Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-12-14
DESPERATION.

laughable tale Of desperation, one of the
rich articles which are embraced in the
literary remains Of the late Willis Gaylord
Clark. 1t is only necessary to premise that
the writer is a Philadelphia student, who,
after stolen fortnight amid the gaetics of
Washington season, finds himself, Through
the remissness of chung at Baltimore,
on his way home, without penny in his
pocket. He stops at fashionable hotel,
nevertheless, where, after tarryng day or
two, he finally, at the heel of grand din
ner, "omnes solus" in his private apart
ments, hanked with abundant champaign
and Burgundy, resolves to disclose all to
his landlord. Summoning a servant, he
says:
"Ask the landlord to step up to my room,
and bring his BILL"
He clatters down stairs, giggling, and
shortly thereafter his master appeared.
He entered with generous smile, that
made me hope for the best his house af.
forded and that, just then, was credit.
How much do owe you," said |. He
handed me the bill with all the grace of
private expectancy.
LET me see-seventeen dollars. How
very reasonable! But, my dear sir, the
most disagreeable part of the matter is now
to be disclosed. grieve to inform you
that at present / am out Of money, but
know by your phianthropic looks that you
will be satisfied when tell you that if
had it, would give it TO you with unquali.
fed pleasure"
But you see, my not having the change
by me is the reason | cannot do it, and
am sure you will let the matter stand, and
say no more about it. | am a stranger to
you, that's fact; but in the place where
came from, all my acquaintance know me
as easy as can be-"
The landlord turned all colors. "Where
do you live, any howl"
an Washing, l should say Philadel
phia."
His eyes flashed with angry disappont'
ment. IL see how il is mister; my opinion
is that you are a blackleg. You don't
know where your home s--you begin with
Washington and then drop it for Philadel
phia. You must pay the bill"
"But can't"
"Then I'll take your clothes; if don't
blow me tight"
"Scoundrel A" said I, rising bolt upright
edo 1t if you dare do it! and leave the
rest to mep
There were no more words. He arose
deliberately, seized my hat and my only
nexpressibles. and walked down stairs.
Physicians say that two excitements can
exist at the same time in one system. Ex'
ternal circumstances drove away, almost
Immediately, the confusion Of my brain.
I orosa and loOked ont nf the window
The snow was descending as drummed
on the pane. What was | to do? An un'
happy asans culottes" in a strange city, nc
money, and slightly inebriated. A thought
struck me:
had a large, full cloak, which, with al
my other appointments, save those he took
the landlord had spared, dressed imme
diately; drew on my boots over my fail
drawers, not unlike small clothes, put or
nv cravat, vest and coat; laid a travelling
cap from my trunk jauntly over my fore
head, and flinging my fine long mantle
gracefully about me, made my way through
the hall into the street.
Attracted by shining lamps in the porticc
of a new hotel, few squares from my frs
lodgings, entered, recorded some name OF
the books, and bespoke bed. Everythin!
was fresh and neat; every servant atten
tive; all augured well. eptmyself closel,
cloaked, pulled cigar, and retired to be,
to mature my plot.
"Waitcr. just brush my clothes we'll, m,
fnc fellow" said !, in the morning, as h,
entered my room. mind the panIaIoons