Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1873-01-23
THE MISCHIEF-MAKER.
BY CHARLES DICKENS, THE YOUNGER.

BY CHARLES DICKENS, THE YOUNGER.
Between the rivers Kistnah and Beeh
ma In the Deckan, and surrounded b,
Wild, rocky hills, lies the town of Shora
poor, capital of State of that name, in
habited by a people who have generally
been consldered lawless, superstitiousa no
quarrelsome. Of late years they have
been more industrious and peaceable
and though still an excitable race, NAV
be said to have advanced in the arts Of
peace.
Lit was during more remote period,
when few strangers ever endeayored to
penetrate the country, that weary-look-
ing traveller, covered with dust, entered
one of the gates and sat down awhile at
the side of a well. He then proceeded
to take off his waistband and turban.
washing his head and feet, drank of the
cool refreshing water, combed his head
and his mustachios, and spreading a
small carpet on which he laid his trnsty
sword, drew from his wallet neat little
muslin skull cap then seated himself
cross legged, lighted his pipe and began
to look comfortable indeed.
In the meantime there were not want
ing many idle and curious people, who
having first, at distance, observed the
stranger, approached him nearer and
nearer. But he seemed to take little no.
tlce OF the crowd, and appeared absorbed
Id sense OF his own enjoyment, taking
long whiffs of his pipe and looking as #
he had made considerable progress to-
ward the third heaven.
At length espectable-looking man
IL
rest, and asked him whence he travelled
and whittier he was going what he was
seeking In Shorapoor, and whether he
was merchant, or merely come to look
about him? But the question only end
ed IN smoke, being answered only by
Whifs.
Hnen came another still holder man,
and said: 'sSir, the heat is great; be
pleased to come with me to my house.
and repose yourself there, and I will give
you nice, cool place in which you may
sleep"
Upon this the stranger drew his pipe
from his mouth and replied You are
exceedingly kind, good sir, and 1 am
really grateful to you for your proffered
hospitality but the fact is, don't be-
ieve you would wish to have me in your
house, did you know what I really am"
And th.,5 saying, he rolled his eyes
about, twisted up his mustachios, stroked
his head and assumed such mysterious
air, that an indescribable terror seized
the crowd; so much so, that in falling
hastily back, some of them fell down.
and others tumbled over them in a very
ridiculous manner.
"He's thief, y whispered one. "Or
a thug" said another. Cor an evil
spirit in the form of man." observed
the third. cat all events, doesn't he
look like man who has killed another ?"
In short, the alarm became general,
and several deemed it prudent to sneak
off and take to their heels A few, how
ever, of the holder spirit kept their
ground and seeing that the stranger
did nothing but take long whiffs from
his pipe, sending the smoke peacefully
curling over his beard and mustachios,
out of both nostrils, they retained their
confidence, and began to think that,
after all, he might be some important
parsonage; who could tell? So, after
little pushing and elbowing among our
selves, man was thus thrust forward,
under an idea that something might come
of it but no, the stranger appeared as
indifferent as ever.
., ., Then another, who had screwed up his
courage to the point, boldly advanced
and thus spoke
-''Do, pray sir, tell us who upon earth
you be % No answer.
Then the man who had offered Sleep
ing place in his house chimed in and
said ig&s
ii" Aye, sir, do let us know who or what
you may be. assure you we are none
afraid Of you. -
And with these words he twisted up
his mustachios and tried to look as
fierce, and bold as possible, while his
knees were knocking together, and his
heart fiuttering all the while. On a repeti-