Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-02-01
Q ALEB M EE x 8,
Or, a Joker Joked.

see an array Of the solid pass before ou1
minds eye, in the shape Of seekers after
the mythical Frank Mclaughlin, the vi
tins Of croton oil and jalap fol the admin
lstratlon Of which no medical reason existed
and long line of those who have been
humbugged generally without any specific
regard to 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 u conglomeration of
the infnitessilnal sells of fifty years dura-
ton. Now Bixby, Nathan Bixby, was one
of Gale S truest and staunchest business ac-
quaintaAces, although he had never been
introduced into the domestic circle made
glad by the portly presence of Mrs, Gale
who was somewhat addicted to jealousy
The reason for this lack of acquaintance was
that she lived secluded life in one of the
little viltages on Long Islard, and Nat Blk
by lived in the babel of New York. Well,
one day Gale was hard pushed for an object
upon which to infict practicle joke, and in
his dilemma selected his friend Nat as his
victim. The manner in which Nat was sold
l do not choose TO particularly describe.
Suffice i5 TO say that under the play OF
Gale 5 eXuberant fancy, Nat made journey
to Albany, insisted that a lady there had
sent him an amatory epistle, which he pro-
duced The lady became indignant, called
In the aid of her husband who literally skin
ned Mr.. Bixby, who thereafter returned 30
Gotham with very adult flea in his au-
ricular apparatus. This event happened in
the early spring time, and on beautiful
day. About a week after Nat sreturn from
Albany he met Gale at Sherwood ). The
sell was disclosed by Gale and hearty laugh
was had over Nat misiay, and at his still
bruised features, in which he joined but
those present noticed the fact that he didnt
laugh an inch below his chin; in truth, It
was generally believed that Nat S mirth was
entirely stimulated
Now, old fellow said Cale,- you don't
hold any malice, do your
Not bit, answered Nat, and in token
Of amity, let US take smiles all around
Which they did in usual manner.
Nat. '','' come to town I! asked
Il drove up in light wagon, repiled
Gale. .,
about six o clock this evening, respon-
ded Caleb.
Nat thereupon pleaded an engagement
and left: but as SOON as be was OUT OF eye
sight Of his Joker friend, repaired to Grey
stable In Warren street. where ne hired q last
horse and light vehicle, With winch ne
started through a bye street for the residence
of his friend Gale, On Long Island. On ar
irving, he left his horse and wagon at pub
lie house, and proceeded on foot to the =
forcsaid residence, where he inquired OF the
servant if Mr.. Meel,s was at home, Cn be
ing answered, as he knewhe would be, Ii the
negative, he said:
F'This is unfortunate. wanted to pay
him some money. If | could see Mrs.
Meeks it would do as well; she could give
me a receipt in the name Of her husband.
Mrs NJ was FRUGAL and industrious, and
ALWAYS attentive to her husbands interests
As the last remark fell from the lips OF Nat,
a fne looking matron called from up the
stairs TO the servant, to 'show the gentle
man in the parlOr, where she followed III
a few moments. Nat bowed and said :
4 desire to see Mrs. Meeks, madam.
ssVervweH," said she, ] am Mrs. Meeks.
Pardon. me, madam, said Nat, with
doubling shake OF the head but this Is a
matter OF some importance-the payment OF
moncy-and you are not the lady Mr. Meeks
introduced me to last winter.
Not the lady? what = shrleked she;
''Do YOU mean to tell me that
II simply tell you, madam, replied vat,
with lev imperturbabiiity, that Mr.: Meeks
last winter. in Broadway, near Leonard
street. introduced me to a lady whom he
called Mrs. Meeks, and you are not the
lady
eyes flashing fire; how old was she
Well about twenty-five.
twenty-five !. And how was she oreSs-
She wore her hair in ringlets, had dia-
mond earrings
..nianond earrings
"A heavy silk,,velvet dress, very large gold
bracelets, a magnificent watch and cham.
s'Well. 90 ON, " she said spitefully.
tsSilk velvet hat trimmed with magnlh-
cent lace, and a mufF and boa. =,
tBoa, - wrenched out the now thoroughly
irate dame; you better bore your way
ont of this house mighty quick, or else
some body will have headache No, sir,
| am not Mrs AIeeks, and L want you to
leave ~
tallest kind Of a squall brewing, and VINO hao
GOOD reason to fear that the sturdy dame
might launch at his head conksheI OF
some Other of the heavy ornaments which
Alarmed the mantle Nat therefore beat
a retreat from off the premises, and placed
himself behind stone fence, from which
he could command a view OF the Brooklyn
t1rnpike. He did not wait long before ne
saw the amiable Caleb driving down the
road all unconscious of the ambush OF Nat.
The expression upon Caleb face was one
of great amiability, and exemphiled that ne
was at peace with all the world and the rest
of mankind. ,, - 80,
In brief space of time Caleb steed was
,.;,-a,, in CHARGE of the stable boy, and un-
concious and happy, he entered his domich
and shut the door The moment he enter
ed ed an n attentive ear might have detected the