Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-07-02
CAN WOMEN KEEP A SECRET

CAN WOMEN KEEP A SECRET1
OR HOW MR.. PoDKINs Gor HIS COAT MENDED.
s'Pshaw ? woman keep a secret! Who
ever knew one to keep anything twenty-four
hours %
'sThat's libel upon the sex, Mr.. Podkins-
invented, I'll be bound, by some thrice reject
ed bachelor, who could think of no other mode
of revenge. Let anybody put a secret in my
possession, and if 1 can't keep it till the day
of judgment, then wasn't christened Laura
that's all.''
'Guess l will try you sometime,' said Pod
kins, as he applied match to his cigar, and
walked out.
Proceeding to cOnfectioner's he purchas-
ed mammoth sugar heart and two smaller
ones. These he took to his shop, and cut
piece of shingle the exact size of the large
heart, and placed the wooden counterfeit in
the paper with the small ones, that the packa-
ges might look as near alike as possible.
Nearly tea time Podkins entered the sitting
room where Laura and her friend Mary were
busily plying their needles. Seating himself
near by, he drew from his coat pocket two
small bundles, and presenting one to each of
the girls, remarked that he had long contem-
plated making them some presents, but hoped
as an especial favor to himself that they would
not tell each other what the paper contained.
Laura and Mary promised obedience, the same
time casting nnaasy elannAs ai tho narSierious
gifts.
sSRemember, the first who breaks her pro
mise viii forfeit her claim to the title of Sc
cret keeper, and mend my coat in the way of
penalty,'' added Podlins, rising to exhibit
more fully most sorrowful-looking garment
so ftattered and torn,'' that tailor would
have been puzzled to decide what was its ori-
ginal shape.
The girls considered themselves safe con-
cerning the coat, and chided the wearer for
being so skeptical in regard to their ability to
keep a secret. Curiosity only halt satis-
fled, however, after ascertaining that Podkins'
generosity bestowed heart. 1t was not long
ere the donor overheard Mary and Laura in
the kitchen, teasing one another to reveal, by
some sign, at least, the forbidden fruit. But
each stood their ground wonderfully, and Pod
kns feared his coat would remain tattered.-
| The girls sleeping apartment was contiguous
to the one occupied by Podkins and his friend
Barlow. AS only thin partition separated
the rooms. it was easy to hear ordinary con-
versation from one to the other without the
| folly of listening. The two men were snugly
ensconced in bed, when Mary and Laura en-
| tered the adjoining bedroom. The door had
scarce been closed, when the former exclaim-
| ed: ssNow. Laura, do tell me what was in your
| paper. 1t looked just like mine, and L verify
| believe it is the same thing. l shall rot sleep
a wink tonight If you don't. Come, do tell.
that's good girl, and then will tell you what
| is in mine.''
"Well,'' replied Laura, s'there were two su-
| gar hearts in mine"
| ssAnd there was only one in mine," said
Mary, in disappointed tone.
AT this point respectable portion OF the
bolster went into Barlow's mouth, while Pod
kins took refuge beneath the bed-clothes to
! smother his laughter as best he might.
At breakfast the next morning, while Laura
was pouring out the coffee, Podkins, turning
towards Barlow, said very gravely: s'Well
there were two sugar hearts in mine.'
ssAnd there was only one in mine,' respon.
ded Barlow, so exactly initiating Mary's tone
that she almost fancied herself speaking.
The coffee-pot dropped, to the great confu
sion of sundry cups and saucers, and ther
came burst of laughter from the four thai
fairly made the dishes dance.
81 will take that coat after breakfast, if yor
please, Mr.. Podkins,'' said Laura, quietly, at
ter the mirth had somewhat subsidized.