The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-06-28

that article spread forth its clustered legs,
and assumed an extended oblong shape
She approached crimson velvet loot stool,
and 10 it yawned wide, and offered to her
magical presence a tribute Of bootjack and
busting brush
"Wcll, never !" softly calculated the
astonished Mrs. Biggs.
She felt relieved when the black at
tendant finally disappeared. At first she
resolved to wait for Biggs, and see what
he would sly 10 this marvellous transfor-
nation; but that gentleman delaying to
make his appearance, with some misgiv-
ings, she finally committed herself to the
magic French bed.
Biggs came up presently. Outside the
door, No. 8, he paused, and wiped his
mouth carefully, then softly turned the
knob aud entered.
He stopped suddenly on crossing the
Threshold. His eyes enlarged consider
ably, and his countenance assumed an ex-
preston of bewilderment Then he pre-
cipitately retreated, on tiptoe, and looked
up at the numerical inscription on the
door.
"Number eight or number three Can't
make it out in this light. Must have mis-
taken the number at first, Must have been
number three"
He found No. not far of, and, softly
opening the door, peeped in. His face
frightened This was the right room.
There was the furniture he remembered,
and there was Mrs. Biggs, sitting with her
back to the door, in the tall arm chair be.
fore the fire.
"Pretty cool tonight said Biggs, tax
ing of his overcoat. Stopped down stairs
to get warm. Had cup of hot coffee"
Here ho put grain or two in his mouth.
"Hot coffee, you deceitful beast r. re-
sponded sharp female voice, CAS- il |
could not tell, the minute you opened the
door, that you've been ia the bar-room
again Andy you member Of the church,
and going to prayer-mectings and temper
ance lectures T.
"Come, come said Biggs, soothingly.
"Don't make fuss, old darling, and Ill
give you that shawl you wanted"
"0ld darling You wretch Who are
you and how dare you--'
The sentence ended 10 shrill shrek.
Biggs had advanced, with an affection
ate aud soothing demonstration, only to
find himself confronted by tall, sharp
featured, red.haired lady, bearing no trace
Of resemblance to Mrs. Bggs
"Where--where's my wife? Where's
Betsey?" gasped Biggs looking around.
"Betsey2 Get out Of here, you dread
full old thief, or I'll call my husbard--I'll
rouse the the house--I'll--"
She caught up the FIRE poker.
Biggs considering it inexpedient, under
the circumstances, TO attempt an explana-
nation, snatched up his oyereoat, opened
the door and fed.
As he rushed past No. 8, an arm was
thrust forth, which seized and forcibly
drew him within.
"Betsey r
"0h, Biggs, I've been so frightened
A horrid man looked in, minute ago,
and then seeing me awake, ran off
why, that was me, IL thought |
had got into the wrong room. 1t Is the
wrong room, amt it?' said Biggs, look
ing confusedly around.
aOf course not" said his wife, sharply.
aIt's only the parlor turned into a bed.
room. You might have known that, |
think
Bjggs couldn't comprehend until she ex.
planned il to him, and as she couldn't make
the explanation very clear or satisfactory.
by reason Of her not understanding the
subject herself, she concluded TO leave
him in his Ignorance. and retire for the
night.
aIf YOU want ANYTHING. Biees.n she
said, as she stepped in he French bed
aiust null. or push, or twist, that knob by
the Fireplace. It's an electric bell, and
will bring servant In fash. by means
of electricity
,,seems to me there are knobs every.
where muttered Biaus. glancing around
az the furniture as he seated himself ia
one of The queer looking arm. chairs.
aNow, here's one"
As he spoke. he quite innoctntly struck
n brass projection on the arm Of his chair.
In an instant, tho back gave way, and he
found himself reclining at length, with his
feet slightly elevated above his head.
Struggling 10 rise, he again laid hold
upon the knob. How II was he never ex
actly understood, bat instantly the back
assumed an erect position, and the sea
rising, with sudden spring, Biggs was
precipitated several feet forward into the
I:iSt ri a..