The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1853-11-09
The Virtue of VentrilOtI uislll.
OR MICK MURPHY AND THE GHOST.

listless ennNt too prevalent IN such Cases.
Among the guests there for the time being
WAS one Michael Murphy, an eccenric good
hearted soul, from what used to be par excel
lence, the land Of potatoes, but which now may
called the potato-less-land. He had beer
on 'spree" in the city, and went over the
lake to dispcl the fumes of his debauch, anc
i take -saltt-baths and soda-water at the same
! time. a.. OK b..
All this became known to ventriloquist
who paid flying visit to the place, and who
had such command over his voice that he
could make it do anything, from the squeak
ing Of pig under the gate to the singing o.
mocking bird. Believing that Michael
was Just about that time in an impressible
state, in a reformatory mood, he thought he
would, through the medium Of his art, en-.
deavor to effect a change in his morals. With
this view he booked his name for bed in
the same room with Michael, and about twelve
o'clock at night-that hour the superstitious
mind has 80 frasght with terors--he "pitch-
ed his voice" outside the door saying III a
kind of trombone tone,
"Michael Murphy Michael Murphy! are
You aslecpg' '.'''
"Who's thats" said Michael, much startled
at the sepulchral tone in which the query
was put, and the time of putting it.
! "Ask me not, but answer" said the ventril-
oquist, still continuing his ghost-like tone.
"Well, what have you got to say!" said
Michael.
"Much of which wish you to take notice, -
said the ventriloquist or rather the ventril-
oquists voice.
30 clear off" said Michael, cor else I'll
give you your tay."
"Better you had continued to take tea than
| to break the pledge, as you have done" said
the voice outside the door. IT,
"What is all this noise about!" said the
ventriloquist speaking from the bed.
"Some dirty blackguard, that's outside the
door there" said Michael, interfering with
what's none Of his business" u ed;
"Why don't You drive him from it Z" said
the vcntriloquist,sp from the bed.
."I wish he'd dare;" said the voice Of the
ventriloquist, speaking outside the door.
.u. I'll LET YOU see | dare said Michael, jump
ming the door ready on sight, to nodk down
the annoyer.
Give 1t to him" said the ventrilOquist
from the bed. 9iN o -.
II believe it's the old boy himself was in
it." said Michael, " for don't sea sowl here. >
sits very mysterious," said the. .ventrloquisl
from the bed. Il.
II WONDER" said Michael, " if there's any
evil spirits in this country T.
II don't know" said the ventriloquist, but
they say the ghosts ofdeparted Indians haunt
the place. ~..e +,
a0h, that's no Indian ghost," said Michael
''for it spoke rs good English as do myself"
"And little better, Michael," said the voice,
as ifit proceeded from one standing by his
side.
-"Och," said Michael, "what are ye at all. at
allg
"No evil spirit, but your guardian genius,
said the voice.
"A mortal queer genius you are" said Mi
chael, that can be heard and not seen."
SECT into bed, them" said the voice. 81
have something to say to you" -tsig
"You won't do any thing bad to mer said
Michael.
Nothing" said the voice.
"Honor bright!" said Michael.
Honor brightl' said the voice. "You
know you have been hard hver."
@That's fact" said Michael.
"You have broke the pledge," said the voice,
"True as preaching" said Michael.
sand did other bad things, said the'voice.
More than Icould ever keep tally Of" said
Michael.
"Then will you pledge yourself to me, that
you'll change your mode of life, said the voice.
.Im do any thing you ask me-" said Mi
,hel.
"Then you promise never TO drink drop
again I" said the voice. 8
" Not as much as would bathe wrenis bill >
aid Michael.
"Then I'm off," said the voice, 'but remem-
,er, If ever you attempt to break it, III
,e present and punish you through life"
"Who is that with whom you are holding
conversation 7" said the ventriloquist speaking
gain from the bed.
" Nobody at ALL" said Michael, "barin' some
mighty poGte,isvisible gentleman, that seems
0 take a great deal d. interest in my vel
are." ae
"Oh, you're dreaming" said the ventrilo-
uAess OVSAssuusuS SVoPoSA M EV0W pSSsUssessl 4
.Faix, it's like dream, sure enough,
MD Michael. M
The next morning q friend aaleaS Michael
take his bitters. He consented, but Just
he took the glass IN hand, the voice Of ,,
40 ventn,oqalst who wss present. was heard
Dove nls ..ead.in the air, crying out, Touch
.ot Michael Mirphy-remember your
romise Il was Congratulated would
aste not. !
"The pleasure Of wine with You, Mr.. Muir
hy," said gentleman at the dinner table.
with pleasure sir," said Michael; but just ,
1 that moment voice. was heard to issue /
rom the corner Of the room. It was that Of I
he ventnloquist, who sat by bis side a..er- 1
rg his admonitions. \