University of Virginia Library

AWFUL PROFANITY.

“What's the matter down below?” I asked of Mr. Marvin.
Not that Mr. Marvin has anything in particular to do with these
down-below affairs, but because he is a sort of High Sheriff or
Burgomaster of Saratoga.

Mr. Marvin assured me the infernal regions were all right;
that Congress Spring had not sprung a subterranean leak; but
that the town authorities had just led the water into the mains
from the new reservoir.

“We're testing their strength,” said Mr. M—.

“Where do you get the water for the reservoir?”

“Why, we dam Greenfield Creek, and this is the very water
which they dammed—”

“Sh—!” exclaimed Dr. Swope of Trinity Chapel, “please
don't be so profane, my friend! for,” continued the Dr., “while I
am glad Saratoga has a creek worth a dam—I mean.......” Here
M. Beekman came along with his subscription paper, and the
crowd dispersed.