The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-11-13

W here on alrth did you 60 so quick Is
that your gal?"
Indignation and dismay held me silent
Flora's face was like a blush-rose. The
crowd, by great effort, restrained them
selves from cheering the old lady; but it
was very evident to me that they would
not long exercise any such forbearance.
Jim" said my ancient relative, in a
confidential whisper, loud enough to be
heard by the whole assembly, "you've got
some smut on your upper lip! | seed it
before we started, but l didn't ike to say
nothing. You'd better wipe it off; it looks
dreadfullyp
The crowdfairly roared. Smut, indeed
My cherished moustache, that had scented
and oiled, and admired for three long
months If the old lady had been a man,
should have challenged her on the spot.
With desperate effort I addressed Flora.
"Flora, my dear; we will 60 in, and not
pay attention to that insane old woman"
Flora turned toward me, an iron deter
in her blue eye.
"Frank," she said-she always called
me Frank-"tell me who that horrid old
creature is before | 90 another step"
"Horrid critter! | hain't horrid crit
teri" cried aunt Sally, waving her work
bag. Pm a decent woman, and hain't
got no paint onto my face, as some folks
that know of has And I'm Jim Browns
own aunt-his fathers sister, Sally, that
married a Nutter; and I've mended his
pinnyfores and trowsers manv a time"
Flora listened, and when aunt Sally fin
ished she cast upon me such look.
"Mr. Brown" she said, quietly, 81 have
the honor to wish yon very good evening,
with your estimable relative;" and then
took the arm of Fttz Ludlow, and sailed
away.
l thought l should have tainted on the
spot; and, perhaps should, if [ had not
felt my sleeve vehemently pulled. turn
ed and saw a lean-faced man.
"Jim," said he, lend your uncle five dol
lars, do. I've left my pocket-book to
hum."
Good gracious! it was uncle Solomon
Frenchl and behind him was my uncle
Bill, and behind him my aunt Mary and
cousin Susan. | did not stop to see how
many more there was. | took it for grant
ed that the whole audience was to be COM
posed of my relatives. I jumped down
the steps and fled at the top of my speed
Aunt Sally cried at the extent Of her
lungs:
%Stop him stop him! I'll give quar-
ter to the man who captivates him."
Community at large at once decided
that | must be a thief or a murderer and
they rushed after me at a railway speed.
A dozen dogs joined in the chase, making
night hideous with their bowling. | was
in too much of hurry to keep a very
keen lookout for obstacles, and the
first thing | knew, | ran headlOng over a
lady drawing baby carriage.
OF course she was angry. She seized
the baby with one hand, and my shoulder
with the other, and began lecture in Ian
guage more forcible than polite. [ tore
myself loose and renewed my flight.
But they overlook me. had commit
ted a crime which people never overlook;
had abused woman with baby-so
they said. ! deserved death on the spot.
A couple Of policemen came up opportune
y. They made little flourish of author
ty and marched me off to the watch
house.
In that interesting school of morals I
until the next morning, when
my examination took place, and no one
appearing against me, L was discharged.
But would not go home. Aunt Sally
was still there; perhaps dozen more of
my relatives, since ut never rains but it
oours"
A bright thought struck me. I would
put the ocean between US. A whaler was
wing at one of the wharves, which was
advertised to sail that very day. l went
lown there, entered my name on the book,
got a seaman's rig, and presented myself
10 the captain for inspection. He received
me with open arms.
"Good heavens" cried |.
"Yesw said he, 81 am your own cousin,
David and your cousin Daniel, and George
IRE among the crew, and your aunt Peggy
5 going as far as Florida for her health"
waited to hear no more. The vessel
vas inst putting of, but I could swim.
Thank heaven, l could swim And with
,ut so much as saying goodbye, I dashed
nto the water, and struggled to the shore,
o be met by aunt Sally, who exclaimed;
Better 60 right home, Jimmy, and
hange your stockings. Wet feet is dread
ul apt to pring on the rheumatic. Don't
mind him, captainT" yelled she after the
ecediug vessel, "he was alters little weak
n the upper story"
l broke from aunt SaIly--went to ho-
el-dried my clothihg-got into rail
gay car-went to Philadelphia, and en-
sted in the army. Ny captain is my