The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-23
Dubious Looks at the aPictur."

Dubious is man who 10 down on su.
pers,i,ion-who don't believe in "none.
sense" Of any kind. Dubious has no
faith in ghosts, snake charmers, spirit rap.
pers. or voices Of the night'-those be-.
longing to peripatetic Tenn cats alone ex.
cepted. Bob Jones is one of Dubious
particular friends, and as Bob is somewhat
given to practical joking. the 6rmnsss
often affords Bob the materials for q
ground plot. ,.,ss
The other day the conversation turned
on fascination. We annex a portion OF
the dialogue: -. s.
4 think you told me Dubious, that you
were ne believer in .fascin alton, and treat.
ed the story Of the basalisk as piece Of
unmitigated gammon9' -
Il did. sir; and repeat It'll do not
believe that it is possible TO rivet my at.
tention towards any object against my
WILL -
You would not like TO back up that
opinion with a bet-would you2'
Yes. sir; and to any amount.
We'll. sir, I'm your man. III bet you
one hundred dollars that there 10 pic
ture-not basalisk, recollect-but q pic.
ture in Ball, Black & Co.'S. window that
you cannot look at for one hour steadily,
without feeling an irresistable tendency to
remain there sll day $3.50
You don't undertake to say that you
are serious in this7' ~
Il was never more 40 in my life.
Let me see If | understand you-you
offer TO bet me hundred dollars that !
cannot look at that picture an hour with.
out feeling q desire TO continue that look
for the rem mainder of the day
That's the bet-.with this single pro.
viso-that while the hour, continues you
shall not allow your attention 10 be drawn
aside, even for a moment, by any cause
whatever
Il agree to that. of course. Now. pu,
up your money -, 7la - '''5.s. :
Bob did as invited-pulied out two fif.
ties, which Dubious covered with Eve
twenties. The money was placed for sale
keeping in Charley Abell's hands. who
was Immediately elected to the office oi
umpire. As soon as these prelimin aries
were arranged. Bob and Dubious started
for the .scene Of action:' Dubious took up
his position-faced the picture, and COM
menced his hundred dollar look AZ
soon as Dubious had done this. Bob start.
ed to hunt up Mrs. Dubious. !
Mrs. Dubious resided in Murray street
in three story brick house, with q brass
knocker. Bob touched the tinkler-door
opened, and in a moment Mr.. Jones was
standlng in the presence, Of very high
spirited, middle.aged, and rather capt..
vating woman. ' =,
Mrs. Dubious. believe, MANI a Z
Yes, sir rs ts' .'i'2sss t.'f'
Wife of Daniel Dubious, | ,hink1' -
YES, sir.
| Excuse me, madam, If l ask you .
rather singular question-in what frame
OF mind did your husband leavs home
this morning2" ss s.
.ln a very cheerful frame. indeed
why do you ask1
| Did you discover nothing wrong
nothing that looked even slightly like
hallucin ationl' sf Izs e5sssel
| .Nothing in the leaat.' aw
| We'll. that is strange" e.
'Whst is strangef aaE
| THAT his brsin should lose its bataAe,
without its giving any premonitary symp
toms Of so great a loss. .'aietgs8 feis~t b
| .asWhat do you mean. sir. by such Ian
Iguage--yourm manner alarms me!
] Ii may. madam; but TRUST not mo
men, too early. II ! am Judge Of in
sanity, your husband. Mr.. Dubious. is a
this moment q lpnatic. lie haa, taken VI
q position in front Of the show window Q
Ball. Black d Co.'s, and all the argument
in the world canno. induce him to chang
his position. He arpears fascinated
rivetsd to the spot BY come supsrasaur'
] agency. ' s