Eagle River Democrat. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1893-1896, 1895-12-09
CHAPTER XIX.
THE HEARsE.


ct hadn't thought it was so late"
said Laxity, as he took his seat upon
the box and proceeded to wrap him
self carefully.
NUgh! but it strikes cold! Now, you
fellows! what are you after, making
such a noise? bean't the thing big
enough to find room for YEP"
cts Galley here, = squeaked Toby
Lipkins, che WON'T"
"Well, [ call that good, do" cried
Galley; tWhen he's sitting down right
atop of me, and move out of his
way"
Don't be an ass, Toby" said Lax
ity, with little gentle force seating
the small man, and pushing his hat
firmly down upon his head; you'll
have enough to do to get sober before
you get in-now then, steady-all hold
fast, for [ mean to 60 it,"
And he was as good as his word.
At the best speed of the four splendid
animals he drove, they bowled along
the widest of the roads which led to
the town whence, the preceding morn
ing they had started. It was all the
men could do, holding by one another,
and to every available point, to keep
their seats; while their teeth chartered,
and they vainly essayed some mutual
remark on the severity Of the morn
ing air.
''They're too far gone to think to
ask me for the rest of my story"
chuckled the fat man, as, having
warmed himself to a glow, he relaxed
somewhat of his speed
"And [ am not sorry for it, either"
he soliloquised; 'Ialways said it was
rats, though my wife and mother
Moggs would have it twas the ghost
ghost, indeed! never did believe in
'em; never shall; tho'f do like to set
their hair on end at times with some
thing awful Now, then" he said
raising his voice, and looking round;
sail right, there?"
"Ehl right enough; except Almost
shook to a jelly" said he Of the soapy
countenance, who sat next ChOb on
the roof; the rest, carefully loosening
one hand, were setting themselves in
order, and releasing their broWs from
the hats into which they had been
jammed, for better security during
their rapid progress.
'Where's Toby Iipkins?'
'Here he is" said Galley, IN a
voice by no means expressive of salts
faction at his position. The little
man had. in fact, fallen asleep IN a
sitting posture, so near the edge ofthe
roof, that he ran risk every moment
of being jerked over; and from the try
ing office Of keeping an eye upon him
and perpetually clutching at some
portion of his attire, his nearest neigh
Dor had released himself by landing
Toby into their midst, where his head
and shoulders became the share of
Galley knees, his neither limbs stray
ing at random among those of his fell
lows, by whom they were Indignantly
rejected in turns.
''Let him be, he'll sleep it off, So"
said Laxity.
"It's easily said let him be, rejoined
the one who was suffering the incon-
venience; 'but tell you what, Chob,
/ shall let him go presently, and
there ii be a smash; his nead's in my
stomach every other mirute
"And he's kicked my hat off already
exclaimed another. And put his foot
in my eye," added third.
"Well, well, we can't leave the fellow
behind, can we?" asked Laxity, with
provoking GOODNESS.
'sFll tell you what, Chob," said
Galley; 1--WE might put him inside-he'd
be comfortable enough there, and
could take his sleeep out in peace. "
A shout from all applauded the
proposition. >, :
Perhaps you'll go with him?'' said
| Chob Laxity.
'"Theres no need" returned Galley
no need in the world. He'll be
warm and snug-a precious sight more
than it is out here, cutting along
] through this keen air. :,