Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1857-01-30
Tom Sheridan out Shooting.


Tom Sheridan staying at Lord Cra7en's at
Benham, Tor rather Hamsead,) and one day pro-
ceeded on a shooting excursion, like Hawthorn,
with only " his dog and his gum" on foot and un-
attended by companion keeper, the sport was
bad-the birds few and shy-and he walked and
walked in search of game until unconsciously he
entered the domain of some neighboring squire
very short time after, he perceived advancing
toward him at the top of his speed, jolly COM
Portable gentleman, followed by a servant armed as
it appeared, for conflict. Tom took up position,
and waited the approach of the enemy. Halo!
you sir" said the squire, when within half shot
| "what are you doing here, sir, eh "Im shooting
sir" said Tom. "Do you know where you are sir o.
said the squire. Pm here, sir" said Tom. 'Here,
sir,' said the squire, growing angry /" and do you
know where here is, sir ?-these sir, are my manors
what dye think Of that, sir, Ell % 'Why, sir, as to
your Manners said Tom, 81 can't say they
agreeable" don't want any jokes said the squire ;
81 hate jokes. Who are you, sir-what are you o.
" Why, sir,' said Tom, 'my is Sheridan-I
| am staying at Lord Craven's-I have come out for
some sport have not had any, and am not aware
that am trespassing" "Sherldan ~ said the SQUIRE
cooling little, ''oh from Lord Craven's, Ell? WE'LL
sir, could not know that, sir-1-' No, sir"
said Tom, 50 but you need not have been in pas
sion.' mot in passion, Mr.. Sheridan !" said the
squire you don't know, sir. what these preserves
have cost me- and the pains and trouble have been
at with them it's all very well for you to talk bat
if you in my place, | should like to know what
you would say on such occasion :" "Why, sir"
| said Tom Sc if | were in your place, under all the
circumstances, [ should say, L am convinced, Mr.
Sheridan, you did not mean 10 annoy me- and as you
look good deal tired, perhaps you'll come up to my
| house and take some refreshment" The squire was
hit hard by this noncalance and Gas the newspapers
say) it is needless to add acted upon Sherdans sug-
gestion. {" So far" said Tom " the story tells fo,
me, now you shall hear the sequel
After having RECALLED himself at the squire's house
and having said FIVE hundred more good things than
| n Oupd. del ted
than half won the hearts of his wife and daughters
the sportsman proceeded on his return homewards.-
In the course of his walk, he passed through farm
yard in front of the farm house was green, in the
centre of which was pond in the pond were ducks
innumerabe swimming and diving; on lis verdan
banks motley group of gallant cocks and pert pull
lets feeding; the farmer was leaning over the
latch of the barn, which stood near two cottages or
the side OF the green. Tom hated 10 20 back with
an empty bag and having failed at his attempts
higher game it struck him good Ike to ridicule
the exploits of the day himself, in order to prevent
any one else from doing it for him; and he thought
that to carry home certain number of the dor este
inhabitants of the pond and it's vicinity would serve
the purpose admirably
Accordingly up he goes to the farmer, and accosti
him very cVilly: My good FRIEND" says Tom
" I'll make you an offer" "Of what sir 2" says the
farmer. "Wby," replies Tom, I've been out al
day tagging after birds, and havnt had a shot
Now, both my barrels are loaded should like te
I
ne have shot with each barrel at those ducks anC
fowls 81 standing here-and to have whatever kill 7?
g hat sort of shot are you:" said the farmer
" Parrish !" SAID Tom, "farish p "And TO have al
you kill 2" said the farmer, eh 2" Exactly So,
said Tom ''Halt guinea" said the farmer. That
too much,' said Tom. /" I'll tell you what I'll do, II
give you seven shilling piece, which happens TO b.
all the money have in my pocket" "Well said tn
man, "hand it over" The payment was made. Tom
true to his bargain, took his post by the barn door
and let fire with one barrel and then with the other
and such quacking and splashing and screaming ant
futteing had never been seen in that place before.
:, Away ran Tom, and delighted at his success, pick
ed up first hen, then chicken, then fshed out
:, dying duck or Two, and so on, until he numbere
eight head OF domestic game, with which his bag wa
nobly distended. "Those right good shots sir,
said the farmer. eyes said Tom, "eight ducks an
fowls were more than you bargained for old fello,
. worth MORE | suspect, than seven shiIlings-eh
@ "Why, yes" said the man. scratching has head, '
E think they be but what do care for that they az
. none of them mine !" Here" said Tom, 81 wa
for once in my life beaten, and made of as fast as
could, for fear the right owner of my game mlgE
make his appearance, not but that could haV
given the fellow that took in seven times as niue
as did, for his cunning and GOODNESS.
FAM