Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1903-09-12

Mr.. Stesler. heartily ashamed Of him
self, nevertheless Obeyed.
"Well, by Jove" he mentally ex
claimed as he slapped his thigh ant
gazed thoughtfully ut his guest, "well
by Jove!'
You want to swear, no doubt, vii
liam. somehow feel that you wan
to swear. But defer 1t for the present
Just n few mild comments are all
permit. I'm very sorry, too. for some
thing in your attitude tells me that
you can scarcely control yourself. Oh
I nearly forgot. want my shoes
brushed. They're rather disreputable
Clean them, William"
Mr.. Stesler betrayed his reluctance
and disgust as the man held up n pair
of mud-incrusted boots. He took them,
however, and very delicately placed
them just outside the door. The man
resumed his paper, but soon added
with some impatience:
William, you are in my light. Move
aside. please"
Some seconds of silence ensued be.
fore he broke out with a great gur-
faw.
"Well?" demanded Mr.. Stesler.
II was merely smiling over q patent
medicine. They say here that 1t will
cure rheumatism and consumption.
used 1t on mule once. 1t cured him
of baking, but he died. within a few
hours. afterward used it to kill Off
all the rats on the premises. Oh, here
you are, Molly, at last. The repast is,
indeed, welcome. But more butter,
please. l like lots of butter. Only
three rolls? I eat six-always six,
Molly. Always remember that in fu-
ture. And white cups? 1 prefer blue,
or, at any rate, some little decoration
on my china. The coffee is very good,
but I like it little stronger and a
little earlier. too. In fact, William, l
shall expect you to bring it to my
bedroom before I rise"
Man and wife exchanged worried
looks and glances, and We're immedi-
ately startled by another loud, vocifer.
Gus roar.
"I'm always having the most delight
full dreams. dreamed last night that
you wanted me to rob you. And dis
tinctly remember giving you a patent
medicine. You liked the flavor, and
a"0a Vol, more And Molly took
the rest. Oh, shall I ever, ever rorger
what jolly, dancing cOrpses you NADER
and he pushed back from the table
moment to give them the full benefit
Of his merriment.
Mr.. Stesler was by this time really
and unequal to the occasion.
He motioned vainly for his wife to call
the nelghbors. But she was so con-
fused that she failed to understand his
frantic appeal.
After eating greedily. the visitor sat
back and nonchalantly waved his
hand.
civilian, q shave, please. I'll re-
main here. You can manage, I think"
Mr.. Stesler brought shaving-mug
md razor.
"Now, william, not too close, If you
please. Put on plenty of lather. Molly,
lOld the mug, also the mirror in front
If me, SO l can see what William is
loing. All, yes, that's comfortable.
Continue. William"
With shaking hand and pallid coun-
Mr.. Stesler proceeded to shave
lis guest, possessing only enough pres
,nce Of mind to hope the razor would
slip and relieve the gentleman of his
lead. The impromptu barber had
barely finished when the stranger ner-
'Ously motioned away the mug, the
mirror and Molly.
civilian, the lawn is hopelessly dis
equitable. Indeed, I'm surprised at
he evident carelessness about the
place. Get out the lawn-mower. and
III superintend. Great land o. Goshen!
lon't stand there like that! Go to
work, say"
Mrs. Stesler was somewhat amused
It her husbands predicament Her
quest had no sooner caught sight Of her |
smile than he quickly |
added:
"My slipper dropped off. Molly. pick
t up"
Both man and wife burst into q |
hearty laugh at their own chagrin
The guest glared very haughtily.
mo levity, please. No levity," said
le, CURLY.
He walked about the lawn few
studiously examining the |
"Now, Molly. the garden
AXE; and see that you gather the |
caves and brambles into little piles"
He strutted about the yard, pointing
'ternly, frowning, ordering, loud in his |
as the work Of cleaning
Up proceeded but slowly. In the midst |
# their despair the sound of wheels |
lrrested Mr.. Stesler's attention, and,
pulling his wife frantically by the
lrm. he made an heroic dash toward a |
'ehicle that just then tore into the |
'ard. Two men hastily sprang down |
rom the seat and rushed past with set,
mysterious faces.
"Bess, is this a dream?" asked Mr..
stesler, anxiously..
"Why, no. This is a nightmare.
Didn't you known"
Their guest was growing still louder |
n his imprecations as the two men
rom the vehicle approached.
II feel insulted, outraged! I told
'ou, James, not to come for me SO
oon," he said with lordly dignity. He
vas backing away with subtle. sus.
'icious movement, when the two men
hastily bound him with ropes and fast.
ned handouts on his wrists.
"Has he harmed any one? asked
me of his captors, anxiously address.
ng Mr.. Stesler.
Stesler stared vacantly and shook his |
lead absently.
"He is one of our worst patients, and !
Tiled his guard this morning"
"a lunatic!' exclaimed Stesler.
Eyes"
"Sir," said the lunatic. Indignantly,
I am gentleman of humor."
The guards bound him securely in |