Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-07-13
M fellamto Ms.
His Wits About Him


said such peculiar things; and he wen
about as if he was in n sOmambulic state
almost, that is, don't mean quite that
but he never seemed to take the same no
tice of what happened about him that othel
men do. And as to his ever being sup
prised at anything, never knew him tt
show surprise but on one occasion in hi;
life. What that occasion was, shall nat
urally mention before am done.
His name was Joseph Harrison, and he
wasa student at the academy in San1ford-
one Of the style "facadcmies that seem near
y gone out of date now, where both sexes
wero taught under the same roof atten
ded the SandfOrl school. The Principal
house was on the corner across the way
from the academy. and he boarded Il dozcl
or SO of the students. was one of thcs,
boarders.
shall never forget the day Mr.. liar
rison came to the hause to board. wa:
sitting on the sccond floor piazza, studying
1t was late IN the summer afternoon. AZ
he entered the gate leaned over to look a,
him, aud when he was just underneath
Glanced to drop my hook. 1t struck hin
on the shoulder and fell thence to til,
ground. He turned and looked at it qui-
city. and then pokcd it aside with his cane
What does he carry that big cane for
thought !; and why don't he pick up my
book, or look up at me or do anything q
rational being would
He rung the bell, and I saw no more oI
him till tea time. lie sat directly opposite
me at the tea table. Would you believe it
l,n u.yar lnnl..,t ~ M. n,,ca nor iudooJ
anyone else, it secme (which WAS the
reason. perhaps, why looked at him moto
than ever did at any other young man in
my life-iu the same length of time.
After tea we were gathe, ed in the parlor
as we were in the habit OF doing, and he
was introduced to me. He bowed and then
for the first time, looked at mc-or rather
through meas if he saw something be-
hind me. and my head was as transparent
ON glass. Then he smiled, and turned u :.
way.
confess was provoked at the manner o
the young man, What amused him
should like to know When Belle Harri
son asked me afterwards how liked hel
cousin, | said didn't like him at all. She
only laughed. and said she believed nobod-
ever did like him at first.
Somebody asked me to sing. seated
myself at the piano. and gave song in m!
hest manncr-which had been taught tt
believe was not an inferior manuer, by any
means. My voice is good, aud had re-
ceived the best musical culture. Wha
my ysterious influence was at work upon m,
did not know: for if ever ] thorough.
disliked person in my life, certainl!
disliked this Mr. Harrison hut 1t is true.
Notwithstanding, that sung for HIM ant
when turned away from the piano, it wa'
with some special curiosity ! anticipated
his comments, if he chose to make any, ol
his manner and meaning ifhe chose to re-
main silent.
If you believe it, the mau was looking a
n painting on the wall-looking at it stand
ing up. with his hands claspcd behind him
and his back to the company. Was ther,
ever such u clown
What is the name of that beautiful song
asked Orvillc Rcdway, a young man from
the village. who had been invited to te;
and now sat with us in the parlor.
told him.
81 must have it," said he it is exquisite
And he took out his lead pencil to write OF
a card the name Of the piece. lie brok'
his pencil lead, will some one lend me Il
knife he asked. | have left mine.
Mr.. Harrison heard the question thongl
he was still looking at the painting an'
produced a large pocket knife which h'
handed to Mr.. Redway.
It's very sharp, said he 'bc careful
The first thing Redway did was to Gu
his hand; The blood spirited out in jets
He turned pretty white, but just sathere.
his hand in his handkerchief, and said l
was mere scratch, of no consequence.
Beg your pardon, sir, Mr.. Harrison
spoke; its OF some consequence. You'll
lose your life. if You don't look out, II
fix you.
lie took his own handkerchief and tied i
loosely around Redway's arm. Then ht
took his knife shut it carefully, put it unde
the handkerchief next to the arm and bcgal
to twist it about. As the handkerchie
tehtened on his arm, til. blood ceased I,
flow.
Send for doctor said Mr.. H,rrison
"A doctor = uttered Redway. Isn't thi'
good deal of fuss over little cut
A little cut when you cut an artery,it''
big cut,
DR.. Miner was three doors off, and h,
came in few minutes. lie expressed great
appreciation of young Harrison's conduct
Young Harrison, as uncOncrned as post
had returned to his inspection Of the paint
ing he seemed so much to admire. Mr. Red
way soon went off with the doctor.
The knife lay on the table. Out of pnrt
impudence or some similar feeling, | tool