The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1867-01-24
NGr. L-.-a.rr4SOn.

l certainly thought he was "oUs OF his
head" He had such peculiar ways, and
said such peculiar things; and he went
about as if he was In sOmnambulic state
almost that is, don't quite mean that,
but he never seemed to take. the same
notice of what happened about him that
other men do. And, as to his ever being
surprised at anything, / never knew him
to show surprise on but one occasion of his
life. What that occasion was, l shall
mention before have done.
His name was Joseph Harrison, and he
was student at the academy in Sanford
-one of the style of academies that seem
to have nearly gone out of date now,
where both sexes were taught under the
same roof l Iattended the Sanford school.
The principals house was on the corner
across the way from the academy, and he
boarded dozen students. [ was one Of
these boar6ers.
shall never forget the day Mr.. Uarri-
son came to the house to board. | was
sitting on the second floor piazza, studying.
1t was late in summer afternoon. As
he entered the gate, leaned over to look
at him, and when he was just underneath
CHANGED to drop my book. 1t struck
him on the shoulder, and from thence fell
to the ground. He turned and looked at
it quietly, and then poked It aside with his
big cane.
What does he carry that big cane for
thought 1, or why don't he pick up my
| book, or look up at me, or do anything
that a rational being would
He rang the bell, and [ saw ne more of
him till tea-time. lie sat directly oppo-
site Me at the table. Would you believe
it, he never looked at me-nor, indeed
at any one else, is seemed-which was
the reason, perhaps, why [ looked at him
more than l ever did at any other young
man in my Gfe-in the same length of
| time.
After tea we gathered 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 he looked at me, or
rather he looked through me, as if he saw
something behind me and my head were
as transparent as glass. Then he smiled
and turned away.
I confess / was provoked az the manner
of the young man. What amused him,
should like to know. When Belle Har,
rison asked me afterward how liked hel
cousin, said didn't ike him at all.
Somebody asked me to sing. [ seated
myself at the piano, and gave song II
my best manner. My voice was good, anG
| had received the best musical culture
What mysterious influence was at work
| upon me, did not know for if ever
thoroughly disliked person in my life
[ certainly dIsliked this Harrison. Bu
it is true, notwithstanding, that I sang fo
him and when I turned away from tht
piano, it was with some special curiosity
l anticipated his comments, if he chose II
make any, or his manner or meaning, i
he chose to hold his tongue.
If you will believe it, the man was .ook
ing at a painting on the waIl-looking a
it standing up, with his back to the com
/ pany Was there ever such clown
"What is the name of that beautiful
song p asked Orville Redway, youne
man from the village, who had been in
vited to tea, and now sat with US in th,
parlor.
l told him.
81 must have it" said he cit is ex
quisite" And ne took out his lead penci
to write on q card the name of the piece
! He broke the point of bis lead pencil.
"Will some one lend me knife % b
asked ; 81 have left mine"
Mr.. Harrison heard the question, the
he was still looking at the painting, am
produced large poctetknife' which b
handed to Mr. Redway.
'1t's very sharp" said he; "Oe yer
careful"
The first thing Redwav did was 70 Gu 81
his hand. The blood spirited put IN le''
he turned pretty white, but just ga there
his hand ia his handkerchief, and salG1
was mere scratch and Of no great cor