Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1863-04-01

( pounoi observed one gentleman, lot tht
purpose of reassuring me, I concluded
and a friend of his replied, No, nor ye-
for two; its what I call foorardy.'
passed the little barrier; I gave the
manager the requisite shilling for tn,
submarine passage, and I crept under tn,
great goggle-eyed bell amid quite a pop
ular ovation. A narrow seat ran round
the interior of the machine; the atmos
phere seemed close, even as it was, ant
the light was dim, although we were az
yet in the land of the living. pereeiv
ed, however, a shining substance imme
diately opposite to me, which turned out
to be boy covered with buttons-tht
page of the establishment, whose dread
full trade it was to descend, don't know
how many times day, in company with
subaqueous amateurs. He had a rope il
his hand, that hung down from the tOT
of the bell, and which fondly imagined
communicated with the scientific autho.
rites, so that we could be hoisted W
again at moments notice, by signal; but
this confidence was entirely misplaced
A certain round spot with a number o.
little holes-like the top of a sink-wa'
the sole ornament of the apartment il
which we we're; and through this was tC
come the air we breathed. To say thai
1 would gladly have got out again, and
sacrificed my shilling, is to give very
feeble idea of my state of repentance.
would have given forty shillings to be
once more gazing under the light Of
heaven-at the least remarkable object
Of interest in the institution. All the
crimes [ had ever committed during a
checkered life seemed to crowd in upon
my recollection. made the most ardent
resolutions for copduc ing myself for the
future after a different fashiOn-if l
should only be permitted to emerge alive
out Of that bell 1t was true that there
was yet time for me to do so, for the di-
rector was still footing for passengers,
but 1 had not tie moral courage for such
a step as this. could not have descen-
icd amid the same crowd which had ap-
ulauded nv lntrepidity, to experience its
scornful jeers. I perceived the same
feelings we're actuating two other indi-
viduals who now Joined US; they too,
cast wistful glances at the mouth of he
bell, and we're evidently contemplating
in their minds the most salient points in
their past wicked lives.
You had better put your legs up,
gentlemen, observed the page; there
will then be less chance of falling out at
the bottom, when we get under water"
Less chance" gasped I, as hasten
ed to obey this suggestion. "DO you
mean to say there is any chance?"
"WelI, you must sit quite still, of
course, for there's no knowing what may
happen. You will be safe enough, how
ever, like this"
We had all got our feet in each others
laps, forming quite reticulation of legs
beneath US, so that if we fell at all, it
must needs have been all together, when
the director suddenly exclaimed, "By
your leave, gentlemen, there's a lady
coming"
"A lady cOmingi Where on earth is
she to come to 2" I Inquired. There was
not room for pins head to make its way
among US, and far less lady's.
Is there no room?" inquired one of
the sweetest voices I ever heard in my
life.
"Plenty of room, miss. Legs down."
cried the conductor.
Then bonnet appeared, with one of
the most lovely faces in it you can imag-
inc, and a look Of tender appeal upon it,
at finding the bell full of legs-which it
was impossible to resist. I sidled nearer
towards the page, in whom I had some
sort of confidence, and made room for
this charming creature on my left hand
It was before the days of crinoline, but
she wore some expansive, gauzy garment,
which, as she took her seat, flowed over
all the others, and seemed to leave her
alone with me and page-whO, except as
a scientific assistant, l considered as mo-
body.
ais there any dangerY asked she, in
soft, low tones, and putting her hand
upon mine in order to steady herself
for she had very little to sit upon. al
almost regret that I ventured to come"
"Oh, say not so, - returned I. "HOld
on to me. You may squeeze my hand as
tight as you please; that is the only ,0qy
for you to keep yourseyf from falling"
Even in that dim bottle light, saw
lovely blush steal over her damask cheek,
but she did take hold Of my hand, and
held it pretty tight, too.
"Whst an oppression I feel about my