Page:The Devil's Kingdom.djvu/7

Rh I'll vex her, until her blood boils, and her gall grows biuer and corrosive, when cramps and misery of infant and mother will follow.

[To him.]—Halloo! my boy; you are wanted, but let me put you on your guard!

Young America.—Of course. Sir, I am most assuredly your very humble servant—

Devil.—Certainly you are, but to business! Do you see that beautiful lady over yonder!

Y. A.—I do indeed! She is perfectly bewitching. Who is she, and what has she got in her arms?

Devil.—[Nudging him.] A brat of an infant—

Y. A.—An infant! Bah! is she married?

Devil.—That's nothing here nor there, now-a-days; but if you have a fancy to gain her affections, I can arrange things for you speedily.

Y. A.—The devil you can!

Devil.—Of course; but you must do a little common work first. Y. A.—Name it, Sir.

Devil.—Go for Dr. Drugopath, and tell him to come with plenty of medicine; [Imps very anxious.] but before you go, tarry here until I say go; and whatever I say or do, you must give assent by saying: Yes Sir, certainly, etc.

Y. A.—I'll do it, sharp.

Devil.—[Approaches Madam, who is meditating.] Madam, permit me to make you acquainted with Mr. Young America. [To him.] That's your name I believe? [With a nudge.]

Y. A.—Ye-e-s Sir, that's it. [Aside.] But look here, old fellow, she is entirely too beautiful and modest to trifle—[Imps tease him, him rubbing up his back, etc.]

Devil.—Shut up, [Indignantly.] or you'll miss your mark. Remember our covenant—

Y. A.—All right. [Aside.] Damn him. [Imps fly wildly.]

Devil.—Good boy, go ahead, you are prospering. [''Y. A. is very angry. Imps vex him.''] You do pray eloquently, verily, if you had been going to our schools all your life, you could not have learned more eloquence than you have just exhibited.

Y. A.—I wish I could choke the infernal fool—[Imps laugh.] Devil.—Ha! ha! ha! what are you thinking about; standing so stupidly in the presence of this lady, whose infant is so very ill, and desires some one to go for Dr. Drugopath.

Mrs. S.— Yes, young man, I would ])e very thankful to you, if you would go for the doctor.

Y. A.—Certainly, I fly — [Imps prevent him.]

Devil.—[Aside.] No you don't, just yet. [To her.] Madam, this youth is a little queer in his head. [To him.] Aren't you?

Y. A.—Yes sir. [Aside.] Curse him! [Imps pinch him.]

Devil. — Good, my boy! Ha! ha! ha!