The North Bend Ducking Stool

The people of North Bend, on the Snoqualmie River, have revived the ducking stool, only they have put it to use in subduing a contumacious husband rather than a scolding woman. H. H. Pickerell is the man who has been made to taste the efficacy of an involuntary bath in ice-cold water. He lives in North Bend with his family and could get along in that community all right if it were not for his fondness for the pleasures of the flowing bowl. Last Tuesday night he went on a drunk and came home at an unseemly hour in a very ugly humor. He drove his wife and children out of doors by hurling furniture, a loaded cane, and a lighted lamp after them. He hurled the cat through a window and then proceeded to clip the tail of a canary bird. In the meantime, the whole community had become aroused and a movement was on foot to bring the orgie to a fitting finale. A long and strong rope was first procured, and at least forty of the best people in town were found ready to take hold of it. They went to Pickerell's house, and, making due apologies for interrupting him in his pleasantries, tied the rope around his neck and dragged him to the swift mountain torrent. Into the swirling waters the trembling wretch was hurled, and the current swiftly carried him to the full length of the rope. This operation was repeated several times, until at last the prisoner made the most solemn oath ever taken by an inebriate that he would never touch another drop of liquor.