Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-08-19

"but she might miStrust and that would be nc
go."
"The time, dearest" he answered, "will be
when most convenient to YOURSELF
ssOh ! how glad 1 am!''
ssWhat a pickle would be in if the folks
would pop in all of a sudden," he thought al
that moment; and as the thought passed thro
his mind latch fumbled in the door.
At this ominous sound, his lady companion
sprang to her feet, greatly frightened.
go, dear, what shall do ?'' was her e1cla-
| nation. ssHcre comes the folks.''
"What shall do p asked Gus, springing up.
60, deari o, deari'' she exclaimed, s'where
shall 1 hide you? There is no closet, and you
cannot get ont of the room before the folks
will see you. o, mercy, shall lose my place.
There, the door is opening-quick-hur
hide under the sofa.''
He didn't think of better place, but pop
ped down on the floor, and commenced crawl
ing underneath. His progress was greatly ac-
celebrated by her feet, which she applied most
vigorously to his ribs.
ssThunder! what a plantation she has got,''
said Gus, as she came in contact with his side.
He found the space under the sofa very mar
row, so much Sc that he had to lay fat on his
face.
ssHist there they ome-one-two-three
daughters, the old man and woman and two
gents, friends of the ladies, L suppose. Here
they are down on the sofa. How would like
to grasp that delicate little foot. I wonder
how long have got to stay here ? hope the
conversation will be edifying.''
In this manner his thoughts ran for the space
of an hour. By that time he felt his situation
anything but pleasant, not being able to move
an inch. There were no signs of their depar-
turc, judging by their lively talk and not
knowing how long he would have to stay in
such quarters, caused him to anathmetize them
severely and he got worn to such pitch that
he let an oath slip accidentally thro' his lips.
ssHark what's that 2'' exclaimed one, but
the others heard nothing.
ssJesu Maria 90 thought Gus, sswhat mar
row escape. elf any of the rest had heard it,
L should have been discovered then pretty
plight would have been in. should have
been taken for burglar.'
While thus congratulating himself on his
escape, shawl belonging to one of the ladies',
which hung over the back of the sofa, slipped
behind. 1t was soon missed, and search
was commenced.
s.It must have fallen behind the sofa," said
the owner.
ssI'll ascertain,' said one of the young men
rising from the sofa. Seizing one end, he
whirled it into the middle of the room.
What scream! The young ladies nearly
tainted away at the sight of Gus on his face.
eBurglar! thief! robber,'' cried the head
of the family. retreatiDg toward the door.
every complimentary, 'saidGus, looking up.
The two young men seized and raised him
to his feet.
aGive an account of yourself. How came
you here 2" said one of them.
aThieYes 4obber! watch!'' screamed the
ladies'.
ssStop your noise l'' shouted the old man as
Gus commenced an apology.
ssLadies and gentlemen said he, ssyou have
found me concealed under the sofa in a bur-
glarous manner, but upon my soul it was for
a very different purpose"
He then went on and gave a lucid explana-
tion, and in such a manner that it set the whole
company in roar of laughter.
The girl was then called and questioned in
regard to the matter.
SCI shall now see at any rate what I've been
skylarking with,'' thought Gus, as he heard
her steps coming towards the room.
A moment more and daughter of Ham, as
black as the ace of spades, strode into the
room.
Such an apparition of darkness struck our
hero dumb. For a moment he was model Of
amazement, but roar restored his shattered
senses and he then became fully aware of his
ridiculous position.
"Whcre is my hat 2" he family articulated,
and rushed quickly from the room.
Until sleep closed his eyes, did that roar of
laughter ring in his ears, and when sound asleep
the vision of a ssniggeress'' fitted before him.
TAKING IT CooLLY.-The following is the
latest joke upon John Bull:
John was travelling on some Western rail-
road, when a tremendous explosion took place,
the cars at the same time coming to sudden
halt. The passengers sprang up in terror, and
rushed out to acquaint themselves with the
mischief-ali but Mr.. Bull, who continued read
ing his newspaper. In moment somebody
rushed back and informed him that the boiler
had burst.
save 20 muttered the Englishman.
EYES, continued his informant, "and SIX
teen persons have been killed"
ssAwe 7'' grunted the Englishman again.
uAnd-and' said his interlocutor, with An
effort, s.your own man--your seryanf-nas
been blown into hundred pieces.