Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1860-06-14
The Persevering Mosquito.

we nave had, during our chequered exist
ence, considerable acquaintance with the mos
quito family. We have met them in battle ar
ray, while hunting through swamps. We have
encountered the bold attack of the pine woods
galllnlpper, and the insdous, noiseless surprise
OF the little black miscreant of the Gulf Keys
bat we have never seen equaled the blood
thirsty pertinacity and malicious activity of the
specimen that came under our attention very
recently.
1t was just after dark, and our friend Smiler
was trying TO snoose off the effects of a cham.
payne tasting. in which he had been "pars-
magna" We were costly ensconced in a re.
tired corner, entirely hidden from the vision of
the said Smiler, who, with arms crossed on the
desk before him, and head resting upon them,
mad succeeded in giving two or three respecta-
bic snores, when we heard the rather profane
ejaculation, d-n that mosquito
Another desperate effort at repose was quick
ly interrupted by sharp slap ct some object
invisible to us.
Third effort-This terminated in something
that appeared TO US like suppressed start,
checked down into a SILVER. Smler lifted his
head, and gently passed one hand along his
cheek, as though removing some assailant
which he did not wish to irrtate by further vic.
lence. We could almost see on his face the
glow of conscious philosophy rewarded for its
patience, as he once more settled down for the
Fourth effort-This had hardly begun, when
Smller leaped to his feet, and putting his hand
into his pocket, drew forth--a handkerchief;
and whip, whip, whip it went in every direc-
ton around the head Of the proprietor. That
party, after trying to stand and fight it out,
found such a posture inconveuient, for some
reason or other, and sank down into his chair.
| m f,r
or two, with occasional cuts al the atmosphere,
when drowsiness bowed him down to his form.
er recumbent position. 1t was but for mo-
menl, however. A groan. Smiler sits straight
up, and seems TO resign himself to his fate.-
Suddenly bright idea seizes him, and having
arranged the handkerchief completely around
his head, 10 mesterly manner, and inserted
eace hand into the cuff of the other sleeve, he
settled down to the
Fifth rCund--Pretty good effort this time,
but there were evidently some vulnerable points
in the defense, ifI could Judge from occasional
shlftlngs of the head from side to side. More
over, the confined breathing seemed to become
oppressive, and presently the American cham.
pion Withdrew from the struggle, aud took a
long breath.
swell, you internal Indian blood sucker,
you," said Smiler, "Ain't you satisfied yet 3
You cussed striped-egged little tiger! You
can hold more blood than a leeeh." Whip
whip, with the handkerchief II it wasn't out
of respect for drinking powers, | would break
your darned little neck you spotted hyena.''-
Whip, whip whip. al could drink as much
as you in proportion, I'd GO back and finish
that champagne, but four or FIVE bottles begn
to effect my head"
Here the reflection naturally soothed Smi.
ler's handkerchiefinto momentary repose, while
bis face inclined towards his breast. II wa,
an ungarded moment of which the enemy mus
have taken advantage, for our friend stuck out
wildly, and then exclaimed with bitterness
4" Yes, you SLY, sneaking little devil you can
sting like a common, honest mosquito, eh, anC
give man u chancel But I'll be up to you.
Here Mr. Smier deposited his handkerchie
on the desk, and cautiously raised one hand Il
the vicinity Of his face. He sat for a momen
, and then-slap, went the hand with tremen
dous force on the cheek. Smiler gazed rouut
for moment with the wild, frenzed gaze of
man who can stand no more, when, seizing
, ruler, he sprang up to assault the enemy. Tn
fortunately, his impetus was too great for hi
balancing powers, and down he came, chat
and all, with great crush. We hurried to hi
assistance, end after in vain arguing that in
stead ofone mosquito there were clouds Of then
} prosecuting him, we sufficiently Modified hi
. resentment to get him off TO the refuge of
mosquito bar.
r Next morning, as Smler was coming dow
:, town, the nurses with babies fed 10 alarm iror
the man with the measles.--N. o. Crescent.