Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-03-01
Ole THING EVEN.


We were party of six, all strangers
to each other, hudiled together in q
s,age-coach that was max 'Dg toilsome
journey over very miserable road -
There was nothing inviting il the scene
ry that presented itself on either side of
the road, and to while away the tedious
hours we were obliged to be communca
tive.
The conversation, which had bee N
rathor desultory, suddenly merged itself
into very animated argument on the
rights and wrongs cf the system of prac
teal Joking SO prevalent 10 some Ameri
can communities. We had all expressed
ourselves freely on the matter, iilustra
ling either side Of the question with
such incidents "a came 10 our memory i.
soy all, but should explain that on
~ five Of us took an active part in the
argument, two in favor of the general
harm!1ssness Of joking, and three warm
ly representing us hurtfuI and unhappy
results. The other party had merely de
cared himself opposed to amusement of
that nature, and then relapsed into a
deep silence Thu, he heard all that
was said on either side could perceive,
and was surprised to note the d opening
marks OF pain that gathered on his nat
urally sad face, and shrinking farther
into the corner in which he sat at the
mention of any painful incident.
felt sure that the subject of CONVEX
sation was painful to him, and so ex-
pressed my belief, and, at the same time,
a desire 10 the others that we should Sc.
lect more congenial subject to talk about
He at once interrupted me.
You are right, SIR he remarked, Sin
surprising that am deeply panied, not
so much, however, at what has been said
as from sad memories which the mere
mention of practical joking excites with
~ me. | have never except on o very
few occasions, revealed them to any. but
as find this very questionable anuse-
ment has some warm advocates amoSk
the gentlemen present, feei it duty l
owe to them to reveal page in my life
history that has made me the sad wreck
of once hopeful and joyous nature.
Il am banker, and my name is Will
diam -.
He mentioned name that was famiI
lar to us all as the head of one of our
most influential banking firms.
MY partner in business was nv chum
in college, and we two and James Price,
1.-THE writer has given fictitious nance
.wero inseparable companions. Price
WAS a noble fellow, with great, liberal
heart. trimming over with good nature,
and George and myself loved him with
an affection that did not grow cold in
years of parting that followed.
He had but one fault in our eyes
and it was one To which too many col,
lege students are addicted, and indeed
which the customs of college life almost
force them to embrace. 1t was the fault
Of practical joking. So powerful was
this mania upon him that he cJnld not
even avoid uflicting his friends with its
fruits, and many were the follies be
practiced on George and myself. Some
Of these were of quite serious nature,
l must confess. and sorely displeased US
at the time of their occurrence; but
then, who could retain anger or malice
toward Price, the peer of good fellows,
when he presented himself with his hand
some face clouded with genuine contri,
ton for the annoyance he had caused
Invariably the stings were ,forgotteI and
our miscbievous chum was dearer than
ever.
/ remember ouly one Of these clear
ly now, because it was in some degree
related to after events. 1t was during
the last days of our college life, and
Price could not permit US to part from
him without last evidence Of bis skill
in practical joking. He succeeded il
making George and myself appear in I
ridiculous light before our college chums