The Shasta courier., 1867-10-19
A Terrible Rat Story-LaughabIe Incl
dents, etc.

dents, etc.
A short time since the wife and family of
New York merchant returned from Europe,
bringing with them young lady, who came
Far, far, across the sea-"
to visit some relatives living in New York.
The moment the steamer was telegraphed as
being below, Mr.. L, the merchant left
his store and drove to the pier, anxiously
awaiting the moment when
1.-TWO souls with but single thought,
Two hearts that beat one
would be gladly reunited in loved embrace.
The minutes seemed hours, but at length the
steamer came. Mr.. L-rin an ecstacy of
delight, embraced and kissed his wife and
children, and after welcoming Miss Lena, the
young lady, drove home.
Happiness reigned throughout the house
hold. The day was passed in romping with
the children-those dear little ones who had
been absent so long-in listening to stories of
journeys through Germany and Switzerland,
and with bantering Miss Lena with having
come so far from home, not to visit her
relatives, but to secure husband in foreign
cline. Dinner was announced. Away
scampered the children, and Mrs. L. and Mr.
L. and Miss Lena bringing up the rear
family were about seating themselves, when
the sound of music in the distance was heard.
Each listened to the delicious strains, which,
"Like music of the sweet South,
BIeaths upon bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odors,"
approached the house. Away, out to the
front door ran the children in joyful glee,
after them Mrs L. 'How delightful !
What can it be 2" inquired Miss Lena
:" Some regiment returning from parade, !"
responded Mr. L., seating himself quietly to
discuss the elegant dinner he had ordered to
be prepared. just then-O horror Miss
Lena, with a look of unutterable misery and
alarm, clasped her skirts and gave forth a
terrific scream " Good heavens What has
happened ?' exclaimed Mr.. L., rushing
frantically beside her. There's something
running up my skirtsl" she gasped, grasp
ing the aforesaid still tighter. Something
running up your skirts What can it be ?'
and dropping on one knee, encircling Miss
Lena's waist with one arm, NJ. L. COM
menced to feel cautiously under the skirts for
the terrible something. "Oh, Mr.. l.. Mr..
L. what shall do?" screamed Miss Lena.
% Be quiet; don't get frightened" said Mr..
L., when the door opened and Mrs. L. APP
peared. What situation Mr.. L. upon his
knee, one arm about Miss Lena's waist, the
other-where under her skirts Mrs. L.
stood for a moment transfxed with ndigna-
ton then throwing herself into chair,
wept bitter tears of shame, saying, 80,
George! 0, George l never could have
believed this of you-never !" Mr.. L. tried
to explain Mrs. L. would not listen. Miss
Lena, conscious of her innocence, but realz
ing the awfulness of the position in which
she had been placed began to weep as well
as scream, when Mrs. L. feeling she had
been cruelty deceived, rushed angriiy toward
her, evidently with the intention of doing her
bodily harm, when large rat ran from be-
meath Miss Lena's clothes? Such a time as
there was then Mrs. L. folding her dress
about her form, jumped upon chair. Miss
Lena tainted outright, and Mr.. L. seizing
a poker commenced with his ratship race
for life Up and down the room, here, there,
everywhere, ran the rat, followed close by
Mr. L. At length-"O twas n sorry sight
with one fell swoop the cause of this terrible
mishap was defunct :,
Mrs L. could scarcely forgive herselfffoI
suspecting her dear George. Miss Lena was
restored to consciousness, kissed Mrs. l.. @
dozen times, and finally acknowledged that
the position was rather strange one for a
married man. But Mr.. L. after having
placed h0rs de combat his ratship, restored
tranquility and laughed good naturedely al
the jealousy of his wife, and resolved within
| himself that the next time he hunts for rats
under young lady's skirt, it will be away
from home.