Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-01-29
A SUCCESSFUL SWINDLE.

Mine is case that should appear in the
police reports rather than in the pages of
this publication. My money has been OBJ
tanned from me under false pretences my
feelings have been most cruelty lacerated,
and assault and battery committed on my
heart. Is there in this free and enlghten-
ed country, no redress for wrongs like
these? / ask this repeatedly, and am as
repeatedly assured there is none. All |
can do, therefore is to write clear state
ment of the circumstances under which |
suffer, in the hope that my fate may prove
a warning to other young bachelors, and
lead them to beware of bazaars and of
young ladies behind a counter.
am a young man of good family, with
handsome allowance, and 6rstrate ex-
pectatons. | suppose | should be called q
catch by making mammas and their
daughters. | am captain in crack
regiment my height is six feet, and my
whiskers are unexceptionable. AltOgeth-
er, till misfortune overlook me, | was as
pleasant, good looking young fellow as
ever frted through a waltz, or made love
at pic mic.
One morning last July, while lounging
in my quarters at Dover, and doing moth
ing in particular, | received the following
pink note:
"PLuoKwELL, Saturday.
"DEAR CAPTAIN BRANTHwAYTE We
have all been very busy here IN getting
up fancy fair in aid of the endowment
fund of new church at Claycum Sickle
The Rev. Augustus Needal has kindly
consented to undertake the responsible du-
ties of the incumbent; but his principles
will not allow him to enter on his new and
arduous sphere until the endowment fund
is fully completed. The dear man says so
wisely and feelingly: "How can | adj
minister to the wants of a numerous and
starving flock, when SO many of the bare
necessities of life are wanting to myselt9n
So we want about $4,000 more to make
up nice little income, and build him
commodious parsonage, and then we shall
do charmiDgly. His excellent wife is aid,
ing us, heart and soul and you, | am
sure, will likewise contribute your mite,
and bring over some of your brother off
GERS 70 do the same. The day is fixed for
next Thursday. Bring your friends to
lunch at my house and do not fail me-
CECILIA Pryor.
up. S-There will be ball in the even
ing at the Assembly Rooms for the same
object. Tickets 81 Is. How many will
you have?
Now, knew Mrs. Pryor for busy,
meddlesome person; but also knew that
pretty girls were generally to be met at
her house; BESIDES, old Pryor had bin
of still champagne in his cellar that was
by no means to be despised. So | wrote
off forthwith, promising to bring over
half dozen friends, for whom tickets
might be secured. Thursday being fine,
we set off in high spirits, and reached
Pluckwell in time for good lunch at Mrs.
Pryor's, after which we stsrted for the
scene Of action"
We soon reached the large field in which
the tents were pitched-entrance 2s. g.,
which we paid cheerfully, it being the first
demand In the field, we found the usual
wheel of fortune, gipsy's tent, refreshment
stall, and one large marquee with gaily
dressed counters, and still more gaily
dressed girls behind them. Crowds of
people moved about the field, looking as
miserable as English folks always do on
festive occasions. Suddenly one of my
companions exclaimed :" Hollo Branth
wayte, look at that little creature there
standing on the chair. l looked round, of
course, little thinking what would be the
consequence, and my gaze was spell-bound
by the sweetest little fairy eyes ever
looked upon. There she stood On chair,
before little looking glass, trying On a
pink hood, which she was endeavorlng to
persuade some idiot to buy.
Never before had l seen such charming
uuconsciousness, sucn na:rete, such grace
l don't know what she had on; it was
something white and cloudy, and angelic.
But much clothing seemed supertiuous In
her case for clouds of golden curls tell
showering to her tiny waist, and were
brushed back from the sweetest, gentlest,
and withsl most piquant face in the "orio.
Il am aware that am using great many
adjectives, but really the occasion demands
them)
My first feeling on seeing her was, that
had never truly loved till then my Sec
ond, an almost irresistible inclination to
knock down the driveling maniac, WAC
was actually hesitating about buying the
hood! he said it would be of no use to
him. Fool!
In moment | was beside the chair, and
speeches. with emotion, rendered q SOW
erign for the precious article.
"Ah! that's capital" said she, with
the sweetest look of gratitude. Why,
Mr.. Screwker has been doubling whether
he would give me fifteen shillings for it. |
really hope you don't want any change
"Change!" gasped; never
"Come to our STALL" she said jumping
daintily down from her elevated post,
"and l will find some of my very own
work for you"
l, of course, followed her to large
stall, where three other charming girls and
9 handsome mamma presided; and of
course gsye fabulous price for a cigar
case. which she said she had worked. q