The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1867-10-17

the devil" A
The parson, a man more celebrated
for good nature, piety, and credulity,
than for talent and heroism, slipped a
small Bible into his pocket, put on his
band and surplice. SO he should appear
rs formidable as possible to his great
antagonist, and FASTENED to the relief
of his distressed Pensioners. Il
On coming to the house the reverend
gentlemen was hailed as a deliverer, and
implored by at least dozen persons at
the same momext to drive the devil
away. But few moments were lost in
asking that which no one knew, before
the parson pushed forward as a leader,
with the tame penurious light, into the
cellar, the most courageous of the COM
pany keeping close behind him. He
reached the foot of the stairs, the eyes
of fire, and shadowy outline of the enor-
nous horns, magnifed ten fold, at least,
by tie terror Of those who beheld them,
removed all doubt, if any had existed
in his mind, as to the internal nature of
the being with whom he had to contend
The divine instantly fell on his knees,
and, with uplifted hands, began to pray
in his most fervant manner. The ram
not understanding the pious mans mo
tives, but supposing by the motion of
his hands that he was daring him to a
butting contest, made a pass with all
his might at his supposed adversary,
but deceived by the swelling dimensions
of his drapery, missed the slender body
of the priest, and drawing hastily back
to renew the assault, hooked one of his
horns into the belt of the surplice, and
pulled the priest with him into the eel
lar. $50
While thus in the power of his victo
rious foe, he lost hope SO far as it re-
garded himself, and the natural benev-
olence of his disposition burst forth in
the exclamation aa q
"Brethren, take care of yourselves:
the devil has got me-"
The exortation was better obeyed
than any he had ever delivered from the
pulpit-his friends all fed and left him
to his fale. Among the company was
shrewd young farmer, who had, from
the first supposed the fiend to be some
domestic animal, but being lover of
fun and willing to see comedy, kept
his thoughts to himself, and pretended
to sympathise with others in their fears
He thought it time to interfere, and,
snatching pitch pine knot from the
blazing fire. expresse his determination
to rescue the preacher or perish in the
attempt.
"Don't don'tr' shouted several
"What does the devil care for fire !? ~
said another.
"Take along the Bible if you will co."
uggested.another.
But, unheeding the suggestion, and
the manifestations of concer n for his
safety, he pushed into the cellar, seized
the animal by one of its horns, and
dragged the struggling ram up stairs.
calling to the astonished parson, s.follow
me e The horned devil was led in tri-
umph, followed by the ecclesiastic, into
the midst of the company. A momen-
tary silence and hanging down Of heads
ensued, but the past scene was too ludi-
crous to admit of sober reflection, and
loud peals of laughter burst forth
from every side, during which the ram
was turned out of the door, the parson
absented himself without ceremony, and
the sports Of the evening were resumed
with better spirits than before.-York
(Pa. } Commercial Monthly.
A few days ago Henry Yale, Of Elk
county, Pa, while out on Boon's Noun
tain after huckleberries, with two small
brothers, came upon a den of rattle