Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1845-06-27
re me perN 70 Ce.
A " GRAvEn JOKE.

In one of the beautiful towns of Connecticut,
lives good natured fellow whom we shall call
Jake, Now Jake was halter by trade; he was
also the village grave digger, and topper. He
had frequently been asked to sign the pledge,
which he had positively refused to do. One day
he went to dig grave for one who had Just died;
during his labors he piled the bottle SO freely that
by the time he had finished he was considerably
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
nowhere to be found-and there was no time to
go home for another. 1t would be very awkward
if the funeral should arrive and the grave not lie
large enough At length he thought as the dead
man was considerably smaller than himself if
there was room to lie in it comfortably it would
answer-so into the grave he got.
It'll be close fit muttered he, stretching
out-he attempted to get up but could not. 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 this unpleasant situation, the
faster the dirt and stones rolled down upon him
until he was nearly buried alive. The fright had
sobered him and he began to halo Justify. Help!
help! for Gods sake come and help me out or I'll
be buried aiveP
A Washingtonian who was passing the grave
yard, heard the noise-it sounded as though il
was above his head---and it was some time before
he could imagine from whence it came. The
cries continued loud and long for help The
Washngtonian got over into the graveyard ant
was attracted to the spot, and there he saw pool
Jake almost covered with dirt and stones
why, what on earths the matter asked the
Washngtonian.
ooh! sir, cried the half buried man, 'oh! sir
get me out, and I'll sign the pledge! I wil----in
deed wlP
The situation of Jake was extremely perilous
for he had dug away the earth from below, il
irving to extricate himself, until that above wa
likely to fall in upon him. But notwithstanding
the danger, the Washingtonian could not refra
from laughing---for Jake had repeatedly told hin
he would not sign away his Liberty Howeve
after considerable difficulty Jake found him-se
safe upon the face ofterra frma.
The Washingtonian presented the pledge, say
ing that he would hold him to his bargain.
Give it me-pll sign it, was the quick reply
But first you must promise me that you'll ne
tell the people what made me do it.
We'll, promise-that is, I'll not do SO will
out your permission
Jake signed the pedge-but the story was to
good to remain unknown Jake soon began
feel and to boast of the advantages of cold WI
ter life. The Washingtonian told him it was h
duty to come out and tell his experience. II
promised to attend the meeting that night al
do So 1t soon spread through the village til
lake was to make speech---the house was fu
4 and among the audience were to be seen mar
T. Of his old cronies' Jake took the stand and
ter detailing the troubles and difficulties he hi
Y brought upon himself and family, he finished
= telling the above story The effect was IRENE
dous on all present, and as Jake took his Sc
h there was general rush for the pledge.