National Republican., 1881-07-13
THE RECENT BIG STORM.
How the Arnndci Family Succeeded in
wcnthering n.

Mr. Arundel's family were well regu-
lated. They always ncquiesced in the opinion Of
the head Of the household not because he was
ovcrbearing and dictatorial and they dared not do
otherwise, but because ofhis kindiness and gentle
dignity which, combined with the'wisdom be-
slowed by the grace Of n beautiful bald head and
pair Of gold bowed speclacles, made II heresy to
doubt his views, and doubly so to express such
doubt. The other afternoon the family were seated
a; the dinner.tabo discussing the tendency of
people to find fnult Among other things men
toned were the complaints in regard to the gas not
being lighted on moonlight nights.
"Totally uncaled.lor," said Mr.. Arundel, in
deep, oratund voice There IS no possible reason
for using artificial light when nature has provided
us so bountifully."
al agree with you entirely" said his wife, "and
II people would keep reasonable hours there
would be no complaint Of the gas not being
lighted"
81 think" said Miss Alice, "justas you do. Why,
one might as well take walk in broad daylight MS
20 have the gas and the moon It destroys all the
romance"
"I don't care for the romance" said Master Ned
aged fourteen, "but we fellows can have ever so
much more sport without the gas than with"
That evening Mr.. and Mrs Arundel were In
vted to the pastors to consult in regard to the In
dian missions, and, as soon as the sun was low
started out Master Ned strolled of to see par
ticular chum, and Miss Alice soon ropturousy
greeted a mellinuous youth two or three years her
senior. EnHccd by the
Son silver light ofthe moon,
they wandered forth to enjoy its charms. About
nine o'clock they suddenly noticed that the sky
had become overcast, and few flashes of light
ming betokened an impending storm. They had
for some time been walking up and down in front
of the pastors, waiting for the appearance Of Mr..
nd Mrs Aritt1p1 having dppilpd pnrtnfn
momcntous question to their satisfaction, they had
Mt length worked up their courage to the point Of
presenting II TO the higher authorities. The signs
OF storm finally started the older people out. They
were met at the gate by the young couple.
Going to rain soon, eh ~ said Mr.. Arundel.
81 am afraid so, sir. In fact, fear we win be
caught in the shower"
"lIum, wife; l think we better take car; we
can go down to the corner Of Judiciary Square and
catch that one coming down Fifth street"
"lfyou please, sir, rs we 20 TO meet the car |
should like to speak with YOU" said the young
man. boldly
Certainly, sir; certainly, sir"
The gentlemen started on, followed by the ladies,
Miss Alice ncrvously clutching her mothers arm
The two gentlemen were soon absorbed In con-
vcrsation, and forgot that the moon was obscurcd,
the gas unlighted, and the pavement on Louisiana
avenue torn up Gusts Of wind, accompanied by
flashes Of Lightning and few pattering rain drops
on the leaves above their heads caused them to
quicken their footsteps. The car was near A
few more steps brought them well to the jumping off
place. Mr. Arundel only gave vent to one groan,
but the young mans language weakened his
chances for favorable consideration of his plans
Alice rushed forward and slid gracefully down
the embankment while Mrs. Arundel cautiously
felt her way to the scene. A fash OF lightning
revealed the lamp ppost Oh the corner, Mr.. Arundel
on all fours, with his head against tar barrel
and both hands In pool of tar, FROM which he
could lift but one at time, and the young man
holding his head, which n moment before, Jacob
like, had had not one stone but whole pile for a
pillow The cor had gone by, and the rain was
falling In sheets
"Hclp me- can't your" growled Mr.. Arundel,
I'm stuck"
"Yes, where are you? Did the stones fall on
you (" queried the young man.
"oh papa, are you killed. shrioked Alice.
"l'm stuck in the tar-bo,h my hands BE care
ful or you'll get in, too Take hold of my coat and
pull
Mrs Arundel, for the first time in her life, OBJ
jectcd.
No, don't; youn tear It, Take hold of his
feet"
"You can't do that; want to keep my head out
Of the tar"
Mr.. Arundel solved the problem by freeing one
hand and graspng the youths lavender cassi-
meres, which were made conspicuous by asudden
fash of lightning. lie freed the other hand, and
succeeded in raising himselfto standing posture.
They saved car-lare that night. Mrs. Arundel
wouldn't allow her husband to open the gate or
doors, and the house had n piney smell for some
time. The young man left at the gatc
and is rcrenchng on lcc-cream till he can replace
his lavender cassimeres, Mr.. Arundel forgot the
prOpnquity his head TO the tar barrel, aud Ned
said the next morning 1t resembled u war map
Alice's new hat and muslin were completely ruined
of her gren0dine The family arc still united In
opinion, Mr.. Arundel says his pecuniary loss that
night would more than pay for the lighting Of the
lamp for six months, and he thinks the gas com
pGny exhibit very penurlous disposition not to
light the lamps in view Of the emergencies that are
liable TO arise. The remainder of the family
tyit In,