Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-10-15
Dra,rtng a chalk Line.



INCIDENT FOUNDED ON NACT.
This is strange world, or if You please
many strange things occur in the wo.ld--eilher
way suits, and among the strange things which
happen in this strange world, some are ludic-
rOus and some are Serlous-Some one thing,
and some another. Many things too, which
take place, are shrouded in the dark pail OF
mystery, and remain unknown and inexpllca-
Bile, till some chance of fate or fortune draws
aside the veil from our visions, and we behold
objects which before we had noti,hought of.
Thus has it been with the present story which
we are about to unfold. Lkea sweet flower
bIushing unseen, it has loug remained con-
cealed. But chance has given it to US, and We
shall now z We 10 our readers the story OF Draw
ing Chalk-line, or reserving the right OF
Passage.
"Once upon time" there came to this city
young kentuckian, for the purpose of learn
ing the sciences of medicine and surgery. He
was tall and athletic, shrewd, apt, and lntelll-
gent, with 'lit,le sprakling' of waggishness.
He was indicted into Charity Hospital, and
a room in the third story given him as study.
On entering into his new quarters, he was in
| troduced to French gentleman occupying the
room also as student. The young French
man, it seems, was very frank in his manners
courteous yet cold-and he thus addressed
| his new companion:
''Sir, am indeed pleased to see you, and
| hope We may prove mutually agreeable but
! in order that this may be the case, will Inform
you that have had several former room mates,
with none Of whom could | ever agree-we
could never pursue our studies together. This
| room contains two beds, as the oldest 0ccu-
pant, claim that nearest the window.
| The kentuckian assen,ed.
"Now," says the Frenchman, ssI'll draw the
boundary liHe,' between our territories, and
we shall each agree not to encroach on the 9TH
er's rights" and taking piece of chalk from
his pocket, he made the mark ofdivision, mid
way, from one end Of the room to the other
''Sir," he added, II hope you will have no OBJ
lection to the treaty."
"None in the world sir" answered the stran-
ger, 4 am perfectly satisfied with it.'-He
then sent down for his baggage, and both stu
dents sat down with their books.
| The Frenchman was soon deeply engaged
while "Old Kentuck" was watching him, and
thinking what singular genius he must be,
and how he might fix him.
| Thus things went on until Dime. time came,
The bell was rung-the Frenchman popped
up, adjusted his cravat, brushed up his whis-
kers and mustachios, and essayed to depart.
"Stand sir!' said the stranger, suddenly
placing himself with his toe to tue mark, d.
rectly before the student, ''ifyou cross my line
you're dead man ~
| The Frenchman stood pale with astonish.
ment. The Kentuckian moved not muscle
of his face. Both remained in silence for some
moments, when the Frenchman exclaimed; '.Is
it possible that did not reserve the right o.
passage"
mo sir, indeed you did not and you pass
this line at your peril
"But how shall get out Of the room !"
'There is the window which you reserved
to yourself-you may use that; but you pas.
not that door-my door, which you generous.
ly left me-
The poor Frenchman was fairly caught
He was in quandary, and made all sorts O
explanations aud entreaties. The kentuckial
took compassion on him, and thinking that go
ing out Of a third story window was not ''wha
it's cracked up to be- said to his new frient
-''Sir in order that we may prove mutual.
agreeable, I'll rub cut the hateful chalk-lin
and let you pass"
The Frenchman politely thanked him, AM
since the settlement of that s'boundary ques