Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1872-06-27

Z
Hannah with a frightened look in her
face and a lamp in her hand, that re-
vealed the entire scene. -
There, setting up in bed, with her
hair dripping like a mermaid, her night
dress deluged, her face colOrless and
her eyes looking terror, was the young
school-mistress, and there was Sam with
the empty pitcher in his hand, the very
picture of imbecility, staring about like
an idiot at Miss Eva and the havoc he
had just made. Elm G g.
Hannah, George and John instantly
cOmprehended the situation, and the
latter, at the command of their sister,
dragged Sam away, while she assisted
the drenched and terrified girl to dry
her clothing, and then took her to her
own room and bed, explaining for the
second time the mishaps of the night.
am keep you now, my child" she
said, with great difficulty keeping back
her laughter. "Those boys are nicely
come up with at any rate; and if it
wasn't for your having been so terribly
frightened, and the way my best bed
has been used, wouldn't care. They
do nothing when they come home but
study up some trick to play upon each
other;'' and continued she by way of
apology, "they are so confined in their
stores and offices during most of the
year, that they let entirely loose when
they get out here. But You are safe
nOw."
Hannah kissed her charge, and went
down to see the boys, who as soon as
they were fairly shut up in the regions
below, began to thoroughly appreciate
the joke; and now Sam, that was as
deep in the mud as they were in the
mire, gave no quarter.
"I'll be blamed it / know what it all
means," said Sam, looking in confusion
at his brothers, who were rolling and
kicking in convulsions of laughter. l-
"Wait," replied George, "until Han
comes, and see if you don't find out ~
and he gave vent to another peal.
Sam had not smiled, and sat looking
the very picture of discomfort and per-
plexity, but answered:
"For heavens sake hold on boys, Pm
willing, to admit that | am badly sold
dog-gone cheapto the highest bidder,
but hold on long enough to tell fellow
what it means.'' ...... ... .
"Means? of course 1 WILL" contin-
ued George, still.holding his sides. at
means that you have stolen like thief
into Miss Stanley's bed chamber-who
is young lady teacher and s'boarling
round;'' this is her week here, and
thinking it was your humble servant
Johnny snug in bed, you attempted to
drown US out, and made a grand mis-
take. How do you like it, SAM"
81 confess l see the point, but can't
the joke. Its most outrageous shame" !"
At this juncture Hannah came in and
rating them soundly, thereby letting
out the whole story. 1t was Sans turn
then to laugh. He struggled manfully
to retain his gravity, but the whole
thing was SO supremely ludierous that
he was compelled to join his brothers.
Miss Eva was not visible at the break
fast table the next morning, and Han
nah announced that she was sick with a
severe cold; whereupon George groaned
out for handful of peas to put in Sans
shoes, while that gentleman looked
contrite, and John declared he wanted
to shoot himself. But Hannah had the
unruly crew under her thumb for once
in her life, and had the satisfaction also,
of seeing them behave with something
of dignity. They appeared to never
forget that there was an invalid in the
house, and went on tiptOe about; and
Sam, who seemed to take the entire re-
sponsibility upon his shoulders, sent of
slyly to New York for fruit and flow
ers, which he induced his sister to con-
vey to the young lady with the most alb
ject apologies and regrets. In couple
of days Eva was able to come down
stairs. She was looking very pale, but
lovely of course, blushed divinely when
presented by Mrs. Carpenter to her
three brothers, who behaved very well,
considering the -unpleasanrness of the
situation. 10 Es3t4EEYG4 l
But Sam, who had broken the ice by
means of his presents, was the most at
ease, and by virtue of his age and expe-
rience, constituted himself the propi-
tiator, and was constantly on hand to
offer Miss Eva thousand nameless at
tentions; and before the week was out
John declared in confidence to Hannah
that "Sam was done for,"
"GOne under completely" echoed
George, with one of his usual dismal
groans. "Just think of it Han-if il
hadn't been for that pitcher of water
Sam would have been heart whole this
blessed minute. This fellow meets lots
of girls much prettier than she every
day, and with lots of stamps too. They
say pity is twin sister to love, ,;and..I be-
lieye it."
"Sour grapes!" whispered John
puckering at the mouth.
| Hannah sang Eva's praises, and Sc
cretly comprehended Sans choice. She
recommended marriage to all of then
as being the only SOLDERING process sho
was acquainted with. 1t is piece Of
advice, however, they did not appear in
clined to follow, Notwithstanding Sans
happy lot with the pretty school mis-.
tress of Hollythorn.
Il She often reminds her brothers-in.
law of her unceremonious introduction
to snow drift at the dead of night
and they recall the shower bath giveI
her by Sam. And she twines her arm
about Sans neck, and with tears in he
sweet blue eyes, declares that but TO
that episode she fears she would neve
have had husband.
-s Useful Proverbs.
| ss -.