The Shasta courier., 1869-04-03

brilliant new California diamond on his
snowy shirt-front, gave his necktie (Bis-
marck shade) an exquisite twist, and pol
lshed his boots until he could see his face
In them Thus arranged, he went forth to
call on the Misses Briggs.
The evening passed joyously to both our
hero and heroine. Miss Tilda was one of
the bellies of the ball. Young men eagerly
sought her hand in the festive dance, and
the stately Mrs. Browne Stone lavished
some Of her sweetest compliments upon her.
Sometimes in the midst Of her gayety. a
thought would steal over her about Adol-
phus-poor fellow-who must be SO lone
some at home, but it was dashed away BY
brilliant sally of wit from Mr.. jerks or
the striking up of the music for fresh
waltz On the other hand, Mr. Smiler
was paying the agreeable to the red haired
Miss Briggses. Never did his compliments
shine out with greater luster never was his
small talk more agreeable, never was his
fattery more delicate, never were his quo
tations from poets more felicitous. The
Misses Briggs were enchanted and show
ed it in their faces. Mr. Smiler stroked
his whiskers with gratifed vanity but in
the midst of these pleasurable emotions, the
thought would steal over him, in spite of
himself: All, Tilda, can you be happy
in that gay throng, away from your Adol-
phus 2"
At lenth the evening, like all evenings,
came to an end; and the deep-tongued
throat of the City-hall bell proclaimed the
midnight hour From out of the mansion
of the Briggses came Mr.. Smiler, accom-
panied even to the steps by the delighted
ladies'
Now remember, Mr. Smiler, you have
promised to come again shortly" cried Miss
Betty.
" Pom honor, my dear enslavers," said
Adolphus, afeetedly, q shall not forget
you"
What dear fellow ~ remarked Miss
Betty, after she had closed the door.
Such beautiful whiskers" calculated
Miss Medusa, clasping her hands in &C.
stasy.
"What apity he is only counter-jump-
err. said Miss LQbelia, with sigh.
Meanwhile Adolphus was making his
way through the dark streets toward his
boarding house. He thought upon his
triumph over the Miss Briggses with salts
faction. He thought with still greater sat
isfaction Of the triumph of tomorrow, when
Miss Tilda should hear how he had spent
the evening.
Yes" he soliloquized, "yes, she will
see the necessity of securing Inc at once
This Briggs diversion will bring her to
terms Immediately A delicious bit of
jealousy will it stir upin her little heart"
Halt. or you me dead man." cx-
claimed voice. And Adolphus found
pistol pointed directly at his head.
He had just come to the corner of dark
alley. His assailants were three in num-
Der. They were cloaked and masked and
in their hands carried huge reyolvers-
Selling him by the color, they hastily
drew him into the alley
"Good Heavens Gentlemen, what will
you have of me p inquired Adolphus,
trembling all over
"Oh with your coat ?" said one of the
ruffians, without ceremony.
Dear me! whimpered Adolphus.-
d" This is really the only decent coat own.
1t would be real hardship to be deprived
of it ~
"Get out of that coat, and keep your
mouth shut" replied the other, elevating,
his pistol to level with Mr.. Smiler's eyes
Now, take off that vestv'
"My vest, toor' said Adolphus g Why,
it is brand new, and paid my tailor for it
only yesterday. This will be grand mis-
fortune to me, gentlemen"
You had better submit quietly" NUT
TERED the robber, with another threaten
ing gesture. " Now, pull off your boots"
!" Well, there are my boots. Now |
suppose, you will let me go" replied Adol-
phus, with tears in his eyes.
" In one moment" said the other, help
ing himself to Mr.. Smiler's hat "I re-
quire another little contribution, and then
am done with you. | will thank you for
your pantaloons."
my, my p-a-n-t-a-loons p stammered
Mr.. Smiler, aghast "Gracious goodness,
gentlemen, it will strip me. Think of the
exposure. How shall get home in such
plight? shall be arrested. | shall
catch the rheumatism"
"Quick, you brainless dandy, quick p
CALCULATED the assailant, impatiently.
With feelings bordering on despair, the
unfortunate Mr. Smiler peeled off his un-
mentionables, and stood shivering in the
keen blast which swept around the corner.
"Adolphus Smiler," said the Captain of
the banditti, sternly, let the experience
of tonight be forever warning to you
We have taken all we want, and you may
keep the rest Now go home, and be a
better man"
The crack of a cowhide resounded over
his shoulders as he sprang from his tor
menters. 1t lent speed to his heels. Out
of the alley, around the corner, down the
street he sped with the rapidity Of light
ming. The few stragglers on the sidewalk
stopped in astonishment as the strange fg-
ure in white few past them. The drowsy
policemen jumped up and rubbed Their
eyes in stupefaction. A romantic old
maid, gazing from her window at the moon
caught sight of the apparition and swooned
Old Mrs. Podgers, who was up with sick
baby, took the phenomenon for ghost
and x,ank 70 nonv,r1 lSiopc =