The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1886-01-05
SLEEP WALKING FREAKS.
"A Nocturnal Student and an In
dustrious Butcher.

dustrious Butcher.
1t is now some thirty years or more
since began life as a commercial tray.
eler. During my travels on the road ]
have both seen and heard much that
would make the poor penned-up citi.
Tens 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
sts greatest attraction consists in the
never-ending change of scene and soci-
ely is entails. Every day one comes in
roasscs with strange faces, makes short
but pleasant acquaintsnceS, and Is en-
2hled 10 study character in its ever
Earying form
Is was on one of my first journeys in
Che Midland counties that found my
self compelled. one wet disagreeable
afternoon, 10 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 3
homely, sociable fellow. ready to do all
in his power to render me 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
~ritingI had TO do, repaired to the
parlor 90 see what was going on, for /
thoroughly enjoy chat after my days
work, and soon manage TO get on
friendly terms with those whom may
meet On this occasion there wese but
four persons present when took my
seat and lighted my pipe. One was q
suddy-faced countryman enjoying his
mug OF ale; another, q gentleman-farm-
er In the neighborhood; the third per-
son present. doctor from London; and
the fourth. . shabby genteel-looki
individual with o dissipated look. whom
afterward learned was the son of o
aeighbpring clergyman.
When I entered the conversation was
upon the crops and local matters OF
whieh,I knew little or nothing. BY
degrees it turned upon other questions,
suchias, politics. upon which 1 was en-
abledo now and again 10 offer an opin-
ioas till. insensihly. L had worked my
way into, the, little e0nclsye and was
thoroughly, at my ease. Naturally.
seated as we we're round comfortable
6rss with soothing pipe and CHEEKY
glass,,we felt on the best of terms with
al the world Anecdotes and stories
of ali kinds were narrated by each OF
as insturn varied, occasionally by per-
sonal remarks, banter and repartee,
which only tended to increase our
good humor. Our worthy host, who
hsd,a fluent tongue and an unfailing
fund of anecdOte, was in the midst Of
Rarrating some hunting experiences,
when cry of alarm-it was hardly q
shriek-caused him to break off sud
denly and make bis way to the passage.
Our curiosity being aroused, we fol.
lowed him more leisurely to learn
whence the cry proceeded. In the hall
~e found the explanation. The hosts
wife had been surprised by finding one
of her children seated at the foot of the
stairs in his night-shirt, endeavoring to
aace up an imaginary pair of boots
with the intention apparently of going
out. The boy was afterwards induced
TO return to bed, and we On our part
resumed our seats in the psrlor.
This little incident caused our con
versation to turn upon sleep-walking
and many were the theories advanced
as to the origin and cure of the infirm
ity. Our host informed US that his sol
had on one or two previous occasion.
walked in his sleep, but could hardly
be considered a confirmed somnambu.
list The family were one evening
having supper, when they were startled
by the youngster suddenly walking in
IN his night dress, and then going t.
khe fireplace, where he strove his bes
20 pet up the chimney. But the freak
of this youngster were not to be com
pared with those of q school-fellow o
the clergyman s son above mentioned
who nefrated to us the story of tn,
Reallyiremsrkabie feats performed dur
ing hissleep. Incredible as the stor,
may appear, / have every reason to be
aieve that the facts were by no mean
exaggerated, but of this my reader
can Judge. as Twill repeat the nara
kiveento the best of my ability as ..
heard it.:
81 was educated" said the clergy
msn' seson. sat grammar-school nea
Leeds. and among the boys was the Sol