The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-01-12
CHAPTER TX.


'Old Lignumvitas getting as cross a bear,
latey,' said Bill, ON the afternoon of the day on
which Hardamer had passed through his first
shaving operation. Well have TO check him
again. 1t won't answer to let him have the upper
hand of US; if we do, thereil be no living ia the
house with him.
He mustn't talk to me again like he did little
while ago, can tell HIM or he'll get his own
pretty quick! I've no notion of it,, responded Ike.
He talked about giving nae the strrup, yester-
day. said Tom. should just like to see him try
that game onces I'd show him how much more
interesting it was when played by two, instead of
one Since he's got to going down hill, there's no
living with him. It's snarI and jaw all the while
He's done one good thing, though said Ike.
What is that 2 Si ssz
why, he's set or beauties up stairs to work.
If / didn't see Gertrude trying to make shirt
yesterday wish l may be shotl Mile says all
three at it, but of 'em, except GeaevieVe,
who is the best of the bunch, knows much
about it. Whenever any body calls in. Gertrude
and Genevra hide their work away, and then sit
with their hands in their laps until the visitor has
departed sas
How can you ask such a question, Tom
But Millie says, and say too that they'll not hold
out long. They are both too proud and too lazy
to work. 'ssl se5sga 4 ~ sard 8s5ae a
That's fct,' said Bill, energeticaly.
Its most time we gave 'em another serenade.
Suppose we amuse them a little to night p said
Ike. s3
Agreed = responded his two companions, hear
tily, and that night about twelve o. cl ck the whole
family were awakened by another full chorus of
dabolcal sounds. Instantly Hardamer seized his
old musket, which had been loaded soms time be-
fore pretty plentifulIy with small shot, and throw
ing open The window, blazed away right in the
midst OF them Not one of the young serenaders
but had taste of the shot, but happened, fortu-
nately. that none received any wound of conse-
quence; the little messengers of punishment only
penetrating the flesh in unimportant parts of the
body. 1t is needless to say, that there was a sud
den cessation of the music, and silent scamper-
ing of the young rascals. Putting down his gun,
Hardamer proceeded at once to the garret, and
10 !. there no there but little Jimmy.
Where are the boys?' he asked IN loud quick
voice.
They're gone out, sir replied the frightened
boy.
Gone out where 2
They weit out of the window, SIR 4
When? !?
About an half hour ago, sir, said Jimmy tremb-
ling from head to foot he scarcely knew why.
Hardamer turned on his heel and went down
stairs quickly, but returned in minute with a
eowhide in his hand He did not wait long before
the three boys scrambling up the roof smart
ing from the few small shot that had penetrated
beneath the skin; and frightened dreadfulIy, at the
idea of being wounded. Ike jumped from the
window sill to the floor, first, and upon him was
made the opening demonstration of his masters
skill in using the cowhide. Heavily anl with ra-
pidty did the blows descend for the space of near
ly minute. by which time Bill and Tom were
fairly at the of action. Ike had begun to re-
cover little from the surprise and confusion of the
sudden attack, and. watching his opportunity,
caught at the cowhide, and jerked it from his mas
tel'S hand.
Come on. boys!' he called out let's give the
devil taste of his own porridge' And aourisbipg
the coWhlde about his head he brought it across
the face OF his master with tremendous force
Quick as thought, Bill and Tom responded to
the summons. and before Hardarner had recover
ed from the sudden attack, Bill struck him heavy
blow under the ear, with his fist, which broup pht
him at full length upon the floor.
8 Now slash it into him, Ike = cried Bill. sand
if he attempts to rse I'll beat his brains out with
this book jack p picking up tho article named, and
orandishIng it over the head of his master in a
threatening manner.
Ike did not wait for second invitation, bpt
poured in the blows with the cowhide thick md
fast.
But Hardamer was too much excited b5 this N,
expected scene. to lay quietly upon the floor
Dlsregardng Bills boot-jack. and not seeming to
feel its force, as it descended upon his head Har.
damer sprung 10 his feet. and catching Ike by the
collar, dealt him two or three tremendous blows
with has list, which, in turn, brought that ndivid-
ua to the floor. s
A new thought now struck him, and, retreatine |
at once from the battle ground he called in the !
aid OF three watchmen, who proceeded, mace in
hand, TO the garret. sSuspectng the design of
Hardamer, the boys barricaded the door, after
driving nail over the latch, by bringing their bed
steads against it.. But this only served to en,bar-
rass the watchmen little, not to keep them out.
They quickly forced the door,
Touch me at your peril!' said Ike, as the three
rebels crowded together at the one end of the
room, nrmed in no very offensive manner; their
several weapons consisting of boot-jack, broom
handle, and heavy, knotted cane. ..y
You'd better give in at once, my lads said one
Of the watchmen, brandishing his mace. We're
used to handling men,. And SO saying, he advan-
ced upon them with his two associates Each
watchman singled his prize, and made his capture
with an ease and quiekness, that showed him to be
perfect master of his trade.
That night our serenaders were quartered in
he watch house. On the next day, they were