Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-04-26

a ack TOO
''Sit down, you little elf, said Olive gen.
ty forcing her sister into a chair, ''and ex-
plain to me this mysterious riddle.
We'll you know papa left me to look over
his letter to Mr. Thorne, and he was aetain-
ed longer than he expected, almost an hour
in fact, and l could not help amusing my
self by writing parody on the letter.
''A parody?"
''Yes-you remember somebody was tel
ling us what a handsome daughter Mr..
Thorne had, SO | wrote Jack was in search
of wife, and heard of Miss Thorne, ard
all that sort of thing. La short, wherever
papa had written land or estate, l wrote
wife. Wasn't it fun 2" calculated the little
maiden, her eyes dancing with diabrelie.
But you know [ never once thought Of
sending the letter. ] only wanted to read
it to Jack when I went down stairs Well,
| signed it with great flourish of trtimpets,
and just then who should come in but papa
and the stranger. OF course l fed-and
when came back the letter was sealed, and
safe in Jacks pocket, and, Olive, it was the
wrong letter.
at was rather dim light, and papa s
eyes are not as piercing as they were wont
TO be, and my impertinent missive was gone,
while the real bonafde letter lay there among
a heap of discarded papers. And hadn't
the courage to confess my misdemeanors-
papa is opposed to my innocent jokes-and
Jack is off with that indescribable letter l
shall certainly win the sleeve buttons, Olive,
but what a tornado there will be when my
mischief comes out. -
And Minnie looked so beeitchinriy lovely
in her alternative paroxysms of terror and
laughter, that Olive, grave elder sister as
she was, had not the heart to lecture her as
roundly as she deserved.
The crimson sunset of the very next even
ing shone radiantly into the spectral sanctum
of the worthy old Jabez Thorne, of Thorn
vile, Justice of the peace, aud chairman OF
all the agricultural meetings for ten miles
around. 1t was no scholarly looking library,
like that of his ancient comrade, Chester,
but square light room with four uncur
tanned windows, and ornamented with nu-
merous black framed engravings of prize
cattle and giant turnips. He was seated in
leather cushioned arm chair, looking over
large file of agricultural journals, TO find
some coveted information on the subject of
''phosphates'' and super -phosphates'
when a servant brought him card and a
letter
The gentleman is in the parlor, sir.
Ja5ez Thorne had laid aside his newspa
pers, and glanced at the card, which bore
the inscription of John Lacy then at
the letter, which purported to be introduc
tory to that individual.
"Hum-ha-from an old college chum,
Chester, as l live. Remarkable change in
his hand writing, but time alters us all.
Haven't heard from him in twenty years
halo what is this? ? A pretty cool request.
upon nv word-nephew wants wife, and
has Heard that | possess daughter-has
lots Of money-wants me TO aid him with
my well known experience in such matters.
Wha; does the old rascal mean p calculated
the old man, the fringe of gray hair that
surrounded his bald head standing absolute
ly cree: with Indignation. III send Tom
to kick the impudent young rascal out of
the house. "
But with q moments reflection came
calmness
well, after all, / don't see what there
: IL. Shl IL
CRY. Guess I'll see what Mary says. An
excellent family these Chesters-and this
letter is just like Zebedee Ches,e--he was
always singular in his notions. Rather un-
Ike the ordinary method of coming to an
understanding in such matters, but there is
nothing like dash of originality in this
world, and if the boy is rich aud Mary don t
obiect-at all svents, I'll see him on the
subject"
And Jabez Thorne thrust the letter into
MS pocket and strobe determinedly into the
par!or where young Lacy was quietly await
ing his appearance. The old gentleman
face was scarlet with embarrassment he
was half disposed to get angry at his guest
cool selfrosse>sion.
Il had thought Of settling in this vicini
ty, Mr. Thorne," ssid Jack after the cere
monies of greeting had been exchange d
''aud understanding from my uncle that you
had desirable piece or property that you
might be disposed to part with"
Piece Of property ~ said the old gentle
man, beginning to fire up again bet he
controlled his emotion, and only answered,
Really, sir, this rs q very strange request.
One can hardly be expected to answer def
nitely upon so very short notice.
Certainly not, Mr.. Thorne, | have nc
wish to hurry you." said Jack, politely
but am rather anxious to do for myself
and if you would favor me with a brief de-
scription of the prominent features Of"
But Mr. Thorne was fdgeting uneasily ii
! his chair
''W hat do you mean, sir?' he exclaimed
wrathfully.
Jack was rather perplexed at his cavalier
reception, but he answered as courteously as
! possible