Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1878-01-05
A Rash Act.
HOW A wILMISGroS REPORTER FAILED TO GET
AN ITEM.


er was busily engaged writing an article on the
Job Jackson sensation, a particular friend
rushed into the room, slammed the door be-
hind him, and said:
GOOD bye, old fellow, I'm ofT-called to
say last farewell
: Indeed" replied the reporter, (Which way
now? Going to Washington ?"
"No, I'm not" interrupted the visitor, "lm
gong for good I'm going forever; clear out
from this vale of tears. This worlds blank !;
deep deluson hollow humbug, and III
have no more Of it," And he clutched at the
air and danced around the room like mad
man.
Calm yourself Sam !" said the reporter,
cool down a little and let US understand the
situation"
"Calm myself! Cool down Talk Of man
calming down for single moment who has
been treated as have been. Insiuuate that
man who has been outraged beyond any other
come cool for one solitary second. Never J
I'm Off give US your hand for the last time. y
No, sir" returned the reporter you
shall no, leave this toom until ycu have un-
burdened your mind TO me- Conile in your
friend, Sam-make a clean breast Of your
trouble-and perhaps you will then feel bet
ter"
40" said the visitor, despondinely, 81
shall never feel better on this dark and mser
able earth, but I'll confde 10 you'll lay my
trouble before you. Listen, while relate this
dreadful story:
Five weeks ago from this day took to
my bosom RS my wife what then supposed to
be helpmate a tender aud loving creature,
a golden haired angel and Just to think that
beiug-thai, as supposed, pefsonicaiion Of
tenderness should do thisj" and he lifted his
hat and showed the reporter mourning badge
just over bis left eye.
How in the world did this happen p asked
the reporter.
at is soon told be continued "This bit
ter, heart rendng story is short. As | was
coming down stairs this morning | met the
chambermad going up, and don't know how
it was, but she must have trlpped or stubbed
her toe, aud-and. of course had to keep her
from falling, so suppose must have caught
her in my arms 1t was only for moment,
but Amanda must have been watching me
from below aud misunderstood the circum-
stance When reached the dining room
there stood my golden haired angel
10 tears. | suppose?" interrupted the re-
porter.
"No There were no tears on those cheeks,
aud all tenderness had fled from that face
No beams of love strcamed from those eyes.
and oh how can | tell it, she had stove
litter in her hand"
She received you tenderly as usual, and
caressei you, Of course" -aid the reporter.
"Ste caressed me with that stove litter, y
was the reply" and what Is more, that being
who had promised TO love, honor and obey
me-thet angel in human form-cslled me a
red headed, bow legged, squint eyed deceiver
wish | had never been born T. and he broke
down completely.
You soothed her passions. did you no! p
You explained the matter in lis true light, md
the storm Of anger was dspcled by sunny
smiles ?"
No. attempted to soothe her. replied The
despondeut visitor, and just then happen
ed to see her mother coming up the alley
"Thcn you explained it to your mother-in.
law, suppose. aud the difficulty was all clear
ed up?"
"No; went right out Of the front door -
My heart was too fol! 10 remain another second
in that house, and came dosn here to say a
last farewell before commit the awful deed
shall 60 of aud buy pint Of laudanum
seek some quiet corner aud pass peacefully a
way Farewell Farewelllw
lie rushed from the room while the reporter
seized his hat and note book and followed rap
idly after him, keeping him in sight for three
squares, when be disappeared into McGinnis
grocery. Then the reporter quickened bis
pace and reached the door just in time to hear
his friend call for a pint Of the best old rye =
When these words fell upon the reporters cal
he turned with a sigh and retraced his steps
His hopes Of obtaining an item were b.ast-
ed.