Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-12-13
SLEEP WALKING FREAKS.
A Nocturnal Student and an In
I dustrious Butcher.

1t is now some thirty years or more
since began life as commercial tray
eler. During my travels on the road |
have both seen and heard much that
would make the poor penned-up citi-
zens open their eyes with wonder. To
those who are of active habits. and TO
whom the trammels of office work
would prove irksome and uncomfortable.
the life of commercial traveller ap-
pears all that could be desired. To me
its greatest attraction consists in the
never-ending change of scene and soci-
ETY. it entails. Every day one comes in
contact with strange faces, makes short
but pleasant acquaintances. and is en-
abled to study character in its ever
varying form.
1t was on one of my first JOURNEYS in
the Midland counties that found N.Y.
self compelled, one wet. disagreeable
afternoon, to cut short my DAYS work
and TO put up at the only inn worthy of
the name of which the village could
boast. Fortunately the host proved
bonely. sociable fellow. ready 10 do all
in his power 10 render NE comfortable.
So that my regret at being forced to
take refuge in such an out-of-the-way
place soon disappeared. After having
satisfied my hunger and finished what
writing | had to DO, | repaired 10 the
parlor to See what was going on, for |
thoroughly enjoy chat after my days
work. and soon manage to get on
friendly terms with those whom l NAV
meet. On this occasion there were but
four persons present when | took nv
seat and lighted my pipe. One was a
ruddy-faced countryman enioying his
mug of ale; another, a gentleman-farm-
er in the neighborhood; the third per-
son present, doctor from London; and
the fourth, a shabby looking
individual with dissfpated look. whom
| afterward learned was the son of u
neighboring clergyman.
When | entered the conversation was
upon the crops and local matters of
which | knew little or nothing. By
degrees it turned upon other questions.
such As politics. upon which ! was en-
nbled now and again 10 offer an opin-
ion. till, in-cn>iblv. | had worked NV
way into the little conclaye and was
thoroughly AT my ease. Naturally,
seated As we Were round comfortable
fire. with soothing pipe and CHEEKY
glass, We felt on the best of terms with
all the world. Anecdotes and stories
Of all kinds Were narrated hy each of
Us in turn. varied occasionally bv per
sonal remarks. banter and rrlartce,
which only tended to increase our
good humur. Our worthy host, who
had fluent tongue and an unfailing
fund of anccdotc. WAS in the midst of
naTrating some hunting experiences.
when u cry OF alarm-it was hardly a
shrek caused him to break off sud-
denly and make his way to the passage
Our curiosity being aroused. we fol
lowed him more lciSurclv to learn
whence the cry proceeded. In the hall
we found the explanation. The hosts
wife had been surprised Toy finding one
Of her children seated at the foot of the.
stairs in his ni%ht->hITt. cudraN Oring To
lace up all imaginary pair of boots.
with the intention apparently "f going
out. The bOv was afterwards induced
to return To bed, and we on our part
resumed our seats i'll the parlor.
This little incident caused our con-
versation TO turn upon slecp-walking,
and many Were the theories advanced
n to the origin and cure of the infirm-
ity. Our host informed US that his son
had on one or two previous occasions