The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1877-06-08

not practical; but there stood the pitch
CT of water, and he knew that good
dousing with the icy fluid would bring
them out quick enough
"If can't have my old quarters" he
chuckled, "you shan't; that am deter
mined on. SO here goes
lie lifted the pitcher, approached the
bed, raised il high, and suddenly dashed
the entire contents upon The uncon-
scious sleeper.
Such torrent of screams as he never
before heard rang through the house,
and before Sam could collect his sea-
tered senses, door after door was open
ed, and Hannah, George and John
rushed in clothed in scanty apparel
Hannah with frightened look OH her
face, and a lamp in her trembling hand,
that revealed the entire scene.
There, sitting up in bed, with her hair
dripping like a mermsid's, her night
dress deluged, her face colorless and
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 made.
Hannah, George and John instantly
comprehended the situation, and the
latter at the command of their sister,
dragged Sam away, while she assisted
the drenchcd and terrified girl TO dry
her clothing and thon took her to her
own room and bed, explaining for the
second time the mishaps of the night.
"Ill keep you with me now, my poor
child" she said, though with difficulty
keeping back her laughter. "Those
boys are nicely up with, at any rate
and If ii wasn't for your having been so
terribly frightened, and the way my
best bed has been used, l wouldn't
care. They do nothing when they come
but study up tricks 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"
Hannah kissed her charge, and went
down TO see about the boys, who, as
soon as they were fairly shut in the re-
gions below, began to appreciate the
joke; and now that Sam was as deep in
the mud as they were in the miro, gave
no quarter.
"Pll be blamed if know what it
means" said Sam, looking in confusion
at his brothers, who were rolling and
kicking in commissions of laughter.
"Wait," replied George, Huntil Han
comes and see if you don't find ont ~
and 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. |
am willing to admit that am badly
sold, gone dog cheap to the highest bid
der; but hold up long enough to tell a
fellow what it means"
"Means? Of course will" contin-
ued George, still holding his sides. 'It
means that you have stolen like q thief
into Miss Eva Stanlcy's bed-chamber-
who is young lady teacher and board
ing around; that this is her week here |;
and thinking il was your humble SER
want and Johnny snug in bed, you at
tempted to drown lis out, and made n
grand mistake. How did You like it,
Sam?''
"I confess see the point, but can't
see the joke. 1t is most outrageous
shame"
AT this juncturc Hannah came in and
began rating them soundly, thereby let
ting out the whole story. 1t was Sans
turn then to laugh. He struggled man.
fully TO retain his gravity, but the whole
thing was so supremely ludicrous that
he was compelled to join his brothers.
Miss Eva was not visible at the break
fast table the next morning, and Ham
nah announced that she was sick with
severe cold, whereupon George
groancd ont and called for handful of
of peas TO put in Sans shoes, while that
gentleman looked very contritc, and de-
clared he wanted TO shoot himself But
Hannah had her unruly crew under her
thumb for once in her life, and also had
the satisfaction of seeing them behave
with something of dignity. They ap-
peared never to forget that there was an
Invalid in the house, and went about on
tiptoe; and Sam, who seemed to take
the entire responsibility upon his shoul-
ders, set out daily to New York for
choice fruit and f1owero. .~hi.l lac IN
duccu ms sister to convey to the young
lady, with the most abject apologies and
regrets.
In couple of days Eva was able TO
come down stairs. She was looking
quite pale, but lovely, and, of course,
divincly, when presented by Mrs. Car.
penter TO her three brothers, who be.
haved quite well, considering the un.
pleasantness of their situation.
But Sam, who had broken the ice by
means of his presents, was the most at
his ease, and by reason of his age and
experience, constituted himself the pro-
pitiator, and was constantly OH hand to
offer Miss Eva thousand nameless at
tentions; and before the week was ont,
John declared that "Sam was done
for"
"Gone under completely" echoed
George, with one of his dismal groans.
"Just think oft, Han-if il had not
been for that pitcher Of water, Sam
would have been whole hearted this
blessed minute. The fellow meets lot
of girls much prctticr than she every
day, and lots ofstamps, too. They say
that pity is twin sister TO love, and be-
lieve IT,"
"Sour grapcs!" whispered John,
puckering his mouth"
Hannah. singing Eva's praises, com
mended Sans choice. She recommend
ed marriage TO all of them as being the
only SOLDERING process she was acquaint-
ed with. 1t is a piece of advice, how
ever, they did not appear inclined to
follow, notwithstanding Sans happy lot
with the pretty schoolmistrcss of Holly
thorn.
She often reminds her brothers-in-law
of her unceremonious introduction TO a
snow-dritt at the doad of the night, and
they retaliate with the shower bath Civ
on her by Sam.
Eden Discovered.