The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1880-07-08

to protect his wife. Mr.. Chucker, enter.
ing into the spirit Of his part, caught up
his umbrella and brandished it. The
travellers we're in these attitudes of vigi-
lance and menace when the train once
more slackened speed, and Hanwell was
reached.
Instantly the gentleman JUMPED out
on the off-side of the line, so as not To-
pass Mr.. Chucker, and helped out his
wife, whose screams had given place to a.
fit of shivering. Mr.. Chucker thought
himself well rid of his mess, for the train
would go~en again, and he should be
able to complete his dressing. V By way
of insrlring privacy for the remainder Of
his journey he begansby pulling the car
riage blinds down.
Alasl he was not TO get off SO easily as
he had anticipated. Already there was
a. commotion ON the platform. The
husband of the fainting lady had ex-
planned matters to the station master:
some porters and guards had overheard
him, and the rumor circulated that there
was a lunatic in the train. Some pas
sengers, poking their heads out of car
riage-windows, protested against travel
ing in the company of man who might
commit some mad act-set the train on
fire, throw himself out, or emit awful
noises. The station master was obliged
to pacify these murmurers by striding
toward the alleged maniac's carriage.
The all-unconscious. Mr.. Chucker was
rudely aroused by the door being sud
denly opened and a gruff voice exclaim-
ing:
"Now, sir, what's the matter with
you?'
Nothing's the-the-matter with
me, astammered Mr.. Chucker. 'sWhat
should there be?'' but, SO saying he
hugged his rug closer to him with a
guilty look.
fa Would you mind stepping out, STRIP
Why should T? My ticket is for
Windsor"
Change here for Windsor, sir" re-
sponded the guard, who was quite con-
yinced by this time that he had a queer
character to deal with. - - 4 -
Well, man, since you put me to it,
I've no trousers on" confessed Mr.
Chucker, lowering his voice; whereuponl
the station master echoed in amazement:'
.tNo trousersr' and the, crowd behind
caught up the words, "No trousersr'
He's throwed 'em out of the win
dow" suggested porter.
Perhaps he had none on when he got
into the train, opined another.
Had you any tsousers ON when you
got into the train?" inquired the station
master.
"Of course had, man.. I've two pairs
with me now. Let me alone, that may
put one ON" faltered MIR. Chucker, in
Inundated and Disguised by the sight OF
so many people staring at him.
But while he was speaking, some low
,churl, seizing corner of his rug, gave
it twitch and abruptly exposed Mr..
Chuckers disha6ille to view. There was
shout of mingled laughter and dismay
from the passengers, some of whom, be-
ing ladies, deemed it expedient to
squeal. ~
:" Out you come" roared the blushing
station master, In q paroxysm of indig-
nation, and he clutched Mr. Chucker by
the wrist
!, Well! but-but-let me d-dress
first" pleaded the victim, as he felt, not
only his arms but his legs in the grasp
of different hands, He made short
struggle, but this did not improve his
position, for his resistance was ascribed
to maniacal outbreak, and emboldened
his aggressors to drag him out of the
carriage feet foremost He tumbled out
in heap, and was then carried across
the platform, kicking and roaring in the
sight of hundred pairs of astonished
or amused eyes.
@Ohp exclaimed some reddening
young ladies as he passed.
Ellie! Fetch the police chorused
some of the porters a. h-@ az
Ten minutes later, when Mr.. Chucker
had been conveyed under strong escort
to the station-master's room, and had
been suffered to don his ,pantaloons, he
contrived to get hearing, and to ex-
plain how all his trouble had arisen.
Well, but why didn't you tell us this
before" cried the station-master.
Because you wouldn't listen to me-.
screamed Mr.. Chucker" i5
"Well, you've missed your train and
your dinner, anyhow" said the station
master, g and that'n be lesson to you. %.
" Lesson of what ?" asked Mr.. Chuck
er, exasperated.
"Lessen-why-why- not to
take off one pair of breeches until you've
put the other on, and that for decency's
sake, sirl' answered the station-master,
sternly, formulating an axiom which
sounded well; though, perhaps, like
some other maxims occasionally pro-
pounded by worldly philosophy, it was
not SO easy to follow. London Truth.