The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-01-29

marching Jeremy along to the lock-
After reaching that vile abode, whic
appeared to be filled with profans
drunken wretches, poor Jeremy bega
to think his fathers potato field was
more becoming place for him. But h
was compelled to remain there unit
the next day, when he was taken t.
the Police Court. The case was tn
first on the docket, and TO Jeremy
great relief shortly disposed of. AT
ter little parley by the lawyers, thu
prisoner was allowed to plead his owl
case, and the following was the sun
and substance of his speech:
Gentlemen, suppose committed
great mistake by not paying my bill
at the Porter house. But when re
late the sufferingsI endured that nigh
and you realize my hair-breadth es
cape, you must admit l am the ag
grieved party. No soldier on the bat.
tle-field ever fought for his life as
fought for mine between the hours Of
s in the evening and Sin the morning
utterly annihilating between nine and
ten thousand of the longest-billed
ravenous insects, which country peo.
pie innocently call bed-bugs, that ]
ever encountered. Oh, it was hard
nights work. 1 would rather have
hoed potatoes three days Qaughterl,
and thought I earned my nights
lodging, and that the proprietor of the
hotel would think I did him q great
favor. So left the house as quietly
as possible, feeling that had done my
duty, hoping the next weary traveller
who occupied No. 26, would not meet
with so hearty a reception as fell to
me. Gentlemen, the affection those
inserts manifest for mankind is indeed
marvellous, and find in my case that
their demonstrations are very exhaust.
ing to ones vitality
Everyone in the courtroom was
convulsed with laughter as the prison
or now sat down, apparently from
sheer weariness, wiping his eyes with
his coat sleeve. He was released by
paying 81 and costs, which took the
last penny he had. .as 81.
In q few hours be left the city, shak.
ing the dust from his No. IL bovine
hide boots, convinced that the country
was the place for him. The follow
ing night he slept in barn twelve
miles from the city, suffering much
from the cravings of hunger, and was
hotly pursued next morning about
daylight by the proprietress of the
place, with an uplifted broom, and the
fercest imprecations. She allowed no
tramps on her premises over night,
and the next time he came that way
he had better not call. Jeremy assured
her he would not.
We think he would have been quite
at the continuance of
ill luck only he was but few miles
from Farmer Smythe's, paradise he
hoped to reach, even in his enfeebled
at noon, and he was not
in his calculations.
At u precisely, that day, he dined
off luscious dish of ham and eggs,
with the Smythe family. To them he
related the story of his adventures in
the city, not even emitting the disa-
greeabIe details of his encounter at the
Porter House, incarceration at the
lookup. etc.
Heptalina was more affected and in
terested at the recital than either of
The others, and wept and laughed al
her sympathies all with
Jeremy.
Well, Jeremy, you have found
good haven at last. l will be glad to
nave you with me as long as you can
content yourself, and will pay you for
helping me ON the farm, my work be.
ng a little behindhand.'
This Farmer Smythe said, patting
lis young friend on the shoulder in
1ery friendly way.
Jeremy said he would remain week
,r two and then return home, as no
loubt his parents were anxious about
lin.
At the end of month Jeremy
tarted homeward, with his great
leart overfowing with happiness. He
md Heptalina had made q contract
or life. just one month from then
he would become his bride.
He was not long walking the twen-
y.five miles, and as soon as he was in
light of the old homestead his father
md mother both hastened to meet
lin, and rain tears of love on his
leck.
Jeremy was reminded of the ac-
count of the Prodigal Son, still was
ware that their cases varied, as he
lad not wasted much in riotous living.
Nor was the fatted calf killed. altho'
he Joy of those parents hearts was
great at his return, for Jeremy had
,een a good, obedient boy, and was all
heir dependence.
He could not gather courage, at first
o tell them of his engagement to
but when he did he was
old by them both that the old house
,bould be enlarged, and that they
would all live and die in the came
place.
Thus Jeremy resumed his labor on
he old farm, never leaving it again TO
secure an agency.
After haying he brought homo his
bride, and all went merry as mar
y q ua ha1l'