The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1920-12-10


amazing capacity for eating and
sleeping. He and Sam arranged to
drive to Dingley Dell with the lug
gage, while the other members Of
the party walked.
Off they started at brisk pace
and part way they we're met by Mr..
Wardle and jolly party Of young
people, and, after the introductions
were performed, they all trooped of
to the house, the young ladies hav-
ing all manner of difficulties getting
over the stile especially the black
eyed young lady in verv nice little
pair of boots with fur round the top
who was observed to scream. very
loudly when Mr.. Wrinkle offered to
help her over"
The next morning was the occas-
ion of the wedding of Bella and
Trundle, which took place in the par
ish church, all the Pickwickians APP
pearing in most blooming array. It
must have been very early indeed,
for the whole party returned to
breakfast. There Mr.. Pickwick dis
tinguished himself, with his usual
genial manner making speech of
congratulation to the young bride
and groom, and receiving in re-
spouse whirlwind of applause.
That night was the great event,
the ball. 1t took place in the "best
sitting room at Manor Farm" Seated
in shady bower Of holly and ever
greens were the two best fiddlers
and the only harp in all Muggleton.
The carpet was up, the candles burnt
bright, the fire blazed and cracked
on the hearth, and merry voices and
light-hearted laughter ran through
the room"
Mr.. Pickwick amazed everyone by
appearing in pumps ready to dance.
And dance he did, with all his heart
and soul, with the old lady at his
side. In fact, after several couples
had dropped out from sheer weari-
| ness, Mr.. Pickwick was still dane
ing with undiminished vigor. Later
glorious supper followed.
The next night was Christmas
Eve. Mr.. Wardle's custom was to
have games in the kitchen that night,
with all the servants in. From the
center of the ceiling a huge branch
of mistletoe was suspended, which
gave rise to scene of general and
most delightful struggling and con-
fusion" Mr.. Pickwick led the old
lady under the mistletoe, and kissed
her with great decorum, and a min
ute later was himself surrounded and
kissed by all the younger ladies, in
laughing group.
They played old games, blindmans
buff and snap dragon, and ended
with huge bowl of wassail Gin
which the hot apples were Kissing
and bubbling with a rich look and a
jolly sound that were perfectly ir-
resistible." Christmas carols burst
forth from the merry group about
the fireplace, to the particular de-
light of all the poor relations.
Wardle finished the evening with
the story of the goblin who stole
a sexton"
Christmas dawned fright and cold.
After breakfast the whole train went
to church, where one of the medical
students fell asleep. After lunch
Wardle proposed a skating party.
Wrinkle said he could skate, but
when it came to displaying his abil-
ity, on the pond, he made such a
lamentable failure, indeed, he
couldn't stand alone on his skates,
that Mr.. Pickwick was very angry
with him and scolded him roundly.
Sliding oh the ice appealed to Mr..
Pickwick strongly. Finally, after
several false starts he attempted it.
What a jolly time he had with
Wardle, Sam, Mr.. Tupman and Mr..
Snodgrass in close succession so
close in fact that Mr.. Pickwick was
upset at least every third round.
Suddenly sharp, smart crack was
heard. A large mass Of ice disap-
peared and Mr.. Pickwick with it.
All the ladies tainted promptly, and
the men seemed bereft of their senses
In another moment Mr.. Pickwick's
head appeared, and someone recol-
Letting that the pond was nowhere
more than five feet deep, everyone
was much relieved. "Prodigis Of va
lor were performed to get him out"
All the ladies offered their shawls
lest the poor dear catch his death of
cold. Wrapped tightly in these with
Sam at his side he ran back to the
house, to be put Immediately to bed.
With the warm fire, and a bowl OF
punch besides, he awoke the next
morning none the worse for the cold
plunge.
"The jovial party broke up the
next morning. Mr.. Pickwick and
his friends once more took their
seats on the top Of the Muggleton
coach" after many a parting and
whispered conversation with the
young ladies. All were 10th to de-
part. And, we'll they might be.
Delegates to the league Of nations
convention In Geneva, Switzerland,
are meeting in the hall of reforma-