Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1842-06-10

GLORIOUS UNCERTAINTY OF THE LAW.-In
a certain town in Normandy, the authorities
(for divers good reasons thereunto moving)
thought proper to issue a proclamation 10 the
effect that none Of the worthy inhabitants, under
a severe penalty, should stir abroad after sun
set without a lantern. Well, il CHANGED on the
very same evening man was seized and
taken incontinently before the dispenser Of
Justice, 10 be dealt with according to the new
law.
IL am exceedingly sorry" said the chief
officer, recognizing the individual, 'rhat citi-
zen of your respectfully and station should
be the first TO infringe the new regulation"
81 would not willingly do So" said the man,
coolly.
ssHave you not read it!'
"Certainly," replied the captured party
s'but many have unfortunately misunderstood
it. Will Monsieur oblge me by reading it,
that may learn of wha, am guilty !"
The officer graciously complied-and, after
hastily running over the verbose statement,
came 10 the point ''tha no nhabi,ant shall stir
abroad after sunset without lan,ern," which
he certainly delivered with peculiar emphasis,
to the admiration of the fellow who had taken
the man in custody, who was twirling his
fingers, impatient to receive as moiety Of the
fine.
81 have lantern, Monsieur firmly con-
tended the man holding it up to view.
Eyes, but there is no candle ia it," replied
the officer with smile.
'',rhe proclamation does not mention can.
die, believe, Monsieur" replied the cunning
fellow respectfully.
"A candle !-but of COURSE began the
informer, trembling lest he should lose the fish
he had hooked.
at does not mention a cande-and con-
tend, Monsieur, | have not infrnged the aw,'
persisted the quibbler. ''The words are,
without lantern and here it isl
"Hem!' cried the officer, endeavoring to
conceal the canfusion occasioned by his defeat,
BY porting over the copy Of the proclamation,
81 must confess there is an omission, and am
is dismissed
The informer was not only defeated, but "a.
ther alarmed, when the prisoner called to mind
certain act which rendered him, the aforesaid
informant liable to heavy damages for false
imprisonment, &C., and the poor fellow was
fam to avert the infection of an action of the
law by disbursing certain sum in hard cash
to the accused.
But 10! on the next evening he again en-
countered his 'dear acquaintance" and 10 his
infinite delight, he beheld the same unillumina-
ted lantern in his hand for an amend procla-
nation had been issued that morning, with the
words, ''that no inhabitant should stir abroad
without lantern and candle therein.''
The informer ohuckled at the ignorance Of
the man who had so coolly victmized him on
the preceding night, and with heart beating
with the desire of revenge, and certain pros
pect of the restitution Of the mulet which he
had sniff pod ha
requested the honor Of his company to the ius-
tice room.
'RealIy, it is impossible to resist the anna.
BILE importantly Of a gentleman who oays such
delicate compllments-such good coin = repli-
cd the man; and away he walked, chatting
good humored.y aud joking with his delighted
captor.
"What, sgain!' cried the officer.
II hope Monsieur will do me the honor to
remember that my former appearance here was
not only against my inclination, but against
the law" said the prisoner.
'Really these proceedings are very vexatious
''Have you read the proclamation inter.
rup,hd the officer.
"Monsieur did me the favor to read it only
last night, anj-'
~ will read again for your edifcation. -
replied the officer; and he looked furtiyely at
the 'oformer. who could scarcely contain him
self for very joy. $3.50
The amended proclamation was read. The
accused stood placidly smiling at the rioma.
role verbrage; but when the officer read the
concluding words shat no inhabitant should
stir abroad without lantern and a candle, he
started. ~
"Ha " cried the nformer, unable longer to
restrain his feelings. -
"How very, very foriunate,' cried the de.
llnqoen'' and quickly opening his lantern, con.