Year: 1874

Our old friend, Judge Tom
Farrar, Of Lake Providence, says
the New Orleans Picayune, who is
known throughout the State as
lawyer and jurist of eminent ablli-
ties, and o gentleman of most loya>
Bile character, tells at his own ex-
pense, and with the keenest gusto,
a story which we think too good to
lose. 1t appears that some years
ago, while riding through one of
the prettiest districts of North
Louisiana, he came, about sundown,
to a creek which was SO deep as to
necessitate a swimming feat. The
Judge, being a man of vigorous and
invincible determination, no sooner
realized this emergency than he
promptly dismounted, undressed
himself with great despatch, and at
tired only in his high plug hat and
a pair Of spectacles, bestode his
gallant cob and urged him to the
venture.


After a desperate struggle the
other side was gained, and the Judge
again dismounting. this timewith
profound sigh of relief, was about
to resume his integuments, when
the horse, prompted by some dia>
bolcal spirit, started from his side
and trotted slowly down the road.


Of course, the Judge had no
recourse but to trot after him, and
thercupon there ensued one of the
most remarkable and picturesque
chases ever known in history or ira
ditioa. The horse appeared to have
no motive save that of keeping a
certain distance ahead Of the Judge
an of finding some comfortable
barnyard where he might refresh
himself after such gigantic efforts.
The Judge, whatever might have
been his ambitions, confined himself
to the effort of keeping the truant
beast in sight. 1t must have been
cheerful and invigorating ex-
pelience to see the Judge trotting
briskly along that smooth and sandy
road, his venerable plug hat pulled
over his eyes, and his spectacles
bobbing up and down upon his nose.
| The chase was long and the mois~
ture Of the great exertion would
gather on his brow, and then, when
he reached around for MS handker-
chief. alas . it was not there. All
Of which had the effect of Impress
ing the Judge with his very peculiar
and unfortunate situation, and inns
parting renewed play and lightness
to his legs.


So the two bowled pleasantly
along, preserving a steady relative
distance, until just as the setting
sun was reddening the distant hills
and touching the Judges manly
form with gold, the horse whisked
suddenly into a gate and bolted
with eager haste toward a stable
dimly visible in the distance.


The farm house sat in grove
Of trees whose shadows made great
darkness round it, and from thi:
grove, as the Judge was scampering
furiously::4fter his horse and ward
robe, there issued sundry yellow
dogs, surly of mieE and shaggy oi
appearance.


The Judge felt that it would b
utterly impossible, under these
circumstances toassumc that majesty
of aspect and fearlessness of gaze
which is currently believed to b
the correct thug with dogs, and so
:. seeing friendly gate post near a
hand, he gave one wild bound anG
reached its summit just as the lean
est and ficrcest Of the the dogs snap
ped yicious|y az his legs.


When the uproar had subsidized ant
the Judge realizing the absurdit.
Of the situation, had regained hi
customary frame of mind, femal
| voice was heard calling from tn
house,


L" Who's there ?"


GA fellow creature in distress
madam"


Where are you 2"


On the gate post said tn
Judge, beginning to enjoy the joke


What can l do for you?'


1t was too much. The Judgs'
old humor and quizzical love 0
merriment came over him.


Call off these dogs and bring
me all the fig leaves on the place.