The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-01-30

be the wide common between the school
house and the mill; the time twelve o'clock
tomorrow; and let him who is first driven
off the field be declared the vanquished"
"Queer arrangements as ever l heard"
said Magennis. "Why, my good fellow,
don't you know that if come armed with
long sword, and mounted on my hunter
Highfyer, I'll ride you down, and split you
like lark before you can say Jack Robin
sonP However, that's your look out, and
not mine; so of course agree to what you
propose, and have the honor to wish you a
very good morning."
He then walked away, marveling much
at the GOODNESS of his antagonist, and think
ing what fun he would have on the morrow.
Every one he met was told of the jest and
invited to witness the combat. Great was
the CONSERVATION caused by the news
through Banagore.
"To think" said Mr.. Penrosc, one of
the chief land proprietors, "that our own
honest Holy Fooks, who would not willing
ly offend worm, is to be slaughtered by
scoundrel; it mustn't be. I'll go to him
and offer to fight him in his stead"
Accordingly he repaired to the dwelling
of Mr. Fooks, and found that gentleman as
TRANQUILITY occupied with his books as when
he was visited by Magennis in the morn
ing.
"A bad business this, Fooks," said Mr.
Penrose, ga very bad business. Why,
man, rather than you should meet Magen-
mis-, I'll fight the rascal myself"
"Thank you, my friend" replied Mr..
Fooks; 81 feel most grateful for your kind
ness; but since Mr.. Magenns has chosen to
take causeless offence, l am resolved to give
him the meeting he desires. Perhaps" he
added smiling, "the result may be better
than you expect"
"Oh, my dear Fooks," said his friend,
"don't, beseech you, build on that, The
fellow is a regular assassin, and if he had
his deserts would long since have gained
promotion at the hangman's hands. How
ever, there will be a score or two of your
friends on the ground to see fair play, and
have satisfaction from him for your death"
With this somewhat equivocal piece of
consolation, and a hearty shake of the hand,
Mr.. Penrose took leave of his friend, who
during the remainder of the day, stayed
within doors, and declined seeing any visi-
tors.
On the following morning, large con-
course Of people, including, indeed, nearly
every inhabitant of the parish, assembled
on the common to witness the approaching
combat. Long and loud were the lamen-
tations of the poorer people, who had ex-
perienced much kindness from Mr.. Fooks
at the fate which awaited him; while the
deepcned tones and darkened looks of the
gentlemen testified their sympathy with
him and their utter adherence of his an
tagonist.
Precisely at twelve o'clock the following
morning, Magennis appeared on the field
mounted on a splendid blood horse; a dag
ger was stuck in his belt, and he brandish-
ed an enormous two-edged sword in his hand.
He cast scornful glance around and not
seeing his opponent, exclaimed, without ad-
oASSSi'S 'hJ OhO III phiIiCuidI'
81 thought the cowardly fool would be
afraid to meet me; but if he sneaks away,
perhaps one of his friends with a sarcastic
elnphasis) will take his place."
"Here he comes himselfp' cried boy,
throwing up his hat; and a general cheer
announced the approach Of Holy Fooks.
| Ha a1y r;dIw ,,,o,u4oJ 80, . II
pony of so diminutive size that its riders
feet were little raised above the ground.
He was completely enveloped in an ample
crimson dressing gown, which waved and
} flaunted in the breeze after singular fash
ion. In his right hand he bore some-
thing which had the appearance of very
long lance; but which having both extrem-
tiles covered by the extended folds of the
dressing gown, was not as yet clearly visi-
BILE. With his left hand he shock the bride,
and urged his tiny steed toward the spot
where stood the astonished Magennis.
Whatever the latter gentleman may have
thought of Mr.. Fooks costume, his nettled
horse seemed to have formed his own pri-
vate opinion on the subject; for no sooner
did the CANDY dressing gown flaunt before
his eyes than he started, SHE'D, and began
to prance in manner which caused his
rider to exclaim, with an expletive too
forcible for transcription:
What's the meaning of this bufIoonery
Come and meet me like man -
"Always happy to oblige friend" said
n. TooJu ond auddanfu throxws,,. I,o 81