The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-03-26
From the .Nep York yNe,cs.
TIL e OLD CLOCK.

From the .Ne,O York Ne,os.
TIL E OLD CLOCK.
"Here she goes, there she goes p' Some years
ago, there came to this country a family
from England, which settled on the upper part
of this island, and opened public House. A =
mong their chattels, was an old family clock
which they priced more for its age than lis ac-
tual value, although it had told the hours for
years on years with the most cOmInendabe fl
deity. This clock is now situated in one of the
I pr vae parors of the house. and many time
has been the theme of remark in consequence
of its solemnly antique exterior.
| few days since, about dusk, couple OF
mad ways drove up to the door of the hotel,
| seated in light and beautiful wagon, drawn by
| supurb bay horse. They sprang out--order-
| ed the ostler to pay every attention TO the mi
mai and to stable him for the night Entering
the hotel they tossed off glass of wine apiece,
bemontled cigar, aud directed the landlord to
provide the best game supper in his power
| There was winsome look in the countenance
of The eder-a bright sparkling in his eyes,
which occasionally he half closed in style
which gave linn the air ofa "knowing one, 'and
II slight curving of the corners of his mouth,
that showed his ability to enjoy, while his whole
de meanor made every accute observer sure of
his bihty 10 perpeTue IL joke Now and then,
when his lips parted and he ran his fingers
through his hair with n laugnd expression, it
was evident he was eager to be at work at his
vocaiion-that of u practical joker The 9th
er was dapper young man, although different
IN appearance, yet with features that indicated
that his mind was well fittcd 10 he II successful
CO. operator with his mate, and u dry pun, or
gravely delivered witcism was frequently
worked off with an air of philosophy or uncon-
Germ, that gave him the cre,!it of being first
rate wit Supper on the table, these Two yam
KEGS were not dull as a couple generally will be
at table, but made nirth and laughter and wit
set n
for prince and his associates. The Yankees
ate and drank and were right merry when the
old family o'clock whirred and whizzed as the
hammer on the bell struck one, two, three, four,
five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve
The elder looked up nj the old monitor before
him, stuck his elbow OH the table and looked
again steadily for moment and then laughed
out heartily, akcning the waiter who was Just
doing by the window sill.
What in the name of Momus are Won laugh
ing nj 2 asked the dapper Yankee, rs he cast
his eyes now over the table, now over and a
round himself to ascertain where the Zest of the
joke was concealed. The elder wnked silly,
and yawnlng azily, slowly raised the forefnger
OF his right hand, and applied it gracefully to
his nose. The dapper man understood the bnt.
Ohio l UNDERSTANDING you don't come
over this child waiter, another bottle of cham
pagne.' The servant left The room, and our he
roes inclined themselves over the table, held
long conversation in a low tone, when the eld-
er of the two raised his voice, and with an air of
satisfaction, exclaimed
Clocks always go it
Then both cautiously rose from their chairs
-and advancing to the clock turned the key of
the door, and looked within the elder, in half
inqulring, half decided manner saying
Wont g.
Inc waiter was on the stairs and they return
eu TO their seats in trice, rs if nothing happen
ed-bo,h scolding the waiter, as he entered, for
being SO lazy on his errand.
Having heard the clock strike one they were
shown to their beds, and finally sunk to rsleep.
In the morning they were early up, and ordered
their horse TO be lIarnessed and brought to the
door. Descending 10 the bar room, they asked
for their bill, and with becoming promptitnde
paid the amount due over 10 the bar keeper
The elder perceving the landlord through the
window, placed his arms upon the bar, and in II
serious tone enquired of the bar keeper it he
would dispose Of the old clock. The young
man hesitated--he knew not what to nsWer.-
The old clock seemed to him such n miserable
piece Of furniture, that he had an impression
that it might as well be his as his employers yet
he could not comprehend why such a person
should want such a hideous article. While he
was attempting TO reply, the good natured land
lord entered, and the question was referred to
hiifI for an answer.
lwish to purchase that old clock up stairs
VIII you sell o asked the elder Yankee, whilst
the younger lighted cigar and cast bis ewes o.
yer the columns of the Sunday Morning News.
winch lay upon the table. The landlord who
had set no great value upon the clock, except ms
an heir loom, beganto suspect that it had the
virtues OF Martin Hnywood's chair, and be filled
with dollars and almost Involuntary the three
assembled to the room which containedt.