The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-02-05
)NT wATCHMAN WEDNESDAY,

what lunatlC asylum uh'o you 81 Ie-
Gently escaped2"
81 am one of the lecture committee,
sir, and have come to take you to the
house of Mr.. Mathe wson, previous to
your efforts of the evening"" said the
deacon, after making a strong clutch al
his nerves.
"My effort of the evening will be to
get good supper and nighrs rest" re
Joined the porty man, who was really
good-natured travelling agent for
wholesale grocery house. what do
you mean by introducing yourself to
me is one whose fame is spoken
wherever the English language lie
spread p"
"I'm a-lookin' for Cough" said the
deacon, falteringly, cam l got my
speech l intended to make tonight,
mixed up in it. Is he Gomez"
The stranger pointed to modest
looking man who had just handed his
gripsack to boy to carry to the little
inn. But Elnathan Baker, who was to
walk with Cough to his stoppipg-place,
sprang upon the slender mans prop
erty, and after struggle succeeded in
wrestling it from the lad. What do
you mean by such conduct, sir?" asked
the slender man, glaring at Baker
fiercely.
81 am the one that's to walk with
you to Mathewson's," said Baker,
can I'm a.goin' to do it; right this
way" And they proceeded, followed
by several people, not members of the
committee, who took every opportunity
of examining the newcomer, free of
chargo. {" A new hotel, 1 suppose"
muitered the stranger to bimself.)
"You see, Mr.. Cough Baker com
menced, after they had arrived part way
to Mathewson's house,
Flanagan, you mean," corrected
the stranger.
"What, amt you Cough" exclaimed
Elnathan, dropping the satchel plump
in the road, and rushing back toward
the station. 1.-THE wrong man again,
by hokeyl"
When the distinguished lecturer was
at last located, he was in the best room
in the humble little village inn, asleep;
and had left orders that no one awaken
him till seven o'clock
The nan who was to conduct him to
the hall was around exactly on time,
but ascertained that Mr.. Cough was
out for walk; and nobody found him
until eight, when he appeared quietly
at the door of the hall, and asked to be
conducted TO the stage.
H. r. Murray, Esq, who was to do
the introducing, was on the lookout,
and soon had the distinguished orator
on the platform. An immense cheer
from the audience greeted them, as
they climbed over the fringe of people
that lined the edges of the platform.
II. r. Murray, Esq. although prom.
inent citizen, and a good listener, had
never addressed large audience be-
fore. He felt dazed, and did not know
exactly what to do or say. In the mids
of his confusion the words OF salutatioI
which he had been repeating to himself
for several days, while expecting tt
meet the lecturer at the station, came
into his head; with bewidered look
he extendedlhis hand, saying, absently
81 beg your pardon; is this Mr.
Cough? l am very glad to meet you
Will you walk over to Mr.. Mathew
sons, where you are to be entertainment
"Not till the lecture is over" sale
Cough, laughingly, having grasped th'
situation. "And not even then, l fear
as ] must leave town on the ten o'clocl
train, to reach my next engagement
Meanwhile, Ladies and Gentlemen 20
And he commenced one of the not
able talks for which be was so famous
"The best-laid plans of committee
men gang aft a-gley," laughed Archi
McTeviotdale, as he walked home witt
his best girl that evening. - Ever
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