The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1867-10-18
A Gentleman Hunts for Rat Under

Europe. bringing with them young Ger
man lady, who came
Far, far, across the sea-"
10 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
''Two souls with but single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one,''
would be gladly reunited in loved en-
brace. The minutes seemed hours, but at
length the steamer came. Mr.. L., in an
ecsiacy OF delight embraced and kissed
his wife and children. and after welcoming
Miss Lena-the young lady-droye them
home.
Happiness reigned throughout Tie lisessy
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 banlering Miss Lena
with having come so far away from home,
not 10 visit Der relatives, but to secure a
husband in foreign cline. Dinner was
announced. Away scampered the chill
dren and Mrs. L., and Mr.. L. and Miss
Lena bringing up the rear. The dining
room was reached, and the happy family
were about seating themselves, when the
sound of music in the distance was heard.
Each listed to the delicious strains, which,
"Like music of the sweet So tn,
Br6athes upon bank of violets,
Stealing and giving orders,'
approached the house. Away, out to the
front door, ran the children in joyful glee,
and after them Mrs L. GLOW delightful
What can it be % inquirey Miss Lena
''Some regiment returning from parade,
responded Mr. L., seating himself quietly
to discuss the elegant dinner he had or
dered to be prepared. Just then-O,
horror Miss Lena, with look Of unut-
terablo misery and alarm, clssPed her
skirts and gave forth a terrific Scream
GOOD heavens What has happened %
exclaimed Mr.. L rushing trantically be-
side her "There is something running up
my skirts !''' she gasped, clasping the
aforesaid still tighter. Something run
ming up your skirts What can it be p
and dropping upon one knee, encircliug
Miss Leua's waiet with one arm, Mr.. L.
commenced cautiously to feel under her
skirts for the terrible something. "Oh
Mr.. L! NIL what shall I do 90 scream
ed Miss Lena. "Bs quiet; don't get
frightened - said Mr.. L., when the door
opened and Mrs. L. appeared, What a
situation Mr. L. upon his knee, one arm
about Miss Leua's waist. the other-where?
under her skirts Mrs. L. stood for mo-
ment transfxed with indignation then
throwing herself into chair wePt bitter
tears of shame, saying, 30, George
George I never could have believed this
of vou-never p Mr.. L. tired to explain,
Mrs. L. would not listen. Miss Lena,
conscious Of her innocence, but realizing
the awfulness Of the position in which she
had been placed, began to weep as well as
scream, when Mrs. L., feeling that she had
been cruelty deceived, rushed angrily to-
ward her, evidently with the intention of
doing her bodily harm, when large rat
ran from beneath Miss Lena's clothes =
Such time as there was then. Mrs. l.,
folding her dres about her form, jumped
upon a chair. Miss Lena tainted outright,
and Mr.. L., seizing the poker, commenc-
ed with his ratship. a race for life. Up
and down the room, here, there, every
where, ran the rat, followed closely by
Mr.. L. At length-"O twas a sorry
sight'-with one fell swoop the cause of
this terrible mishap was defunct.
Mrs. L. could scarcely forgive herself
for suspecting her dear George. Miss
Lena was restored to consciousness, kissed
Mrs. L. dozen times. and finally acknowl-
edged the position as rather a strange one
for married man. But Mr.. L. after
having placed hors du combat his ratship,
restored tranquility and laughed gOod-na-
turedly at the jealousy of his wife, resolved
within himself that the next time be hunts
for rats under young lady's skirt, it will
be away from home.