The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1850-10-25
THE WAY THEY INITIATE ODD
FELLOWS,

on our part that we would never divulge his
name. We shall keep Our promise sacredly.
Mr.. jerks took notion to join, and his
lady being in the habi. Of wearing the un-
mentiOnabes would not consent without the
promise recorded below:
Very well. Mr.. jerks. you know my
opinion of secret societies.
Perfectly. my DEAR said our friend,
lhrnsIing his hands into his pockets.
'And you will Join?"
Don't you ,hinH II best?'
mo, sir; once for all, do not
Consider, my dear, if you should be left
q widow. with nothing
Now, what a ridiculous argumen,,-
suppose, Mr.. Jenks-'
MY dear?
Mr.. Jenks 2
will you listen for moment?'
Certainly
'W,lI, then, much as respect your
wishes, and you know love you dearly, it
will be impossible for me to oblige you in
this instance, my dear. have sent in my
document, and tonight nm to be initiated
Mrs. jerks opened her handsome eyes in
amazement, and for single moment was
lost in wonder.
And so you are actually going to oe ini-
tinted? 2
Yes, my dear
We'll, will you ,ell me all about it when
you come home?
Perhaps So.
Comforted by this assurance the lady Of
fered no further opposition, and our hero
took his departure. He returned about
eleven. a wiser if not better man.
We'll. my dear. exclaimed Mrs. jerks,
.what did they do 10 you ?-whut is it like!
were you much frightened! Come tell me
all about it,
Don't ask me- he replied; beg you
won't ask me-
Why not! I'm your wife. you know,
and husband and wife are one
.Hsrkn exclaimed jerks, did you bear
HuthingF
No. nothing
Silence, my dear. Remember wha,
Shakespeare says about sermons in stones.
books IN running brooks. If | should di-
vulgs he might hear Of it,
who, my dear 2
The patriarch of the lost tribes. Even
,.ow he may be at our windows
Mercy on as CALCULATED Mrs. Ienks,
how you ,crrify a body. I-I-I-shiv-
shivcrs-all 0ver!"
If you don't wish to be killed outright,
ask no more questions
Surely, you can tell me something about
it-nn idea or two-that wouldn't be dl>
vulging yon know
What if you should in dn unguarded
moment, let the secret out?'
oh, trus, me, it will be safe in my keep
ing!'
You will never tell =
Never
Not even to your greet grandmother
You know how prone to gossip some old
ladies' arc.'
IN never open my mouth on the subject.
'Hurk!' exclaimed jerks with n threa'ri.
cal start, heard you nothing?
.Nolhing.' replied his wife with unfeisn'
ed alarm.
Twas only the wind mu,ed our friend
| thought it might be the Patriarch or h''
Grand Bashaw, armed with his crcumven
tor, covered with curious devices Of The
order. Nov listen. aud if you love me
for the sacrifice am about to mskr is gr"n
you must seal your lips forever on tins
subject
.Well my DEAR SAID the lady with long
drawn sigh.
You have often heard Of the cat being lei
uut OF The bag!'
Yes, yes!'
We'll, saw that cot tonight"
"A real live cal!'
Yes. aud al immense cat at that-a
monstrous cat. But you shall hear. You
shall know all. Let me begin al The Begin
ming
That's right exclaimed Mrs. Jenss'
breathless with interest.
On my arrival at the hall. was 'mme'
diately seized by about four dozen smart
fellows, and taken upoi the ROOT OF The
building. Here wa, torguc.,ied and coT'
relied to answer about hundred questions
upon the science of astronomy
What a queer proceeding, exclaimed
Mr.. Jenks.
sHow | answered the questions must ever
remain a mystery to myself-certaln 1t Is'
however, | did answer every on"-alih'ueh
did not know until tonight that there was
a great hear aud dIpper. aud q chair. and
four horse team, and don't know what else,
in the sky. Is i, not pity the, this beauli