The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-10-13
Tom Sheridan.

added social talents, which, if not of the
high and commanding order of his
fathers, were infinitely more agreeable
to those who knew him, used to tell a
story, for and against himself-and here
is:
He was staying at Lord Craven's, al
Benham Tor rather Hampstead), and one
day proceeded on shooting excursion,
like Hawthorn, with only "his dog and
his gum" on foot, and unattended by
companion or keeper, the sport was bad
the birds few and shy, and he walked
and walked in search of game, while I'M
consciously he entered the domain of
some neighboring squire.
A very short time after, he perceived
advancing toward him, at the top of his
speed, a jolly, comfortablc-looking gentle
man, followed by Il servant, armed, as il
appeared, for conflict. Tom took up a
position and waited for the approach of
the enemy.
"Hallo! you sir" said the squire
when within half ear-shot; "what are
you doing here, ehY
"Pm shooting" said Tom.
"Do you know where you are, sirT
said the squire.
I" | am here, sir, said Tom.
Here, STRIP said the squire, grow
ing angry, "and do you know where
here is, sir9 These, sir, are my manors;
what dye think of that, sir, ehT
"Why, sir, as to your manners" said
Tom, 81 can't say they seem over
agreeable"
81 don't want any Jokes, sir" said the
squire. 81 hate jokes. Who are you,
sir-what are youg
"Why, sir" said Tom, "my name is
Sheridan-I am staying at Lord Graz
ven's-f came out for some SPORT have
not had any and am not aware that
am tresspasing."
"SherdanP p said the squire, cooling
little. ooh from Lord Craven's, Ell 7
Well, sir, could not know that"
NO." said Tom, s"but you need not
have been in passion
Not in a passion, Mr.. Sheridan" " said
the squire, "you don't know, sir, what
these preserves have cost me, and the
pains and trouble | have been at with
them; it's all very well for you to talk,
but if you were in my place, | should
like to know what you would do upon
such an occasion"
why, sir" said Tom, eff | were in
your place, under all the circumstances,
] should say: Il am convinced, Mr..
Sheridan, that you did not mean to an
noy me, and as you look good deal
tired, perhaps you'll come up to my
house and take some rcfreshment.'
The squire was hit hard by this
monchalancc, and, it is needless TO
add, actedupon Shcridan's suggestion.
So far" said poor Tom, !" the story
tells for mellow you shall hear the
sequel"
After having RECALLED himself at the
squire's house, and having said five hun
bred more good things than he swal-
lowed; having delighted his host, and
more than half won the hearts of bis wife
and daughters, the sportsman proceeded
on his return homeward.
In the course of his walk he passed
through a farm-yard. In the front of
the farmhouse was green, in the center
of which was a pond-in the pond were
ducks innumerable, swimming; on its
verdant banks motley group of gallant
cocks and pert partlets, picking and
feeding; the farmer was leaning over
the hatch of the barn, which stood
near two cottages on the side of the
green.
Tom hated to go back with an empty
bag, and having failed in his attempt at
higher game it struck him as good
joke to ridicule the exploits of the day
himself, in order to prevent any one else
from doing SO for him, and he thought
that to carry home certain number Of
the domestic inhabitants of the pond
and its vicinity, would serve the pur-
pose admirably. Accordingly up he
goes to the farmer and accosts him very
civilly.
make you an offer"
"Of what, SURF" said the farmer.
"Why," replied Tom, 81 have been
out all day tagging after birds and
haven't had shot. Now, both my bar
rels are loaded. / would like to take
home something. What shall / give
you to let me have a shot with each bar
rel at those ducks and fowls-I standing
here and to have whatever | kill p
"What sort of shot are your said
the farmer.
Parrish" said Tom, fairish."
"And to have all you kill" said the
farmer, "ehT'
Exactly So" said Tom.
i" Half guinea" said the farmer.
"That's too much" said Tom. Cpl
tell you what I'll do. I'll give you a
seven-shilling piece, which happens
to be all the money l have in my
pocket"
"Well," said the man, "hand it
over"
The payment was made. Tom, true
to his bargain, took his post by the barn
door and let fly with one barrel and then
with the other, and such quacking
and splashing and screaming and fiut-
tering had never been seen in that place
before.
Away ran Tom, and delighted with his
success picked up first hen, then a
chicken, then flushed out dying duck
or two, and so on, until he remembered
eight head of domestic game, with
which his bag was nobly distended.
"Those were right good shots, sir, y
said the farmer.
eyes," said Tom; eight ducks and
fowls are more than you bargained for
old fellow-worth rather more thar
seven shillings, eh?''
"Why, yes" said the man scratching
his head, ~ think they be; but what
do l care for that-they are none of then
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