Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1891-07-03
CURING A JOKER.

nt 1
rva dwelt IL man named Sam Peabody
Of least, so shall call him, for he is
GOOD man now and might not like to have
tbe evil deeds of his youth made known
among strangers. Sam was an inveter-
no ioker-what is denominated "prac-
ticai ioker"-and though he never meant
onv real harm, yet he often caused much
mischief by his pranks. On one occasion
,rben he had gone out at night, envel-
onod in n white sheet to brighten some
iris he started to the roadside at the
9nnroach of chaise and frightened the
horse so that the chaise was smashed up
and one of the occupants severely in
jurcd.
Sam had been talked with and argued
with but to no purpose. He could not
be made to see the wickedness of his
franks, Sometimes he would fasten lines
across the sidewalk, and thus trip up the
pedestrians. he would ring folks up in
tbe night and ask them if they had plenty
Of bedding. Once he called the doctor
ont at midnight to come and attend a
man who had very bad fits. The good
old doctor arose and followed Sam till
tbey came to Adam Ships little domicile,
and here the joker called up the little
how legged tailor, and the moment Snip
noked his head out at the window Sam
cried: There doctor, is man who
makes the worst fits you ever SAW and
with this he ran away, and left the doc
for and the tailor to settle the matter.
This was serious business in one sense.
hut it set the whole town in "a laugh and
Sam was delighted.
But Sans last practical joke was near
at hand. At the edge of the village
lived man named Jerry Smith. He
was a stone worker by trade, and as
strong as an OK. One evening Jerry's
wife had been to see a neighbor, and in
returning she had to pass over a place
where the road was built along upon a
sort of morass. with willow trees upon
each side. When she entered her house
she was pale and trembling, and sank
into chair almost out of breath.
Whats the matter" asked her hus-
band.
1--we been frightened gasped the
woman. as soon as she could command
her speech
"But how? Where?"
"Out by the willow trees. All OK, with
great horns and fiery eyes, came out at
US, walking ON his hind legs"
"By thunder. it's Sam Peabody" ex-
claimed Jerry. He killed an OK this
morning"
81 knew it was Sam as soon as had
time to think, returned the wife, "for
his voice was plain; but was so fright
ened at first that liked to have tainted"
Jerry was angry. 1t did not suit his
fancy to see defenseless woman thus
treated He took his hat at once, and
went over to Il small house on the oppo-
site side of the street, where lived his
partner in business, another stout, iron
corded man. named George Tyler.
Look here, Tyler" cried Jerry, Sam
Peabody is out in the willows, rugged up
in his OK skin, frightening poor women.
Come with me and we'll punish him."
Tyler hesitated not moment, but
taking his hat he followed Jerry over to
the other house. In the first place Jerry
took tireboard, and with some marking
paint he painted out a flaming placard,
with letters large and distinct. Then he
got some of his wifes dresses, and babe
Tyler put one Of them on. For" said
he, ''lf he sees two men coming he may
run"
The dresses We're thrown on after
fashion and pinned to the other cloth
ing and then the men donned each one
bonnet, They then procured lot of
stout cord, and, taking the fireboard, they
sailed forth. AS they approached the
willows they began to giggle and litter
IN squeaking tones, and ere long the
fearful nondescript made its appearance.
with a low deep believing it walked
INTO the road and stood directly in front
OF the two pedestrians.
"Oo-oo-oo-oo!" beloved Sam.
Mercy screamed Jerry.
"Ah-oua-oo-oo!'
Save mel" squeaked Tyler.
Inc OK hide approached another step,
and jerry leaped forward and seized it,
and ON the next moment Tyler was by
his side
Now, Mr., Peabody, reckon you're
Sale uttered Jerry, giving him grip
like a wise.
"Dont-don'tr cried Sam.
Don't WHAT
Don't hurt met!
"Newon't hurt you if you keep quiet,
ouI II yon make any resistance you II
run the risk of getting your head bro
ken"
Gam knew that it was Jerry Smiths
%ne whom he had frightened, and he
knew that Jerry could handle him as a
ohiiu' lie begged and prayed, but to no
purpose. The two stone cutters backed
up against one of the willows, and then
proceeded to bind him to the trunk of a
Tree They dashed his hands behind him,
.neh dashed his ankles together, and then
lhey bound him to the tree at the shodl-
uelS' wrists, knees and feet, and they did
II securely, too. After this they tSok the
Hieooard and placed it against the tree
"oo'e his head, securing it by nails
winch they had brought for that pur-
pose.
Mercy" shriebed Sam, you aren't
"-so,h to leave me here?'
es, sir, answered Jerry. "You have
N"o your share of joking long enough
%'u now We'll have ours. would rather
lave You tie my wife as you are tied,
olan TO have had her frightened as you
S'iie near frightening her. Mind you,
S'lll, We only mean thiS for a Joke"