Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-10-10
III I S q % Z Il a ~ z o
DRAWING a CHALK LINE,
OR REsERvING THE RIGHT OF PASSAGE
AN INCIDENT FOUNDED ON FACT.


This is strange world, or, if YOU please.
many strange things occur i'm the world
either way suits us-and among the strange
things which happen in this strange world.
some are ludicrous and some are serious
some are one thing, and some are another.
Many things, too, which take place. are
shrouded in the dark pail of mystery. and re-
man unknown and inexplcable, Till some
chance OF Tate or fortune draws aside the veil
from our vision, and we behold objects which
before we had not thought Of Thus has il,
been with the present story which we are a.
bout To unfold.-I.ke a sweet flower blushino
unseen, 1t has long remained concealed. Bnl
chance has given ii to us, and we shall now
give 10 our readers the story of Dro,rj,g n
! Chdtk Line, or rcSerring the rieM of Pass
age
'Once upon time there came to this CITY
young kentuckiap, for the purpose of learn
ing the sciences of medicine and surgery.
lie was tall and athletic, shrewd, ant and in
telllgent, with little sprinkling Of wagpish
ness. lie was indicted into Charity Hospi-
tai, and room in the third story given him
as study. On entering into his new quar-
tiers, he was introduced to a French gentle
man, occupying the room also as a student.
The young Frenchman it seems was very
frank III his manners-cour.eous vet cold
and he thus addressed his new companion:
Sir, | am indeed pleased TO sec YOU; and
hope that we may prove mutually agreeable ;
out 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 to-
! getheJ This room contains two beds as
! the oldest occupant claim that nearest the
window
The kentuckian assented.
Now says the Frenchman, I'll draw the
boundary line between our territories. and
we shall each agree not to encroach upon the
others rights and taking piece of chalk
from his pocket, he made the mark of divi-
sion, midway, from one end of the room TO
the DINER 'Sir,' he added, ] hope you have
no objection 10 the treatv'
None IN the world, sir, answered the stran-
GER i 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 I;
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 dinner time
came. The bell was rung, the Frenchman
popped up, adjusted his cravat, brushed u2
ms whiskers and mustachios, and essayed TO
depart.
Stand, srn said the stranger, suddenly
placing himself with his toe to the mark, di-
rectly before the student, 'Ir you cross that
line, by Cd you are dead man.
The Frenchman stood mute with astonish-
ment. The Kenluckian moved not muscle
OF his face. Both remained in silence for
some moments, when the Frenchman exclan-
ed: is it possible that did not reserve the
right of passage?'
IN o 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 reSerred
to yourseii-you may use that; but you pass
not my door--my door which you generously
Lef me-
The poor Frenchmau was fairly caught.
lie was IN quaDdary, and made all sorts of
explanations and entreaties. The Kentuck-
ian took compassion on him, and thinking
that gong out of third story window was
not what it's cracked up to be- said TO his
new irlend-'.SU in order that 1ce uay prore
mutually agreeable, I'll rub out the hateful
chalk an line and let you pass"
ne trenchman politely thanked him, and
since the settlement of that BOUNDARY o,es-
uon they have been fhe very host oc cc:cnJs