The Portland daily press., 1881-12-01
Tom sheridan's Game.
ran the Year Round. ]


One of Toms droll adventures is related by
| Theodore Hook in his own manner in Gilbert
| Gurney.
"He was staying at Lerd Cravens at Ben.
ham or rather, Hampstead, and one daY pro-
ceeded on a shooting excursion, like Haw-
thorne, with only his dog and his gum on
foot, and unattended by companion er keeper;
the sport was bad, the birds few and shy, and
he walked and walked in search of game, un-
til, unconsciously, he entered the domain Of
some neighboring squire. A very short time
after he perceived advancing toward him, at
the top of his speed, jolly, comfortable gen.
tleman, followed by servant. armed as 1t ap-
peared for conflict Tom took up position
and waited the approach OF the enemy. Hal
lol you, sir said the squire, when within half
earshot; what are you doing here, sir, eh?'
I'm shooting, SIR said Tom. DO you know
where you are, sr?' said the squire I'm here,
SIR said Tom. Here sirl' said the squire.
growing angry 'and do you know where here
is sir? These, sir are my manors; what dye
think of that sir, eh? why, sir, as to your
manners said Tom, Il can't say they seem
over agreeable. : don't want any jokes, sir,
said the squire; i hate jokes. Who are you,
sir? what are your why, sir, said Tom, my
name is Sheridan am staying at Lord Cra-
ven's-I have come out for some sport-I have
not had any, and am not aware that am
trespassing 'Sheridanl said the squire cool.
ing little soh? from Lord Craven's eh?'
Well, sir, / could not know that sir-I-' No,
sir, said Tom, but you need not have been in
passion. Not in passion, Mr.. Sheridan' 7
said the squire; 'yoq don't know, sir, what
these preserves have cost me, and the pains
and trouble have been at with them; it's all
very well for you to talk, but If You we're in
my place, I should like to know what you
would say on such an OCCASION Why. sir,
said Tom, If were Ia your place, under the
circumstances shonld say, i am convinced,
Mr. Sheridan, you did not mean to annoy me,
and as you look good deal tired, perhaps
you'll come up to my house and take some re-
freshment.' The squire was hit by this non
ohalance. and il is needless to add, acted upon
Sheridan's suggestion. SO far, said poor
Tom, the story tells for me; now you shall hear
the sequel
After having regaled himself at the squirs's
house. and having said Eve hundred more
good things than be swallowed, having delight
ed his host, and having hals won the hearts Of
his wife and daughters, the sportsman pro-
ceeded on his return homeward. In the course
of his walk he passed through farmyard; in
the front of the farmhouse was green, in the
centre of which was pond. On the pond
were ducks inDumerable swimming and div
ing; on its verdant banks a motley group OF
gallant cocks and pert partiets, picking and
feeding-the farmer was leaning over
the hatch of the barn, which stood
near two cottages on the side Of the
green. Tom hated to go back with an
empty bag; and, having failed in his attempts
at higher game, it struck him as a good joke to
rdicule the exploits of the day himself in Or
der to prevent anyone else from doing it for
him; and he thought that TO carry home GER
tain number of the domestic inhabitants OF the
pond and its vicinity, would serve the pur-
pose admirably. Accordingly, up he goes TO
the farmer, and accosts him very civilly. My
good friend says Tom, 81 make you an Of
fer. of what, sur?' says the farmer. Why,
replied Tom, I've been out all day faeging
after birds, and haven't had a shot. Now,
both my barrels are loaded should like to
take home something; what shall give you to
let me have shot with each barrel at those
ducss and fowls-I standing here-and TO have
whatever kill?' What sort of shot are
you?' said the farmor Fairish,' said Tom,
'fairish. And to have all you kill?' said the
farmer, 'eh?' Exactly so said Tom. Half
a-guinea, said the farmer. That's too much
said Tom. IN tell you what I'll do-lll
give you seven-shilling piece, which happens
to be all the money have in my pocket
Well, said the man, hand it over The
payment vas made. Tom, true to his bargain,
took his post by the barn door, and let fly with
one barrel and then with the other, and such
quacking and spIashiDg and screaming and
tiuttering had never been seen in that place
before. Away ran Tom, and delighted at his
success, picked up first hen, then chicken,
then fished out dying duck or two, and so on,
until he numbered eight head of domestic
game, with which his bag was nobly distended.
Those were right good shots, sur said the
farmer Yes said Tom, eight ducks and
fowls were more than you bargaiDed for, old
felow-worth rather more, suspect, than sew
en- shillings-eh? why, yes, said the man,
scratching his head, L think they be; but what
do care for that? they are none of them
minel' Here said Tom l was for once in my
life beaten and made off as fast as could, for
fear the right owner of my game might make
his appearance--not but that could have Civ
en- the fellow that took me in seven times as
much as did for his cunning and coolness.'"