The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-02-08
How sweet is revenges SIX Philo Bierce ct

How sweet is revenge? A SIX Philo Bierce ct
ais, They can tell you.
Last Thursday was John Lowrie's 44th birth
day. Everybody knows John the jolly, and is
acquainted tsome more than others) with his
propensity for perpetratiug jokes on his friends
$40 would not stand Tor moment between him
and chance to entrap some one especially an
old jest connoisseur. into his tolls
Thursday night John had gone uD town to
look Tor some new victim for an old joke, or an
old one for new thrust of his lance, it made
little difference to him On returning homa he
found his house filed with companions aud
friends. aud in moment his eXpeteucad eye
sized them up as a lo5 OF surprise parry d3udS
who had vtinly thaugh5 to ge5 even wish him
by Witnessing his emb Irrass ment and discom m
fture at the sight of such 70 mid able array of
grave looking persoaages. Johu never mani
tested the least surprise. and listened with the
hardened noncha ance of veteran to his old
friend and fellow joker. Philo Bierce. as he
arose and address ed bim relative to the occa-
sion after the festivities of the evening were
drawing to a close Like every we'll regula ated
company of the kind. they came prepared with
edibles and present and some adroit man.
agement was used in getting the latter into the
house unbeknown to the lynx.eyed John. who
was on the alert for some ''Sell.'' and looked
with suspicion on every movement OF his jocund
guests. Selling an opportune moment when
his attention had been called to mother part of
the house. the beautiful token, which had been
deposited in the front yard was triumphantly
| borne to the house, where it was quickly put in
shape for the grand presentation TO follow.
| Then it was that Philo Bierce, with counte
nance of monk like gravity, transferred the
title to the magnificent souvenir in the follow
ing words:
John, No doubt you are well aware before
this hour why this gathering of your friends
here at your home. 1t is to remind you that il
is your birthday. Although a years have
passed since you first made your appearanc &c
here on earth. John. it is the best and most sin
cere wish of your friends that you may live to
enjoy another a years. Your friends too well
know some of the pleasant amusement tn at you
enjoy, and in behalf ofthose present who know
!, your wants, 1 present you this token of thei
friendship. Please accept this beautiful Rifle
and this bailet and may your eyes never grow
so dim but you may see the sights. and it is ou
wish that you may have many pleasant time
with this rifle. We ask you to take good care
of it. so that it may never rust, but always b
ready for use.''
The gun is fearfully and wonderfully made
and is considered a triumph of mechanical skill
/. and ingenuity. le Is nine feet long, with fou
!. inch octagon barrel, and patent spring kickin
y pad. rebounding hammer. and telescope sigh
of the latest . spouting'' pattern. A sampl
bullet, inches in length. accompanied tt
gun,
5 We draw veil over the scene which followe
l. the presentation The following day, whe
IS John had sufficiently recovered to venture U
l. town the boys. anxious that the public shoul
d know of his good fortune, brought the hut
s. death dealer to the Riddle block corner, whe
lie it was placed in telescopic poise on the w.
II T. U drinking font and large card attache
W with an appIo opriate inscription.
p John felt-wen who can tell what2 But ir
le agine his feelings when, some time afterwar
he was confronted with warrant chargil
I'd him with exhibiting dangerous weapon in
k public place. He swears he will have his +
S. venge if it costs $500.