DINING WITH DEMONS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 62, 3 July 1876, Page 2

DINING WITH DEMONS.

The madcap freaks of the Britisher proverbial on the Continent of Effl and the following story is not likely t« deem his character in that respect:—S months ago an Englishman named M son bought a country place near Pithw in France.. For many weeks thew carpenters and masons were busty' ployed in repairing and altering chateau, and after their work had I completed, Mr. Atkinson issued invitab for a large dinner party to all the' prominent families in the neighbour The guests arrived at six o'clock, w taking their seats at the dinner-t» noticed with surprise' that there .ts, even one servant to be seen, soup was first consumed in silent tonishment. When all had partaka it, the host sounded a whistle, J as if by magic, the soup plates 4 peared, and three magnificent » platters, each containing a roast goes*, peared, Little cries of terror were fl from the ladies. Mr. Atkinson tort note of Ms guests' surprise, but reiuaf that it was a very warm evening, w* again, and the whole ceiling disappe* the host's coat vanished at the sane ment, leaving him clothed in a whit* 1 The guests, alarmed, were about to from the chairs, when they f° un *,j selves, their ohairs, and table s»* •raised five feet above the floor. *' however, were soon lowered again to floor, and all took refuge in hasty,' from the demoniac abodo. A judJC* vestigation was instituted, and » found that Mr. Atkinson had been J* years the chief mechanist at theW Garden Theatre in London, where W amassed a nice little pile to ind'Xg fondness for his old pursuit.