Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-12-18
HOW a DRY JOKER
WAS JOKED.

At the name of Caleb Meeks, what remin-
fscenses pass before our mental vision Old
recollections come crowding upon US, and
we see an array of the " sold'' pass before
our minds eve in the shape Of the seekers
of the mythical Frank Mclaughlin, the VIC
tins Of croton oil and jalap, and for the ad-
ministration of which no medical reason eH-
listed. and aIolg line of those who have been
humbugged generally, without any specific
species of sell. Caleb was the prince of dry
iokers ; he lived, moved and had his being
through a diuYnaI succession Of sells; in
deed. his life was one great sci, composed
Of condemnation of the infnitesimal sells
of fifty years duration.
Now. Nixby-Nathon Nixby-was one of
Caleb's truest and staunchest business ac-
quafntances but be had never been intro
duced into the domestic circle made glad Icy
the portly presence of Mrs. Caleb, who was
somewhat addicted to jealousy. The reason
for this lack Of acquaintance was that she
lived a secluded life. in one Of the little vii
Iages on Long Island, and Nat Nixby lived
III our babel of New York. Well, one day,
Caleb was hard pushed for an object upon
which to inilict practical joke, and in his
dilemma he selected Nat Nixby for his vic
tim.
The manner in which Nat was sold I 90
not choose particularly to describe; suffice
it to say that, under the play Of Caleb's exu-
berant fancy, Nat made journey to Alba
py, and insisted that a LADY there had sent
sn amatory epistle, which he producei.-
The lady became indignant, called in the
aid of her husband, who literally skinned
Mr.. Nat Nixby, who thereafter returned TO
Gotham with a very adult flea il his auTic-
ular apparatus.
This event happened in the early spring
time, and on a beautiful day about week
after Mats return from Albany, he met
Caleb at Sherwoods. The sell was disclosed
by Caleb. and a hearty laugh was had over
Mats mishap, and at his still bruised fea-
tures, in which he joined but those pres
ent noticed that he didn't Iangh an inch be
low his chin indeed, it was generally be
ljeYed that Mats mirth was entirely simu,
lated.
Now old foIlow;'' said Caleb, ' you
don't hold any malice do you -
" Not bit, " answered Nat, "and in d
token of amity let US take smile around
Which thing they did in the usual man.
ncr.
"How did you come to town y asked
Nat.
q drove up in light wagon" reptile,
Caleb.
And when will you return home 2''
about six o'clock this evening" sal,
Caleb.
Nat thereupou pleaded an engagement
and left; but as soon as he was out of eye
shot of his joker friend, repaired to Ray
stables, in Warren street, where he hired
fast horse and light vehicle, with which h,
started through by street, 10 the residence
Of his friend Gale on Long Island.
On arriving, he left his horse and wagoI
nt public house, and proceeded to tn
aforesaid residence, where re inquired 0
the servant if Meeks was at home. On be
ing answered, as he knew he would, in tn
negative, he said
This is unfortunate. wanted to pa,
him some money. If I could see Mrs.
AIeeks it would do as well She could Civ
NE receipt in the name Of her husband.
AIrs. N. was frugal and industrious, an
always attentive to 10 her husbands inte1
csts. As the last remark fell from the lip
of Nat. fine looking matron called fror
up the stairs, to show the gentleman int
the parlor, where she followed in a fe1
minutes Nat bowed and said
- desire to see Mrs. Meeks, madam
- Very well, 1 am Mrs. 1Iceks,' replie
she.
Pardon me, madam said Nat, with
doubling shake of the head :. but this is
matter Of some Importance, the payment
money; and yoI are not the lady Mr.. Meek
introduced to ne as his wife, last winter.
Not the lady Whatl'' shrieIed she
- do you mean TO tell me that"
simply tell you, madam - replied Ma
With icy imperturability, " that Mr. Meek
last winter, in Broadway, near Leonar
Street, introduced me to a lady whom h
called Mrs. Meeks, ana you are not the Ia
dy"
Indeed - exclaimed Mrs. NJ. her eye
flashing fire; chow old was she %
" Well about twenty five"
Twenty five; and how was SIZE dress
ed 2"
She wore her hair in rin5lcts, and dia
mond ear rings
Diamond ear rings ~