The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-01-12
THE INNOCENT CORK PEOPLE
Redp a,h Weekly.

Redp ath' $ Weekly.
 You look little tired" said the dark faced man, taking the pipe out of his mouth and addressing me as we sat to- ge,her one winters evening in the fire place in the commercial room of the Gresham. in Sickville street.
 l am tired l replied, wearily.
 Been traveling!"
 Yes. have just come from Cork"
 Nice place, Cork, said the dark laced man, glancing a, me from under his bushy eyebrows.
 We'll yes, it is" said l, '' a fine city cry innocent people. these Cork people" said the dark-faced man, whilst he slowly reflled his meerschaum.
 Yes" replied, they are and a warm, good people. like them very much"
 But innooent-they are innocent, yiously.
 Well, dare say they are" said L, not over-pleased with his assertivencss on the subject.
 ies. of course they arc,' he said. sem cautiously, and then relapsed into silence.
 lou have been Tn Cork.' l asked, 70: satisfied to let the conversation drop.
 es. was. young man, once.
 You seemed to have admired them ee.y much v
 :. Of course did. Who does not :? They have many charming virtues nocence and simplicity being about their greatest"
 felt there was a story behind the speakers words, so simply said:
 How did you come 10 learn and to tee so strongly the existence of these qualities from one visit s'
 '' Perhaps you are too tired to listen to |. IL is rather long story
 Not at all,n said l. quiekly:" it is just what should like of ali things. We shall dil our pipes, and If you will allow me to replenish these tumblcrs-'
 Ali right" said he, go ahead"
 When we had filled our pipes. taken a few pulls and a few sips from the smok ing iumblers that stood at our respective elbows, the dark faced man commenced :: One fine autumn evening. abou, thirty years ago, was travelling on horseback from Mllls,reet to Cork.
 felt tolerably tired and was looking oa, for some waysde inn where l might pass the night, when sudden and vio- lent thunder storm came on, My horse. terrified by the lightning, fairly took the brdle between his teeth and started of with me a, full gallop through the lanes and crossroads, until al length man. aged to pull him up at the door of neat looking country inn.
 Well,' thought. there was vii in your madness, old boy, since 1t brought fn thte fg,rt .hia ref,tua And alghting l gave him in charge U the stout farmers boy, who acted as hos,ler
 When entered the kitchen of the humble hotel, found number of tray eiers gathered round the fire waiting for supper. joined the party.
 Presently, being summoned by the hostess, We all sal dosn, twelve in num- Der, 10 a smoking repast of bacon and eggs.
 The conversation turned on the mis- haps, occasioned by the storm, of which every one seemed 10 have his full share. One had been thrown of his horse. an other, driving a gig, had been set in a muddy ditch all had got a thorough wetting. and agreed unanimously that |: was dreadful wea,her-a perfect witches sabbath.
 Witches and ghosts prefer tor their Sabbath fine. moonlight nigh, to such weather as this..''
 The words were uttered in solemn tone by one of the company. He was d tall fair-iooking man, and appeared 10 be commercial traveller
 The next neighboy, who was a gay fasnionably dressed young man, burs, into peal of laughter, saying:
 You must know the customs of ghosts very well 10 be able 10 tell that they di. like getting wet or muddy
 The first speaker, glancIng contem 1,u- ously al him, said:
 You shouldn't speak so lightly Of things beyond your comprehension"
 The young man stood up, flushed with anger. bu; resumed his seat, saying calmly:
 "Tha, ,aun, would cost you dear, were it no. such foolish one
 A foolish one" explained the other, throwing on the table leAthern purse There are fifty gulneas. which am conten, to lose, if before the hour IS ended 1 do not succeed in showing you the form of any one of your friends, and af.er you have recognized him you will let hlm press his dead lips agains, yours"
 We all looked at each other; br, my young neighbor, in mocking manner, replied:
 !" You will do that-will you
 "Yes,r said the other, if you will pay a similar sHm if you lose"
 Alter short silence the young man said. gAily
 F.f'y guineas, my worthy soroerer, are more than a poor college sudden, ever possessed; bu; here are five, which. if you are satisfied, shall be willing to wager"
 The other took up his purse, saying ir a scornful tone
 "I see. young gentleman, you visit to draw back
 ~I draw back !" exclaimed the student. Well, if had fifty guineas you should <>~ urh sshAr I wi<h fo d0 s0f