The native American., 1838-03-17
From the Metropolitan Magasine
EPHEMERA;O OR ETCHINGS FROM LIFE.
MI
No. II.
(Concluded from our last number.)

rupted the petitioner, TO cut and run like fright
ened Frenchman. Nobody's going to ak you
for anything; but your shipmate looks like kind
hearted gernman as would do good turn with
out axing.'
The fellow was right: my cousin was gene
rous young fellow. He prepared to comply
but saw that as he fumbled at his coat skirts,
the waterman thought he was going to the wrong
pocket.
There's no compulsion, Ned said |, laugh
ing, 'only you must
BY this time he had drawn from his pocket all
the half-pence it contained, and offered them to
the sculIer. 1 shall not easily forget the cci
sneer with which the latter indicated that copper
was beneath his acceptance; whilst he jeerngy
said, loud enough for any one to hear
him, BLESS us, no! it would be robbing you
you're sure to want it before the day. over your
self; but suppose not continued he, pointing to
me, if you've any bowels you'll lend it to dunn
my there
Ned's Lancashire blood was up in an instant
and his fist clenched; but charitably interposed
Just in time to prevent breach of the peace and
in Withdrawing my young Hotspur from the field,
was recompensed by overhearing the fellow swear
sHe would glory in having both in his boat, and
capszing US among the fishes, that warn't half so
scaly as these wells
My cousins cricket player-his passion had
cooled; and whilst the fellows abusive language
could yet be heard dying away in the distance,
he could not forbear saying, with laugh, We'll,
Tom, you must allow, however fond you are Of
hoax, that we have had the worst of this in
nings.'
We now got into the Strand. Great was the
note Of preparation amongst the shopkeepers in
anticipation Of golden havest. Many, it would
seem, had reaped as yet disappointment; for
amidst all the hustle and hammering we were sa-
luted with frequent invitations to ascend. The
lower class Of shops were very generally placard-
ed, and the barkers outside assured the passers
by, in the most dulcet tones, that they could be
accommodated with most excellent seats to view
the procession, on the most moderate terms
,'What do you call moderate" said fat master
builder, as guessed, from folding three-footer
that treacherously protruded from the rule side
pocket Of his best buckskins, all unknown to his
rib; who sporting her best attire on this happy
occasion, well sustained, by her ponderous cubic
dimensions, the title OF his better half.
please, sir, to step in with your good lady.
Make way for this gentleman and lady there, we
sha' NIT quarrel, I'm certain
.I'm not so sure of that replied Mr.. Phil.
Rubbish, pulling up another inch of shirt collar
4 don't like to buy aepig in poke. What,
say, is the damage! Let me knoW--at word"
We'll then, sir, at word said Mr.. Bobbin,
eyeing their portly persons, as land surveyor
does an estate from an elevation, ten shillings
a-piece--that, am sure, is moderate. Step this
way, sir, there's all excellent situation,' pointing
to green-baze covered seat, the only one un-
occupied in The shop 'front.'
Cautiously and less sanguinely than place.
hunters in general, proceeded our ponderous
friend. He was, as well as most in society,
impressed with his own weight, and as deeply
as any ancient philosopher, engaged in medta-
ling upoa .the fitness Of things Hence he was
induced to raise slowly the green covering, and
whilst observing the frail seaffoldng, exclaimed,
Bless my SOUL come down, good people! you
will all have your necks broke. Why, it's all
made of half inch deals. You will be all through
the shop frame into the street in minute.
The sitters already had sprung on their legs,
and were scrambling TO the door.
I'm sure it's strong enough-my carpenter
built it,
.rhen,' interrupted Mr.. Philip, 'he must be
an undertaken, and has speculated on a job here
in his other line
The scamperers were aghast. The lady tes-
titled her appreciation of her husbands happy
hit by (horse it could not be) mares laugh,
and the people began to ask for their money
back. The builder, seeing he had willing au-
ulIOTy, CoiHHhcHCsut cApouuuiHS. AHcsC CIoSe-
pieces and uprights ought to have been Of good
scantling to bear such weight; and wouldn't
trust my seat on any thing less than plank of
stout, sound two-inch stuff
:. For heavens saker'' said his wife, almost
swooning through fear of detection in her pea
cock garb, for heavens sake, Phil, sink the
shop
You're quite right; scantling, and two-inch it
ought to be- said the man from next door; but
lust step this way; you and the lady shall have
seat as will last till the resurrection gun fires.
You've been to see for SPELL said /,
that's cleary,9
why, yes for about five years. replied ne;
'but I'm a carpenter by trade: now I've steadi-
ed my helm, and got family Then pointing to
a carpenters bench, which formed the first line
OF seats, observed, There, sir!--there ma am.
It's rough, to be sure, but if you want strength
you'll be at home to IT,
His lady love thought differently--the offer Of
the bench, which would have put kings coun-
sci into ecstasies, appeared her pointed insult
She tugged her husbands arm, and whispered