The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1870-10-21

our LORDS workmanship, supporting an
old gun which had the semblance of hay
ing been In the Revolutionary service, came
approaching me from dense thicket on the
way-side. lie appeared to be walking un
der an altitude of about seven feet his
eyes steadily fixed upon the long box
which was supported on the side of my
buggy. He was perfect embodiment OF
everything that looked mean and ugly
CRIME OF all manner and shade was depic-
ted III every depression of his face. But
to escape was in vain. felt that my last
day had come.
Already he had approached within three
feet OF my buggy. "Stop," says I, with all
the courage | could command for the oc-
casion, in the meantime drawing from I'M
der my seat an old two-barreled pistol,
you suspicious devil" says |, "what do
you want ? Are you an assassin, or what
are you2 Speak, while it is time"
More frightened, If possible, than | was
myself, he began to try to explain himself
what" says he, ais that ere you got in
that long box, mister2"
ut is painting, sir" saysI.
at is what, mister?"
at is picture of Jesus Christ, our Sa-
viour, that l am showing to the people,
charging them 25 cents to see it,"
"Well! well, Essays he. "See here, mis-
ter, it's no live animal, is it ?"
Now ask my readers, lift is not enough
to brighten any man to meet with such a
character as this But the day was closing
in, the sun was sinking behind the horizon,
when, to my great joy and delight, the
residence of the old Baptist parson began
to loom up before me and my nerves became
more steadfast and firm. My heart resum-
ed its natural beat, and was soon my
self again. On nearing the house, my at
tention was attracted to two fair damsels
that were standing at one end of the front
verandah. My heart began to beat again,
but with higher order of beat-a throb-
bling or yielding up of those nicer and
tenderer passions, which can only be
reached by the charming smiles of beau
tiful woman.
l asked one of the fair creatures if I
could be taken in for the night.
Eyes sir, says she, 'you can that"
Well, this was encouraging enough but
rather rough in expression, l thought, from
one of her appearance. On entering the
house, soon found that was most en-
phatically and without doubt taken in,
and in more senses than one; but being
greatly fatigued from travel, having pref
ty fair tone to my stomach, l was the better
enabled to resist the filth and stencil of the
room into which was understanding
myself occasionally of pure breath
from door or window. 1t began to
occur to me that perhaps had mistaken
some other house for the parsons, but en-
quiring after the landlord, was inform
ed that this was the house at which was
recommended to stop, and that my land
lord had gone to Columbia but was expect
ed back that night.
After seeing to my horse, that everything
was well to do with him, l seated myself
to await the return of the parson, and no
sooner had I done so than very rough
and uncouth looking Individual came
riding up to the door, hitched his horse,
and with great deal of familiarity came
staggering into the house. Just at this
moment supper was announced, and we
all took our seats at the table. There was
no installing the parson now, for none but
preacher could have sent up such grace.
1t was constituted in these words: "God
bless us and supper" stranger you see
your chance, so let yourself in"
Well, l think have seen better chances
but being quite hungry unhesitatingly
let myself in. 1t was no difficult mat
ter to perceive that the parson had
secreted under his vest very considerable
amount. of mean whiskey. After few
hours social chat with the family, retir-
ed for the night, leaving my trunk and two
new trunk straps in the front or sitting
room. When the light of another morn
began to dawn, arose refreshed and in
vigorated for another day stravel-partook
of u rough breakfast -ordered my horse,
and was ready to be off.
"See here mister" says the parson, II
can't find your straps"
1.-THE thunder you can't |" says l. "Those
straps must be forthcoming, and you had
better be getting about it. If they are lost
that is your fault, and not mine. SO look
them up quickly, my old friend" said l,
81 have long road before me to- day."
swell mister" said the parson, "I'll tell
you how it is. The whole matter lies be-
tween that negro man you see thar and
my son; for they are both awful tricky
sometimes. So you see, I'll git after the
negro fust. He is awful afeard of a shoot
in piece, and you see as how | will run
him around little with this old double
barrel defender, and if it amt him, you
see, mister, I'll know then that it is my
boy"
Well, at it he went, chasing the poor
negro around the room and through the
fields, until he became satisfied of his in
nocence, when he turned upon his almost
grown son with a black snake wagon whip,
applying the lash almost every jump, until
he reached the spot where he had secreted
the stolen straps. This accomplished, we
repaired to the house, where general ex-
citement seemed to pervade the parsons
peaceful home. became restless to be off.
Something more than an ordinary desire
to take leave of this good family seemed to
be working up in my feelings, and hast
ened to prepare for the road.
The old Christian landlord turned to me,
and, by way of apology, said, "Well, mis-
ter, scarcely | know what to think about
this thing called stealing. Sometimes am
inclined to think that it is hereditary."
Concurring with the old gentleman in his
opinion ON this subject, at least as far as
this individual case was concerned, took
my final leave, trusting to Providence that
might never again be caught in another
such scrape. And now, Messrs. Editors,
not wishing to inflict any further imposi
ton upon yourself and readers, i will
close this narrative, at least for the