The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1872-06-07


the night, and | accepted.
Adjoining the room lodged a
young professor of elocntion, who
was cndcavoring to establish a
school in Cleveland. lie was just
starting out in business, and was
naturally anxious to propltiate the
press.
"Let's get the professor up" said
.Artcmus, ''and have him rccite to
us"
demonstrated with him, remind
cd him OF the lateuess of the hour;
that | wasn't acquainted with the
professor, and all that; but to no
purpose.
"He isa pnblicman," said Ward,
"and public men are glad to meet
members OF the press, as restaurants
are supposed to get up warm meals,
at all hours"
lie gave laundering loud rap
on the door as he shouted
"ProfeSsor-rr!w
"Who'sthcrc? What yer want !"
cried a mutfled voice, evidently from
beneath the bed-clothes, for it was
bitter cold night in February.
sit is brown Of the Plai,,-
dcaler," said Artemus, and nudg-
inc me gently in the ribs, he whiS-
peYpd; "rhat'Il fetch him. The
power the press is mvircihle. It's
the Archimedcan lever which,"
His remarks were interrupted by
the opening Of the door, and Icould
just discover the outline ofa shirted
form shivering in the doorway.
"Excuse me for disturbing you,
professor" said Artdmus, in his
blandest manner, 'bnt | am anx-
ious to indroduce my friend here,
tie new ''local" of the Democrat.
lie has heard much OF you, and de-
clares positively that he can't 60 to
sleep until he hears You elocute."
"lIear me what Z" asked the
professor, between his chatterirg
teeth.
"Iycars you clocute-rccite-de-
claim understand specimen of
your elocution."
In vain did the professor plead
the lateness Of the hour, and his fire
had gone out. Artemus would ac-
cept no excuse.
"Not at all necessary. EIo-
queuce, my dear boy, is not de-
pendent on gas. "llcre," straight
ening up a chair which he Lad Just
tumbled over.) "gct right up on
this chair and give us "7'he boy
stood on the burning dcck," adding |
in a side whisper in my ear, "Thc
burning deck will warm him up"
Gently, yet firmly, did Artemus
boost the reluctant professor upon
the clair, protesting that no apollo
gics were necessary for his appear
auce, and assuring him that "elothcs
didu't make the man." although .
the shivering disciple Of Demos
tlenese AID Cicero probably thought |
that clothes would make o man
more comfortable on such a night |
as tEat.
lie gave us "Casabiarca" with a
good many quavcrs Of the voice, as
he stood quaking, in a single shirt, !
white garment; and then followed: /
"On Linden, when tie sun was
low" Sword Of Bunker HILL" etc,
''by particular request ofour FRIEND"
as Artemns said, although | was
too Yearly suttocated with suppress
ed laughter to make even a last dy-
ing request Lad it been necessary.
1t was too ludicrous to depict
tie professor, an iltlistinct white
object, standing on the chair, ''clo-
cuting," as Ward had it, and we
sitting on the floor, holding our
sides, while Artcmus would family
whisper between his sof mlrth,
"Just hear him."
1t wasn't in Wards heart to
have his fun at the expense OF an
other without recompcnse; (; so next
day | remember he published a
lengthy and entirely serious account
OF our visit to the professors room,
spoke Of his wonderful powers as an
elocu;ionist, aid expressed tic sat
is'action and delight which we
listened to his unequsled recitations.
The professor was overjoyed, |
ane probably is ignorant to this day |
that Artemus was 'playing it on
him."
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The NorGolk fVoN .ou,.,,,L nm.