Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1878-04-04
MIsGELL LANEoUs,
Joe BECKLEY.
BY t. c. HARBANGA.

Mr.. Joe Beckley stepped out on the
ample porch of the Agricultural Club.
He looked forth with disgust upon the
dense log in which London was envel-
oped, and then gaZed with delight upon
ticket for Calais which he held in his
hand. % a
Mr.. Joe Becky had an exceedingly
rural air. Large and brawny aud
erizzIed, his brown face covered with
scrubby beard, bis joints all clumsily
also, his toilet lacked that adjustment
which wifely touch or suggestion
imparts, and Intensified his rural air.
But that Mr.. Beckley possessed in.
telligence was proven by his wide.
awake eyes, and by the fact that he
had brought no baggage to Europe
except the little sachel now depending
by strap from his muscular shoulder
The Hon. Felix Plimpot, M. P,
stepped out on the porch with him,
Bon Uoydge, Mr.. Beckley. When
you get back to America, pray for.
ward us your articles in the Spade ano
Hoe whenever they appear"
"Cood-by, Mr.. Plimpot. The best
time I'ye had in England I han on
your demesne, sir; and when the land
question comes up in ParliS ment again
/ hope you'll send me copy of your
speech"
"With pleasure, SIR"
The two shook hands heartily, and
Mr.. Joe Beckley departed.
Ere he had gone half block, a seedy
gentlemen in gray approach and slap
ped him familiarly on he.shoulder.
"How do ye do, Barry? When die
We get in from Ploverton?"'
"You are mistaken in, your man
SIR" said Mr.. Beckley.
dWhsi! Amt this Barry Baxter?'
mo, sir. My name is Becky"
81 beg pardon. 1 mistook you fol-
Baxter. Same build-same whiskers
Where are you from sir?"
81 am an American"
Possible? l have brother il
America. What part are you from?"
Near Springfield, Mass
sAh, yes, my brother has been there
Stopping in town with your family
sir?'
with my family?' replied Mr.. 10,
Beckley, sly twinkle creeping int,
his eyes. Yes. Ny wife and tn
twins are staying at the Merry 60 Inn!
'Ah! Well, sir, if you see my brothe
when you get back, please give hin
my love-" and the seedy man in gra,
walked away.
Mr.. Beckley looked after him in som
surprise, then turned and went on.
Half square beyond voice halle
him. Ett
No; I'll walk replied Mr.. Beckley
hn hr
Mr.. Beckley turned back his head
somebody stumbled out of the fo
Z against him. 1t was tall, spare man
in clerical garb and necktie, with
sanctimonious air.
Pray excuse me-" he exclaimed
sWhat! Is this Mr.. Beekley? 1t Gel
tainly is! How do you do, sir? HOY
do you sio?'
And the spare man shook hands COZ
daily with bin.
Really, you have the better of me
said Mr.. Joe Beckley. perplexed, I"
don't recollect your name
sCowper, sir, Cowper! We met il
Massachusetts some months ago, yo
remember
sOh, did we? Where was it-at tn
Horticultural meeting" inquired MI
Beckley.
=, He could have sworn he had neve
met the man before.
YES, that was the time. How j
Mrs. ,Beckley, sir? And how are tn
twins getting on? / should like to Sc
them all. Are they in LoDdon?'
A light broke over Mr.. Beckley'
fare. All his uncertainty vanished.
They are with me, Cowper, at tn
Merry Go Inn," he said.
-.Ahl Glad TO hear it. You are goin
that way? l shall be pleased to az
company you. When did you COM
over?' --iaii ~
8 Last month.' responded Mr.. 10
Z Beckley. And the two walked on, ar
parently full of good feeling.
i am proud to welcome you to ou
country. And what do you think G
Hengland, Mr.. Beckleg?'
swell, l think it superior so Americ
insome respects, bnt / would't care t
II live in England. You are well organ
< lied here, while America Is still crude
but, after ell, you have great man,
poor people, while we have almos
none. What business are you in, Cow
perT
sStock-Faising. T. am just testing
9stheDry of my own. I've learned II
what temperature cattle will fattel
c dfastesfz nId have built sheds, 30 as {
keep them in that temperature all tn
year round. Don't know how twill