River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-03-17

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; Has Tammany dis
banded?"
No." Ireplied; " it is stronger than
ever"
Men" cried the old man, =" that
fellow who arrived here a month ago,
dressed in swallow-taii coat and silk
stockings, is a liar!''
How" cried the men.
Why he said Tammany had dis
banded, and here is 5. gentleman from
New York who says Tam many is
stronger than ever"
Punish the liarl' cried the men,
ard IA rus.i was made for little fell
low dressed in a ragged swallow tail
coat, but he managed to escape, and
went, | know not where.
Well, gentlemen" | said, please
answer me 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 in one breath.
What" | exclaimed; +" praying for
work? Why | was Just congratulating
Foolish youth" said the old man,
listen. Once | was disconnected with
my lot in life, and fancied myself
slave and raved at fate. One night
spirit came to me and asked me If !
wished to toll no more. 'Yesl yesr l
cried, and hither | was brought, know
not how. For a while l was happy
and contented 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 alasl
our clothing began to grow ragged. We
craved meat, but no animals inhabit
this place. All is loveliness and idle
ness. We grew cross and Disconnected,
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 a beautiful place,
but still it is prison"
y prison." | exclaimed, "Not
much; | leave by the next train"
The old man smiled sad smile and
said:
Alas. We can return to earth no
more. Soon your mind will grow
cIouded 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-
iops, who had seated themselves on
the ground and were gazing about with
a stupid, vacant air.
Once in a while, when Il 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 in a nice mess" l said.
IF [ coulG get hold of that Spirit who
roped me into this celestial lunatic asy-
lum I'd knock his lung out. He's too
fresh, and thinks because he's got wings
he can put a man in an asylum with
out commitment papers"
Beware!" cried the old man, and, on
locking around to see what was the
matter, [ sa;w the Spirit behind me.
"Ah?" | 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
a 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 ut once, as | want to be
at the office at a. m"
"Fooush 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 Supplying
idleness?'
ooh, bother that Are you going to
take me back?" | cried.
No" said the Spirit.
We'll, 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
threatening. He raised up his arm
and struck me tremendous blow on
the head, | heard q terrible screech,
and found myself on the floor, the
rockingham upset and my favorite
pipe smashed to pieces. picked my
self up and thought it all over. So |
had been dreaming; but it taught me a
good lesson which shall not soon for
get. | went to bed. and the next morn
ing to work, whistling as | went that
lively air, an he Gay and Happy
Still