Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-03-18

NoiCes Vi IileIl III d qtdTTtl StIuck my
ear.
Is it possible" said, /" that am to
see other human beings, too?"
The voices grew louder, and louder
and at last saw large body of men
come from behind hill, walk a few
PAGES and halt. The men were rag
ged lot. ard all were gesticulating
wildly.
l started off at good pace and soon
reached the meeting placed. walked
to the center of the excited mob and
said:
" Has the convention made a no
mination?" The whole party, as soon
as they heard my voice and had re-
covered from their surprise, made a
rush for me. and all tried to grasp my
hand at once.
When did you arrive, and how are
things below" they asked, simultane-
ously.
Take it easy, gentlemen; take it
easy" said. and / will give you all
the information which, possess"
After answering any number of
questions in relation to most all things
in life, and noticing how eager the
men about me drank in my words, |
observed an old man coming toward
me, who said; 9 Has Tammany dis
banded?"
No." Ireplied; it is stronger than
ever"
Z Mem" cried the old man, \ that
fellow who arrived here month ago,
dressed in swallow-taii coat and silk
stockings, is liar"
How" cried the men.
Why he said Tammany had dis
banded, and here is gentleman from
New York who says Tammany is
stronger than ever"
Punish the liar" cried the men,
ard rush was made for little fel-
low dressed in ragged swallow tail
coat, but he managed to escape, and
went. | know not where.
Well, gentlemen" | said, please
| answer Inc few questions.
Certainly" said the old man re
ferred to.
Well, why is it you are all clothed
in rags and have such melancholy
faces? There is no work to do here,
and you should all be happy"
Work, work, blessed work" sighed
all the men III one breath.
What" | exclaimed; !" praying for
work. Why | was just congratulating
myself that my work was over forever"
Foolish youth" said the old man,
listen. Once | was discontinued with
my lot in life, and fancied myself
slave and rayed ut fate. One night Il
spirit came to me and asked me if
wished to toll no more. Yes, yesp
cried, and hither was brought, know
not how. For while | was happy
and sontented in this beautiful place,
but soon began to crave for earthly
things. | had the companionship of
men, for new arrivals were frequent
We were happy for while; but alas
our clothing began to grow ragged. We
crayed meat, but no animals nhabit
this place. al is loyelness and idle
ness. We grew cross and discontinued,
and quarrels and fights often arose.
AS we have no work and nothing to
think Of our minds grow dull and stu
pid. We become beasts instead of
men. lis true this is IL beautiful place,
but still it is prison"
A prison?" | exclaimed, {" Not
much; leave by the next train"
The old man smiled Il sad smile and
said
Alas. we can return to earth no
more. Soon your mind will grow
cloaded and You will become insane on
account Of having nothing whatever to
occupy your thoughts"
" Horrible" ! gasped. " Is that
true?"
The old man pointed to his compan-
ions, who had seated themselves on
the ground and were gazing about with
Il stupid, vacant air.
'0nce in while, when new per-
son arrives, they brighten up for lit
tie space of time, and their reason
sometimes returns; but then they are
sure to lapse back into their former
condition. | myself am growing more
stupid every day" said the old man,
Sorrowfully."
Well, I'm III nice mess" | said. |
" If | could get hold Of that Spirit who |
roped me into this celestial lunatic asy-
lnm I'd knock his lung out. He's too
fresh, and thinks because he's got wings
he can put man III an asylum with
out commitment papers.
Beware!" cried the old man, and on
looking around to see what was the
matter, saw the Spirit behind me.
"tth?" cried "Good evening. How
DO You do? Are you going to the ball
this evening"" meaning the earth.
Rash being, is this the return for
all my kindness?'' said the spirit.
Your kindness be hanged You're
4 white-robed snoozer coming down to
earth and telling us people Of the
grand, easy times you're going to give |
them. You're an old lunatic-maker.
Take me back at once Us / want to he
1T the office ut s 4. III !"
Foolish mortal, hast thou at last
found out that no pleasure is so sweet
as that which thou worketh for, and |
that toll is far better than stupefying
idleness?'.
''Oh, bother that Are you going to
take me back?' cried.
No" said the Spirit.
well, tell me where the ticket office
is and | will go myself"
Here thou art, and here thou wilt
remain forever" said the Spirit.
| threw off my coat, rolled up my
sleeves, and said:
Look here, Mr.. Spirit, I'm just go
ing to kick your lung out, and struck
him on the shoulder.
The face of the Spirit grew dark and
He raised up his arm
and struck me Il tremendous blow on
the head, | heard terrible screech.
and found myself on the floor, the
roekmg-chair upset and my favorite
pipe smashed to pieces. picked my
self up and thought it AL over. So | |
had been dreaming; but t taught me a
good lesson which shall not soon for
get. | went to bed. and the next morn
ing to work, whistling as 1 went that
lively air, '1'll be Gay and Happy
Still.
ZACH HICKORY.