St. Paul daily globe., 1886-05-31

were served at dinner, thirteen speeches were
made, and ut thirteen minutes past 10 o'clock
they all filed out.
II am not superstitious in the ordinary
sense of that term, but 1 must confess felt
a little queer while was at the dinner table
with all the thirteen combinations around me.
The ringleaders in the affair were strong IN
their belief that there was no reason or sense
in the popular impression that if thirteen
people seat themselves around u table that
one of the number is sure to die before the
end of year.
"At our dinner table they had candles ar
ranged on the table in the form of coffin,
one candle being in front of each of the thir-
teen guests. Just before we came in the
candles were lighted. You have no idea what
peculiar appearance it makes to have
lighted candles arranged so as to form the
emblemS of an illuminated coffin in front of
you on the table. During the progress of the
meal, one of the candles fickered and sput-
tered, thereby attracting the attention of the
assembled guests, and finally went out. This
was said to be, among the superStitious
people, sure sign that the man directly
in front of it was the doomed party
and would die within the year. l noticed his
face as the candle manifested its determina-
tion to go out, and also watched him while
his companions made fun of the little Incl
dent and accused him of blowing it out. He
was an undertaken from Cleveland, and was
a guest of the club. He did not seem to en-
joy the incident half as much as the others,
and was very quiet and thoughtful.
ut struck me that he was somewhat
troubled over the affair but refused to admit
anything Of the kind when asked about it by
those nearest his place at the table. Well,
the party broke up at last, and right jolly
they were after testing several bottles of
wine. The end of the year came and no
death occurred. Not even the Cleveland
undertaken, in front of whose place at the
table the candle went out, died, as might
have been expected if there was any truth in
the common superstitions on that subject.
Hereafter will have no hesitation in being
the thirteenth at the table. for 1 don't think
there is anything III the foolish superstition
about that number"
~
appearances are often deceiving," ex-
claimed man from Maine. 81 was travelling
down in our state one day and happened.
why, don't know, to get very thirsty. The
water in the car did not seem to satisfy me at
ALL and, being in a strong prohibition state, L
stood very poor chance of getting anything
during the short time that the train stopped
at any of the stations. walked through the
train but failed to find man whom thought
would be likely to part with his pocket pistol
even if he knew was dying for drink. About
the time was threatening to leave the train
and lay Off at the next station to
get something, an old man, with f1orid
complexion, not to say red, got on.
He carried a good-sized demijohn.
looked at him and thought I discovered a
man who was fond oil his toddy and who did
not hesitate to bring it with him. took to
him right away and regarded him as kind of
good Samaritan who had come along just in
time to save my life. I followed him into the
car and saw him deposit the demijohn on the
floor and near the window. The train started.
L saw the old fellow bring forth a travelling
glass, adjust it properly, and then draw a
glass full OF the contents of the dernijohn and
drink the liquid and smack his lips as only an
old topper knows how to do. That settled it.
1 made up my mind to go for that old man
and ask him for drink, if it was the last
thing 1 ever did on this earth. did so, ex-
planning that was exceedingly thirsty, and
not being able to get pure article on the
train, had to impose on his generosity. He
granted my request Immediately, insinuating
that 1 should take it without exciting any
more notice than was necessary. 1 under
stood him and agreed. He gave me the DEM
John. I happened to have a cup, and at his
suggestion proceeded to draw some of the fine
old whisky. 1 filled my cup, and, STOPPING
down, drained the contents before taking a
breath, so anxious was I to AVOID unseemly
notice.