Dumps that and it will make
ner easier in her mind: for certainly we did
both smell fire.
Go and quiet the lady's mind, beg said
the host.
| will endeavor, replied David and in
few moments the host had gone back to the
place from whence he came, and David had
again retired to the bridal chamber to argue
Mrs. Dumps out of her apprehension of fire,
and TO assure her that had such calamity
existed, there was water enough Immediately
over their heads efIectually to stop its pro-
gress.
As soon as the house was again quiet,
Cookie opened the door of his si,tng-room,
and softly treading on tiptoe, he and Kilken-
ny proceeded TO the apartments provided for
them.
After ride in the keen air by moonlight,
both were soon buried in profound slumber.
But, bark what shrlll scream rings
through the hotel where we have fingered for
the last few hours So earnest, so piercing
was the cry, that in one moment it reused eve
ny inmate of the large mansion, and it con-
tanned not one sleeper.
What could it be! All was dark, and for
some few moments no sound was heard but