The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-06-14
A JUST puNisnMsMr.
Mr. Absdnexo Jonss. the Practical Joher,
 Comes to onef

Mr. Absdnexo Jonss. the Practical Johes.
 Comes to Grief.
 Mr. Abednsgo Jones though, ,ha, he would play joke on hts friend Patterson, the merchant. The other day Abed- nego vent into Patterson's room 10 speak to him concerning . matter of business. and seeing q new pair of pansalooas lying across . chair, he chuckied and said:
 By George. I1l have Pat oa his head. l1l take these pants aad he'll think that some one has stolen them" He took the trousers and carried them to his own room. Shortly afterwards. while Abedne- % was sanding ia tho hallway, Patterson came along and said rather exci,edly
 Have you seen anybody come out ot my roomF'
 "Yes, sa~ a fellow come out just nov vita . bundle si something under his arm"
 "That's the ieller."
 AWhat fellerys
 The teller that stole my new pants. Just paid eighteen dollas for them. Wish could catch him. It's just my luck. wanted to go away on a little trip and wanted to wear them"
 Patterson went back into hts room and Abednego caught hold of the ban,ssess and laughed. m give 'em back to him in day or t~o," he unused. He's al ways playing pranks on felles and I'll teach him lesson."
 Patterson went to the chief of police and made statement, requesting him to secure the thief if possible. lam going away today said he, !" and fl you catch the thief beyond doubt why deal with him to the fulles, extent of the law."
 The chief employed detective to take the matter in hand, gave rim descsip- tion of the property and told him to keep the sharpes, kind of lookout. The de- tective went to pattesson's room in the Colinade building. and while passing Abednego's door, saw that gentleman hold up and examine . pair of trousers. His suspicious were aroused, and enter ing the room he sad
 "Where did you get them trousers r "None of your business.
 "Aintn?'
 !" No, 1t ain't."
 Well, II just is- What's your name z"
 "None of your business."
 "Ain't it r'
 No it aint, Get out Of my room"
 The detective went down, learned Abed- nego's name, and procured a warrant for his arrest. When he again entered the room, Abednego was sitting in rocking chair. smoking a cigarette.
 @Cap'n, want you"
 "Yes, eonfound your ugly mug, and want you. want you to get ou, Of my room.n
 "In get out. eap'n, but I'll have to take you with me-" and the detective read the warrant.
 "Thai's only a Joke," said Abednego
 "Is itF
 ~Ofcourse it is."
 "weii, come on up to the city hall and we'll sec"
 !" shall do no such thisg.n
 "Won's your and the officer seized the young man and snapped a pair of hand-cuffs on him. He begged piseonsly, but the officer led him through the streets. 4 iasre crowd collected, and the report sha, the prisoner had committed murder was circulated. The crowd wanted to mob Abednego. The young man was taken before . justice ofthe peace He related the story, hov he would play joke on his friend, but 10 ooe believed him. He wzs sen, to jail so await trial Every edor to reach Pzsierson by telegraph failed, and Abedsego was compelled to remain in . cage amosg vile party q cFimiaais. The morning papA contained long ac- count of the affair, lamensing the fact that Abednego Jones, vho stood % higb as Sunday school teacher, should be arrested on such chasge. The paper vent on 10 ssy that the proof ~as direct, an1 that Mir. Patterson, not wishing to appear against his former friesd, had gone away from the city. The evening paper spoke of Abednago's love q dres, and said that many of his friends had long saspsctsd his dis