Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1864-10-20
The two Keys.


propensity some men in this world Of va
riety have for spending the greater part of
their night hours out of bed, and away
from home. When this unnatural practice
of appropriating the night to works Of mis-
chief, revelry, and money making, first came
into fashion, [ am unable to state; but of
its generality and extent every observer of
the ways of Hfn must be conscious. The
habit is a dangerous and unwlse one. The
night, as Paley says, "was made for rest"
this is its primary and manifest object and
the purposes and directions of nature ought
implicitly and punctually to be obeyed.-
To spend it as many are at this day in the
habit of doing, is destructive to health,
good morals, mental sanity and happiness.
He who leaves his bed every night to strain
his eyes and overburden his mind by the
dim and insufficient light Of candle, either
for his amusement or intended intellectual
improvement, loses vast amount of sub
stantial and beneficial enjoyment provided
for him by his benefcent Maker
Such was the reasoning of the sagacious
and considerate wife Of Mr.. Simeon Man
sur. Simeon was wont TO indulge in this
vulgar and uncivilized practice, to the great
grievance and wonder of his amiable spouse.
Simeon loved the society and frolic of half
dozen jokeloving, money-spending row.
dies, of a somewhat suspicious notoriety,
who were used to hold their nightly ses-
sions, unchecked by the complaints of their
families, and needless of the warnings of
health and sobriety, during the long sum-
mer season. Simeon was very punctual for
a time, but his companions were suddenly
surprised at his unusual absence on several
interesting occasions. .e
"Sim," said one of his cronies to him
one day, stopping him in the street and
taking huge fresh quid of Tobacco out of
box, with much emphasis, "whats the mat
ter? Tuesday night, Wednesday night,
Thursday night-nothing to be seen of you
Rare sport last night. But that's the busi1
ness of no one that was not there. Are we
to consider you a deserter? 'Twon't do,
ESim-'twon't answer at all"
Sim took out his handkerchief and blowed
his nose very afectionately, and took his
friend by the hand.
"Joe-'taint my fault by no means; |
tell you it's not, Joe. igpt the sports up
with me. amgoing to withdraw from the
club. Must do it." eaf 4t s4.aa
"W hat You withdraw ?' igst
"Fact Cant come any more Very
serious and immovable obstacles in the way;
and can't help it." I 4
why, Sim, you astonish me. What on
earth can prevent you? Why, we shan't
hear of any such thing, on no condition.
Give me your reason"
'Mrs. Mansur don't like it," answered
Sim, in melancholy tone.,g
i "Pooh the old story; is that all the diff
ficulty ~ lohuas .s5s4s1If .a.lt qas
sa"Why, not exactly said sim,l again
taking ont his pocket-handkerchief; "she
locks the door and goes to bed. 80 3 a.s.5
so"You dunderhead bcoby is that it?
PWhy, you, pale-faceG ninny fig for such
reasons. No difficulty at all; not the
slightest" of g ,.r
."'Not SO pleasant to sleep out doors all
night, on body's own door STEP, as you
4 ;o.I+ 10,
+ ''By no means; but then--why, what a
poor dull-brained ass you are, man.. You
have nothing t. do,' said his friend, taking
hold of his shoulder, and drawing his ear
to his mouth, "but to-get another key, you
goosef'
Sim brought his hand down upon his
thighs with a very decisive slap, and walked
away, without speaking word. Going di-
rectly to his house; ne took out the key,
with q most exulting smile, and carried it
! with rapid steps TO the locksmith, He soon
, found a mate for it, and he returned home
and replaced the key he had taken, in the
door, as innocently as if the wicked thought
of conniving against his unsuspicious wife
had never been put into his head Sim
then went proudly about his business. To-
wards night he met his. friend, who had
! given him such kind and efficient advice
He took. the key out of his pocket, and run
ming his finger through the ring, he swung
lit round triumphantly. 5
"Now, Joe," said he with a eomplacent
i grin, "I'll stay out nights just as much a'
' please. Fm with you tonight, ard nj
| mistake laa q .sst9E3H3 712 9I9AH
Sim, kept bis word. He joined his com
panion about nine o'clock, in very goee
f spirits. He was thoroughly happiicd anf
i entered into the amusements of the eve
: ming, with hearty good will ; putting BIZ
hand into his pocket ever and anon, to as
. sure himself of the safety Of his new key