Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-01-07
HOW THE SECOND FLOOR KEPT A DEC
From ..,Irs. Lirripcr's Lodgings

& All, but, too goodness, look you, will her
bite ?" exclaimed an old Welshwoman, as she
pulled her big hat further on her head, and
looked askancc at the big black dog which
the man sitting next to her had just hauled on
to the cOach-r0Of.
at isn't a her, and he won't bite" was the
sententious reply of the dogs master.
Not pleasant-looking man, this tall and
thin, whiskerless and sallow faced; his head
looking more like bladder Of lard surm0un-
ted by scratch-wig, than anything human
dressed all in black, with a stiff shiny hat,
beaver gloves, and thick lu,terless " ellington
boots He had enormous collars enclrcIing
his face and growing peakedly out Of huge
black silk crayat; he had a black satin waist
coat and a silver Watch-guard, and an UNI
brella in a shiny oilskin case, and hard slip
perry cold black cowskin bag, with }. N. upon
it in staring white letters; and he looked
very much ike what he was-Mr John Mort
iboy, junior partner in the house of Crump
and Mortiboy Manchester warehousemen,
Friday street, Cheapside, London.
What brought Mr. John Mortiboy into
Wales to spend his holidays, or what induced
such pillar of British commerce to encum-
Der himself with dog, is no business ot,ours,
Major. All know is, that he had been set
ged the black cowskin bag from under has
seat, had released the dog from square bare
recepticle which the animal had filled with
hOWlS and had mounted himself and his dog
on the top of the coach travelling toward the
little waite. ing place of Pcncthly. The dog
a big black retriever-lay on the coach
roof with his fine head erect, now gazing
round the landscape, now dropping his cold
muzZlc between his paws and taking snatches
of sleep. His master sat on the extreme
edge of the seat, with one Wellington boot
very much displayed and dangling III the air,
and he, the Wellington boots owner, appar-
emily deriving much enjoyment from the sue
ton OF his umbrella handle. He cast his big
eyes round him now and then at certain por-
tious of the scenery pointed out by the coach
man, and expressed his opinion that 1t was
handsome ;" but beyond that never vouch
safed word until the coach drew up at the
Royal Inn at Pencthly, when he went at once
round to the stable, and superintendent the
preparation of meal for his dog then order
ed Il "point steak potatoes, and pint of
sherry" to be ready for him in an hours time
inquired the way to Albion Villa and set
off for Albion Villa accompanied by his dog
Beppo.
don't think Mr.. John Mortiboy was much
actly the kind Of man who would have suited
its inmates. They were little conscious of
the approach OF his hard creaking boots, strid-
ing over the ill-paved High street Of the lit
tie town. and were enjoying themselves after
their own simple fashion. The blinds were
down. the candles were lighted, and Mrs
Barford was pretending to be knitting but
really enjoying placid sleep Ellen, her
eldest daughter, reading Il magazine :;
Kate, her Youngest, was making some sketches
under the observant tuition OF slim gentle
man with light beard, who apparently took
the greatest interest in his pupil. Upon this
little group the clang of the gate bell, the
creaking of Mr.. john Mortboys boots, and
the strident tones Of Mr.. John Mortiboy's
voice, fell uncomtortably.
'Say Mr. John Mortiboy, Of London" he
exclaimed, while yet i'll the little passage out
side
The startled Welsh servant having obeyed
him, he followed close upon her heels into the
room.
Servant, ladies' said he, with a short, cir
cular noe, SERVANT, Mrs. BartOrd Best to
explain matters wholesale. You're sister-in-
law to my uncle, Jonas Crump. Pm my UNI
cle's partner in Friday street. Done too
much; rather baked in the head-heayy con
signments and sitting up late at night porting
over figures. The doctor recommended change
of air uncle Crump recommended Pcnetnly
and mentioned you. | came down here, and
nave taken the liberty OF calling Down, Bep-
20 Don't mind him. missile won't hurt
YOU"
Oh I'm not afraid of the dog, said Ell
len, with Slight start 1T Mr.. MortIboy's gem
eral manner, at his calling her Miss" Kate
looked on in wonder, ana the slim gentleman
with the light beard conhded TO the SAID beard
the word Brute"
''We're-very-pleaSe to see you, Mr..
Mortiboy," said Mrs. Bartord, "and-and
hope that YOU will soon recover in our quiet
village I'm sure that anything we can-can
do-my daughters, Miss Ellen, Miss Kate Bar
ford; a friend of ours, Nh Saudham,-we
shall be most happy to-
As Mrs. Bartord's voice died away in the
contemplation of the happiness before her,
the young ladies' and Mr.. Sandman bowed,
and Mr. Mortiboy favored them with series
of short mods. Then he said, abruptly turn
ing to the slim gentleman:
''ln the army, sir:
"No, sir, l am not :" retorted the slim
gentleman, with great prompyitude.
Beg pardon-no offence Volunteer,
perhaps? Hair, you know-beard, ct cetera
made me think you were III the military
line. Many young gents nowadays are vol
unteers "
MIR. Sandman is an artist" said Mrs Bar
ford, interpreting, in dread lest there should
be outbreak.
''Oh. all +" said Mr. Mortiboy Bad trade
that-demand not equal to supply, is it?
Too many hands employed barely bread and
cheese, Pm told, for any but the top-saw-
years"
Sir !" said Mr.. Sandman, in aloud tone
of voice, and fercely.
Edward - said Miss Kate, beneath her
breath, appealingly.
won't you take some refreshments, Mr..
Mortiboy asked Mrs. Barford, warningly.
'We're just going to supper"
"No thank You maam," said Mr. Morti-
boy. I've steak and potatoes waiting for
me at the Royal, after which | shall turn in
at once, as I'm done up by my journey Good
night, ladies, all Good night to YOU. sir
I'll look you up tomorrow morning, and If
any of you want to go for turn, | shall be
proud to beau you about. Good night"
And beckoning his dog, Mr.. Mortiboy took
his departure.
Scarcely had the door closed behind him
than the long-restrained comments began
"a pleasant visitor uncle Crump has sem
us, mamma said Kate.
"Uncle Crump indeed! Who never sen
us anything before, except tive-pound note
when poor papa died !" exclaimed Ellen.
But you won't-will you, mamma-yol
won't be put upon this way? You won
have this horrid man running in and out a
all times and seasons, and"
"And bean ing us about the vulgar
wretch" interrupted Kate.
"My dears my dears !" said Mrs. Barford
ait strikes me that some one has been teach
ing YOU very strong language"