Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-01-13
The Virtue of Ventriloquism.

| Pondiartran, on certain occasion last summer
that efectually served to dispel the lstless ennu
too prevalent in such cases. Among the guests
there for the time being was one Michael Murphy
an eccentric, good natured soul, from what used
to be- par excellence, the land of potatoes, but
which may now be called the potato-Iess land
He had been ''spree" in the city, and went
over 70 the lake to dspe the fumes of his debau-h
and take salt baths and soda water at the same
! time.
/ All this became known to a yentrilooust who
paid flying visit to the place, and who had such
command over his voice that he could make it do
anything. from the squeaking of pig under the
gate, to the singing of mocking bird. Bcev-
ing that Michael was just about that time in an
impressabe state, in refornatory mood, he
! thought he would, through the medium of his
art cndeavor 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
I o'clock at night-that hour when the supersti-
tious mind is SO fraught with terror-he pitch
cd his voice. outside the door, saving in kind
| of trombone tone:
% Michael Murphy! Michael Murphy are you
asleep z''
"Whos that 2n 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 ventrilo-
quist still continuing his ghost-likc accent.
. Well, what have you got 20 say? 2" said Mi
shacl. is- @
9 Much of what I want you TO TAX. notice."
said the 'yentriloquist, or rather the ventrilo-
quist's voice.
:. Oh clear off, " said Michael q or elseI'll give
you tay."
= Better you had continued to take tea, than
to break the pledge you have DONE said the
voice outside the door.
a What is all this noise about g. said the ven
triloquist speaking from the bed.
q Some dirty blackguard that's outside the
door there said Michael, . interfering with
what's none of his business.
:aWhy don't you drive him from it !'' said the
ventriloquist, speaking from the bed.
. | wish he'd dare said the voice Of the ven
triloquist outside the door.
- III let you see dare" said Michael Jump
ing up, seizing his history, and hurriedly open
ing the door, ready on sight to knock down
annoycr.
=. Give it to him, = said the ventriloqust from
the bed
Il believe it 5 the old boy himself was in it,
said Michael, " for don't see a sowl here
:. It's very my sterious," said the vcntriloquist
from the bed.
81 wonder, y said Michael, 'if there any evil
] spirits in this country aa nEa a
:, don know, " said the yentriloquist, 20 but
they say the ghosts of departed Indians haunt
the place"
a :, r. IL
:. for it spoke as good English as do myself"
:. And little better, Michael said the voice
; it proceeded from one standing by his side.
Och ~ said Michael, what are yeu, at all,
at ali r. a Fr % ,.salfa1g r1-
!Ss.' No evil spirit, 6ut your guardian genius, y
said the voice 1Ig 81 sr-a .Ga vz.-
taa :, A mortal queer genius you are, said Mi
7chael : that snsbe heard and not SEEM
Get into bed, them said the voice, . have
something to say 10 you."
lou wont do any hing bad to me e. said Mi
-chael q. 3ds gusa ita...f. ~
Nothing" said the voice. f
. Honor bright e. aa 7-aac afa
q Honor bright, said the voice. . You know
you have been hard liver 2'' H
. That's fact" said Michael
q You broke the pledge" again said the voice
+" Thrue as praychin," was Michael's answer
Ind did other bad thinse, y - ~
More than could ever keep tally of, said
Michael
:, Then you will pledge yourself to me that
you VIII change your mode OF life ?'' said the
voice.
g I'll do anything you ask me-" said Michael.
:. Then you promise never to drink drop
again., said the voice.
q Not much as would battle wren's bill, ~
said Michael
:. Then I'm off, said the voice, " but remem-
Der, if ever you attempt to break it, I'll be pres
ent, and punish you through life"
g Who is that with whom you are holding con-
vcrsation ?' said the ventriloquist speaking from
the bed, in his natural voice.
Nobody at all, said Michael, Z" barrin some
mighty polite, invisible gentleman that seems to
take an interest in my welfare"
Oh, you are dreaming, said the ventrae-
quist," continuing to speak in Propria persona
:. Faith it's like dream, sure enough" said
Michael
The next morning friend asked Michael to
take his bitters. He consented, but just as he
took the glass in his hand the voice of the ven-
triloquist, who was present, was heard above his
head, in the air, crying out: ssas-..
4 Touch it not, Michael Murphy-remembel
your promise ~
| 1T was enough--hdichael would not taste it.
q The pleasure of wine with you, Mr.. Muir
:. ply" said gentleman at the dinner table