Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-02-18
Mr.. Judd's Pig.

The pretty little village of N,
with its rows Of white houses, its streets
running parallel with each other, the
nicely enclosed front yards of the
dwellings,, where in summer may be
seen, over rustic porches, woodbine and
roses, its noisy milldam and winding
river, with its waving willow boughs.
its meadow land and picturesque hills
for o background, from which, at sun
set, the departing rays of the king of
day fall upon sloping hillsides and cap
the tall church-spires with gold, is
charming enough to please the most
fastidious taste. Like all manufactur-
ing towns, it has hostiEg population,
and sometimes ridiculous incidents
occur, one of which will relate for the
amusement of my readers.
Employed in one Of the factories OF
N were the subjects OF my sketch
John Judd and James Vernon. They
were neighbors, the two houses adjoin.
ing, and good friends. Mr.. Judd was
q tall, stout, red-faced, blue-eyed man,
whom nature had not favored with
beauty; at least, the people of N
thoughtso, for whenever any one wished
to be sarcastic or became offended with
another, in order to taunt him regard
ing his personal appearance, he would
say, "You are as ugly DIS Juddie." No
greater reflection on mans personal
appearance could be given,
Mr.. Vernon was little, meek dark
complexioned man, whom Mr.. Judd
would knock over like nine-pin when
ever he became offended with him, not, I
presume, to show how nicely he could
do it, but to remind him, no doubt,
that man of such superior strength
was not to be trihed with. Mr.. Vernon
was Of forgiving nature, and as John
always gave treat to "make it ups" as
he called it, MIR. Vernon, after knock
down and glass or two of good whis-
ky, appeared to love him more than
ever, and would often remark, with
pride, "Ah, Judd's stout un! He'd
smash any man, and ask no questions,
either"
Their wives were good, sensible wom-
en-, attending carefully to their domes-
tic duties, as fond of each other as sis
ters, not day passing that they were
not in each others houses to exchange
condolences or impart some item of
news.
In N resided a widow, also-a
Mrs. Betsy Spriggins, who supported
herself and three daughters by keeping
. little cigar and tobacco shop. She
was very sharp business woman, and
in order, as she said, to circulate money
more freely in the long winter evenings,
she would have what in N was
termed q rattle or shooting match,
where turkeys, chickens, etc., were
staked upon the successful shooting at
Q mark. Now on one occasion Mr.. Judd
and Vernon both shot for a young pig,
each coming so near to the mark that it
was matter of doubt which was the
winner. It was finally decided in favor
Of the former. To prevent any hard
feelings with his neighbor. Mr.. Judd
proposed to take it home to their wives,
and let them have the money for it be-
tween them when it was sold. Hannah
and Ruth were much pleased at the lib
crafty Of their husbands, and the
greatest care was taken to get the pig
in fine condition for sale.
Time passed; finally, as it was near
ing Christmas, it was decided to have
the pig killed and sent to the market
town Of B, where it was expected
it would demand better price. MIR.
Judd and Mr.. Vernon resolved to IN
dertake this important mission. A
horse and vehicle were hired, and
early ON q clear frosty morning they
started for B.. The wagon ratified
noisily over the frozen road. About
two miles from N, as they were
nearing hotel, Mr.. Judd found him
self terribly cold, and consulted with
his neighbor as to the propriety of
stopping to warm himself, remarking
that it was of no use for them freezing
of themselves as he could see." They
did stop, and found it necessary to
drink something to remove the chill,
for they were terribly cold, and kept
getting colder as they neared each hotel
they came to, until at last they became
SO happy and comfortable that they al
lowed the horse to select his own gait.
Going rapidly up steep hill, the tail
board of the wagon fell out, and the
fine porker, not being we'll secured,
and owing, doubtless. to the attraction
of gravitation, fell out also.
The two mems minds were occupied
with other things more lofty. Mr..
Vernon was singing song, while Mr..
Judd would clap his hands frequently
to applaud, so their loss was unnoticed
by these happy friends. Presently
B., with its bright spires, snow
capped and glittering in the MONDAY
sun, appeared in its beauty before
them. They were not long in reaching
the fine market house on one of the
principal streets. Mr.. Vernon nimbly
alighted, Mr.. Judd fell out like log.
and rolled over on the pavement, to the
great amusement Of some small boys;
but he did not care, and even laughed
himself when he gained his feet, (he
being good.natured,) though the laugh
was against himself. When they came
to look for the porker, imagine their
dismay to find it gone. They stood for
q few moments gazing at each other in
speechless astonishment. They both |
accused the other of not properly Sc
curing it. At last Mr.. Judd became
80 enragel that he struck Mr.. Vernon
such blow that he few over like top