The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-22
A MEAN PRANK.

saScs anu tnett aeASuipts " hkntEa ehS weariness of the journey were firmly re- pelled by the Rev. Mir. Gadsbury. One of the drummers related funny story, and just as he arrived at the point, the minister blew his nose with loud snort. The story teller went back a few lines and began again, but just as he reached the point the minister again blew his nose with blast like a sound from a shattered trumpet. The drummer, with a persistency that characterizes men in his business, went back the second time, but again the minister blew his nose.
 I'd like to know" said the drummer, ''how long you are going to keep up this snorting "'
 "I certainly have right to blow my nose" the minister replied.
 But you haven't light to blow it all day"
 Il have, if choose, sir. It's my nose.n
 " But hang it, you shouldn't choose to blow it just when get to the point of a story"
 And you shouldn't get to the point of a story just as l want to blow my nose.'
 "Oh, you be blowed.'
 I'll be blown, sir, every time desire to blew"
 This prevented any further attempt at levity, and every one seemed greatly re- iieved when the stage reached little tavern where the entire party was to spend the night.
 As soon as the tired travellers aligh,ed, the story teller called the landlord aside and had a long and earnest conversa- ton with him. Pretty soon the other drummers were called, thelr presence having been required, it seemed, to con- hrm something that the story teller had said
 While the party was al supper, the landlord approached the preacher, slap ped him on the shoulder and said:
 How're you enjoyin' yoursclf:'
 tirs, rate, thank you
 Feel pretty comfortable, do you: 2
 "Oh yes"
 Aher supper, while the minister sat by the fire. the proprietor approacs cd, slap ped him on the shoulder and said
 How're you enjoying yourself now? 2
 "Very we'll, thanks
 Comfortable "
 Yes. Please show me to my room. '
 The landlord conducted him to an upper room and immediately lett him, but just as the good man had kneli down and belu to pray, the landlord noise lessly entered, slapped him on the top of | ii bald head and asked:
 How are you holdin' 'em r
 Il wish you would not interrupt me, - said the minister.
 Are you comfortable :' inquired the proprietor, paying no attention 10 the preachers irritation.
 "Nes, am comfortable, bu, would be more so if you would cease your interrup- tions. II want anything, I'll call you. :"
 The landlord went out and the prea her went to bed. He was soon asleep. but not 10 dream in undis.urbed fl fleedom. for the landlord entered with a pan of cold water. He approached the bed cautiously, lifted the preachers hand and put il in the water. His mouth be- gan to twitch and he wrinkled his nose like a dog. Then he sprang up and glared at the landlord.
 Are you enjoying yourself. sir :'
 Look here. this thing has gone far enough. What the deuce do you mean"
 Are you pretty comfortable. sir ,"
 Get out of here. and II you come in here any more tonight shall hurt you. l won't be imposed on in this way" The landlord bowed his acknowledgements and went out. The minister stretched himself on the bed and was soon asleep again. The door opened noiselessly and the landlord entered with a large piece of ice He turned up the covers gently and put the ice on the preachers feet. The poor fellow began to jerk and twist. and the landlord, with no sign of fear, asked |:
 Are you teelin' pretty comfortable. sir ?"
 l The outraged man sprang from the bed. but the landlord glided through the door and ran down stairs.
 This beats anything ever heard of" unused the preacher .l have often heard ot the back woods hotel in Arkan. saw, but never heard of anything like this before. I'll sit up all night"
 Next morning when he went down to