Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1862-03-08
How a Dry Joker was Joked.

vision Old recollections come crowd
ing upon US, and we see an array of
the "solid'' pass before our minds eye
in the shape of the seekers Of the myth
ical Frank Mclaughlin, the victims of
'croton oil and juIep, and for the ad-
sninistration Of which no medical rea-
son existed, and long line Of those
who have been humbugged generally,
without any specific species of SELL
Gale was the prince Of dry jokers; he
lived moved and had his being through
diurnal succession of sells; indeed
his life was one great sell, composed
of a conglomeration Of the lnfntissi-
NAL sell of fifty years duration.
Now, Nixby-Nathan Nixby-was
one of Gales truest and staunchest bu-
siness acquaintanccs; but he had nev-
err been introduced into the domestic
circle made glad by the portly pres
ence of Mrs. Gale, 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
villages on Long Island, and Nat Nix
by lived in our babel of New York
Well, one day, Gale was hard pushed
for an object upon which to intlict a
practical joke, and in his dilemma he
selected Nat Nixby for his victim.
The manner in which Nat was sold
I do not choose particularly to describe
suffice it to say that, under the play
of Gales exuberant fancy, Nat made
a journey to Albany, and insisted that
n lady there hao sent an amatory epis-
tie, which he produced. The lady be-
came indignant, called in the aid of
her husband, who literally skinned Mr..
Nat Nixby, who thereafter returned to
Gotham with q very adult flea in his
auricular apparatus.
This event happened in the early
spring time, and on a beautiful dav,
about week after Mats return from
Albany, he met Gale at Sherwood's-
The sell was disclosed by Gale, and
hearty laugh was had over Mats mis-
hap and at his still bruised features, in
which he joined but those present no.
ticed that he didn't laugh an inch be-
low his chin indeed, it was generally
believed that Mats mirth was entirely
simulated.
"Now, old fellow !" said Gale, "you
don't hold any malice, do you?''
s'Not a Bit" answered Nat, "and in
token of amity let us take smile all
around"
Which thing they did in the usual
manner.
''How did you come to town." ask
ed Nat.
81 drove up in light wagon" re-
piled Gale.
"And when will you return home ?"
"About six o'clock this evening"" re-
piled Gale.
Nat thereupon pleaded an engage
ment and left !; but as soon as he was
out Of eye shot of his joker friend re-
paired to Gray's stable, Warren street,
where he hired a fast horse and light
vehicle, with which he started through
by street to the residence of his
friend Gale on Long Island
On arriving he left his horse and
wagon at a public house, and proceed
ed to the aforesaid residence, where he
inquired of the servant if Meeks was
at home. On being answered, as he
knew he would, in the negative, he
said:
''This is unfortunate. | wanted to
pay him some money. If / could sec
Mrs. Meeks it would do as we'll. She
could give me receipt in her hus-
bands name"
Mrs. Meeks was frugal and industri-
Gus, aud always attentive to her hus.
bands interests. As the last remark.
fell from the lips of Nat, fine looking
matron called from up the stairs, te
show the gentleman into the parler
where she followed in few minutes
Nat bowed and said:
81 desire to see Mrs. Meeks, Mad
am"
every we'll, 1 am Mrs. Meeks," she
replied.
Pardon me, Madam said Nat
with doubling shake Of the head =
"but this is a matter of some import
ance-the payment Of money and 70,
are not the lady that Mr. Meeks intro
duced me to as his wife, last winter.
:" Not the lady what! - shrieket
she; edo you mean to tell me that
81 simply tell you, Madam" replied
Nat with icy imperturbility, ''that Mr.
Meeks, last winter, in Broadway, nea
Leonard Street, introduced nae to a Ia
dy whom he called Mrs. Meeks, ant
you are not the lady,"
"Indeed!" exclaimed Mrs. Meeks
her eyes flashing Ere; chow old wa
she -