Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-04-04
A shooting Exploit of sheridan.

A SHOOTING ExptOAt Oh SHcfsa1sA.
Tom Sheridan used to tell story for
and against himself, which we shall take
leave TO relate:
He WINS staying al Lord Craven's, al
Benham, Tor rather Hampstead,) and
one day proceeded on shooting excur-
sion, like Hawthorn, with only This dog
and his gum on foot, and UNATTENDED by
companion or keeper, the sport was bad
the birds few and shy--and he walk
ed and walked in search of game, until
unconsciously he entered the domain of
some neighboring squire. Avery short
time after, he perceived advancing TO-
wards him, at the top of his speed,
jolly, comfortable looking gentleman.
followed by a servant armed as it appear
ed, for conflict. Tom took up a posi-
ton, and waited the approach of the
army.
. .sHallo you, SIR said the squire,
when within half-ear shot, "what are
you doing here, sir, eh!"
I'm shooting, SIR said Tom. g
ado you know where you are, sir!'
said the squire.
'l'm here, SIR said Tom.
@"Here, sir!'' said the squire, growing
angry, sand do you know where here
is, slr?-these, sir, are my manors; what
do you think of that, sir, eh?"
"Why, sir, as TO your manners" said
Tom, 81 can't say they seem over agree
able 2" 4
81 don't want any jokes, sir" said
the squire; hate jokes. Who are you,
sir,-what are your ~ -4
why, sir said Tom, ''my name is
Sheridan-l am staying at Lord Cra-
ven's--I have come Out for some sport
II have moi had any, and am not aware
that a,n tresspassing."
s.Sheridan - said the Squire, cooling
a little, ssoh, from Lord Craven's. eh!-
Well, sir, / could not know that, sir-I
-''
"No, sill" said Tom, shut you need
not have been in passion. !"
mot in passion, MIR. Sheridanr'
said the squire; .'you don't know, sir,
what these preserves have cost me, and
the pains and trouble have been al
with them; it's all very well for you to
talk, but if you were in my, place, !
should like 10 know what you would say
upon such an OCCASION" vfqs
"Why, sir" said Tom, "lf were in
your place. under all the circumstances,
| should say-'.I am convinced, Mr..
Sheridan, you did not wish to annoy me;
and as you look great deal tired. per-
haps you'll come up TO my house aud
take some refreshment."
The squire was hit hard by this non
chalance, aud as the newspapers say, sit
is needless TO add" acted upon
Sheridan's suggestion.
$50 far" said poor Tom, "ihe story
tells for me; now you shall hear the Sc
quel."
After having RECALLED himself at the
squire house, and having said five hum
dred more good things than he swallow
ed; having delighted his host, and more
than half won The hearts of his vile
and daughters, the sportsman proceeded
homewards.
In the course Of his walk, he passed
through farm yard; in the front OF the
ldTin-il0usC Was SiScHs All TIC CSutiC VI
which was a pond--in the pond were
ducks innumerable, swimming and di-
wing. on its verdant banks motley groap
Of gallant cocks and pert partlets picking
and feeding-ihe farmer was leaning
over the hatch of the barn, which stood
near two cottages on the side of the
green. ser
Tom hated 10 60 back with an empty
bag; and having failed in his attempts at
higher game, ii struck him as good Joke
to ridicule, the exploits of the day him
self, in order TO prevent any one else
from doing it for him; and he thought to
carry home certain number of the do
nestle inhabitants of the pond and its
vicinity would serve the purpose admi-
rably. Accordingly, up he goes TO the
farmer, and accosts him very civilly--
.My good friend" says Tom, "pll
make you an offer. =
.Of what, sir!" says the farmer.