Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1881-12-21

body 10y the good cheer, the scene; and
the example of hilarity set by his neigh
bors.
At last he laughed as heartily at their
/ stories and repartees as the old baronet,
| Sir Simon himself
When the meal was almost over one
OF the sons, who had drunk little too
much wine. after the manner of men in
that century, said to Hubert.
well. my boy, how are YOU? Can
you take pinch of snuff
He held out one of the snuff-hoxes
which were then becoming common
among young and old throughout the
country.
Thank you, said Hurbert, accept
ing pinch.
TEL the ladies who you are, what
you are made of, and what you cnn do"
the young man continued, slappipg
Hubert upon the shoulder.
Certainly, said our hero, drawing
himself up, and thinking it best to put
bold face on the matter. 81 am a
travelling magician"
Indeed
What shall We hear next?
Can You call up spirits from the Vastly
deep, young wizard?"
Il can coniure up tempest in a cup
board, Hurbert replied.
''Ha, ha.' said the old ,ronet, pleas
sntly, rubbing his hands I'VE must
see this performance. Girls, don't go
away; here's something to be seen"
Not dangerous, | hope, said the old
lady.
Hubert rose from the table.
Hand me your snuff-box, please he
said to the young man who had made
free with him. "And now, " he cOntinu-
ed, without the least noise. follow me.
II any of you speak it will break the
spell"
They promised obedience. He enter
ed the corridor, and taking off his shoes,
went on tiptoe to the closet-door, the
guests advancing in a silent group at a
little distance behind him.
Hubert next placed stool la front of
the door, and, by standing upon it, was
tall enough to reach to the top. He
then, Just as noislessly, poured all the
snuff from the box along the edge of the
door and. with few short puffs of
breath, blew the snuff through the
chink into the interior of the closet. He
held up his finger to the assembly, that
they might be silent.
Dear me. what's that" said the
old lady, after a minute or two had
elarsed.
A suppressed sneeze had come from
i-side the closet.
Hubert held up his finger again.
How very singular" whispered Sir
Simon. "This is most interesting.
Hubert took advantage of the moment
to gently slide the bolt of the closet
door into its place.
more snuff, " lac said calmly.
"More snuff, said Sir Simon.
Two OF three gentlemen pass d thei
Doxes, and the contents were blown in
at the top of the closet Another sneeze,
not quite SO well suppressed as the first,
was heard: then another, which seemed
to say that it would not he suppressed
under any circumstances whatever. At
length there arose perfect storm of
/ sneeZeS.
Excellent excellent for one so
voung!'' said Sir Simon. Il am much
interested in the trick Of throwing the
voicc--called / believe vcutailoquism.
more snuff, " said Hubert
More snuff, said Sir Simon.
Sir Slmon's men brought large jar
If the best scented Scotch.
Habert once more charged the upper
clink of the closet, and blew the snuff
into the interior, As before. Again he
charged ard araiu emp'ying the whole
contents of TIE iar The tUmult oi
sneezes became really extraordinary tC
listen to-there was no cessation. II
was like wind rain, and sea battleing il
. hurricane.
Il believe there are men inside, and
that it is no trick at allr' exclaimed Sir
Simon, the truth flashing on him.
.'There are" said Hubert 'They
are come to rob the house; and they are
the same vino stole my horse
The sueezes changed to spasmodic
eroans. One of the thieves, hearing
Hubert's voice, cried:
.'Oh, mercy, mercy! let us ont of
thisl'
Where Is my.,horse?' saidHubert.
Tied to the tree in the hollow behind
Shorts Ghost. Merry, mercy let u,
ont. OF we shall die of -uifocation!"
All the Christmas guests now perceiv-
ed that this was no longer sport, but
serious earnest.
Guns and cudgels were procured; al
the men-servants were called IN, anC
arranged in position outside the closet
At a slglIal Hubert vithdTev tn
bolt. and stood on the defensive. Bu
the three robbers, far from attacking
them, were fouud croUching III tn
corner, gasping Tor breath,
They made no resistance; and, being
pinioned, were placed III an out hous'
till the morning.
Hubert now gave the remainder OF HI
story to the assembled company, and
was profusely thanked for the service h
had rendered.
Sir Simon pressed him to stay over
night and accept the use of the best
bedroom the house afforded, which Ina,
been occupied by Queen Elizabeth an,
King Charles successivelv when on theI
visit to this part of the country.
But Hubert declined, being anxious L
.;.,J H. I,-c.. j airy auJ N +..sf tho fr1lfl