, 1844-01-13

Joke.

Of Connecticut, lives a good natured
fellow, whom we shall call Jake
Now Jake was a halter by trade, he
was also the village grave-digger
and a topper. He had frequently been
asked % sign the pledge which he had
positively refused 10 do. One day he
went to dig a grave for n who had
just died; and during his lahors no
piled the bottle so freely that by the
time he had finished he was conside-
rsbly more than half gone He
looked at the grave, and it struck him
very forcibly that it was too SMALL
He looked around for his rule. but it
was moi to be found-and there was
no time to 90 home for another. It
would be very awkward if the fune-
raj should arrive and the grave not
be large enough. Atlength he thought
that as the dead man was considera-
bly, smaller than himself, if there was
room for him to lie in it comfortably,
it would answer-so in he got.
It'll be a close fit muttered he,
stretching himself out. When he
attempted TO get up, he couldn't
He dug his hands into the earth and
tried to pull himself up, instead Of
which he pulled the earth down-and
the more he scrambled and kicked to
free himself from his unpleasant situ-
alton, the faster the dirt and stones
rolled in upon HIN. until he was near
Iy buried alive. The fright had So
bered him. and he began 10 halloo
most lustily--Help! help! for Gods
sake come and help me out, or I'll DO
buried aliver
A Washingtonian, who was passing
the graveyard, heard the noise--it
sounded as it was above bis head
and it was some time before he could
imagine from whence it came. The
cries continued loud and long for
'help. The Washingtonian got over
the fence into the graveyard, and was
attracted to the spot, and there b.
saw poor Jake almost covered with
the dirt and stones.
What on earth's the mat.erT ask
ed the Washingtonian. 'Oh! SIR
cried the half buried man; 'eh! sir, get
out. and I'll sign the pledge
wi~ll--indeed | will
The situation Of Jake was extreme
~ perilous; for he had dug away the
earth from below, in attempting TO
extricate himself, until that above was
to fall in upon him. But not
w~ithstanding the danger, the Wash
could o refrain from
Iaughing-for Jake had repeatedly
declared to him that he would never
sign away his liberty! However, az
ter considerable difficulty, Jake found
himself safely upon the face Of terra
The Washingtonian presented the
saying he would hold him to
his bargain.
Give it to NELL sign it, was the
quick reply; sbut first, you must pro-
me you will not tell people
what made me do it,
We'll, | promise--that is, I will
not do SO without your permission
Jake signed the pledge; but the sto-
y was too good 10 remain unknown.
lake soon began TO feel and boast of
he advantages Of a cold water life.
The Washingtonian told him that it
his duty to come out and tell his
experience. He promised TO attend
he meeting that night and do so. 1t
spread through the village that
lake was to make a speech-the
house wa full, and among the audi.
were to be see many Of his
I'D cronies. Jake took the stand,
md after detailing the troubles and
which drink had brought
lpon himself and family, finished BY
cling the above story. The effect
vas tremendous on all present, and
IS Jake took his seat there was a gen.
,ral rush for the pledge.--[N. Y.
'Fashingtonian.