Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-05-29
iDRIFT IN THE CUMBERLAND.
Hugh Bedam and his Friend Ike Join
a Picnic Excursion,
And Conclude to 60 I'm Bathing-what
Came Of IL.

And Conclude to 60 I'm Bathing-whai
| Came Of Il.
1t was such pleasant day=just such q
day as one would select for picnic, Our
school started up the river on the Major
Anderson, and we arrived at our destina-
tiOn after a merry ride on the steamer, and
were soon disembarked. The boys made
the woods resound with their happy voices,
while the older people looked after the
lunch baskets. The girls sought amuse-
ment in various games, and the young Ia
dies, who had brought fishing tackle along,
found shady places on the river bank, and
tried their luck al fishing.
Ike and had our hands full in digging
bait, and after dinner Ike suggested that
We borrow the life boat of the steamer and
60 to an island just up the river short dis
lance, and around the bend, and take a
bath and cool OF. No one could see us,
and We would be safe from intrusion. In
an evil hour | consented.
If even l prayed for anything, it is that
Isaac p. Green, Esq, may become utterly
and totally bald. hope that not a single
hair shall remain on that polished skull of
his to remind him of ''the days that comb
not again."
We told William Damitt, the banker of
our place, and he said that he would go
along with us; that he had been wishing for
just such chance. Mr.. Damitt weighs
about two hundred pounds and is a jolly
good fellow.
We took the boat and were soon at the
island. took the oars and laid them care
fully on the bank and fastened the boat to
a stake that drove in the sand, leaving
nothing in the boat but a piece Of old can
vas.
Mr.. Damitt took off all his clothing ex-
cept his pants, boots and hat, and laid his
clothing carefully in the bOat-saying it
was the safest place and he wish ed to cool
off before going into the water. Lighting
a cigar he calmly enjoyed himself.
: Invested myself of all my garments ex-
cept one, and laid them in a compact pile
on the shore. Ike took off all his clothing
except one garment, and deposited them
on the shore as | did, and then got into the
boat 10 take off his boots, which were new
and tightly fitting. / got into the boat to
keep it steady while Ike struggled with his
boots.
Those boots ruined us.
II seems that Ike in his frantic exertions
had rocked the boat so that the stake pulled
out of the sand, and we were rapidly drift
ing down stream without rudder or oars.
Mr.. Damitt made frantic and hasty dash
to catch the rope, but unfortunately caught
one foot in a root, and headlong into the
mud and water he went. Hastily scramb-
ling out he yelled, eff you two idiots don't
give me back my clothes, blast my skin if
/ don't bore hole in the bottom of your
boat and drown both Of you; pretty figure
III cut. Good Lord, how am to get off
this island?"
Ike screamed and roared with laughter;
but his mirth changed to howl of anguish
when he thought of the girls around the
bend, and of the figure be would soon cut
when passing in review.
What wereiwe do? We tried to paddle
ashore with our hands; but it was of no
use: the current was too swift.
Ike suggested that we try the efficacy of
PRAYER, but told him to try the efficacy Of
paddling and pray afterward.
Ike grabbed Mr.. Damitt's hat and coat,
while secured his vest and shirt.
SHugh" sobbed Ike, "Drown me and
will forever bless you"
'.Drown you@ said Ike; "believe me, Isaac,
nothing would give me so much pleasure