The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-01-17
DESPERA TION.

laughable tale of "Desperation," one
of the rich articles which are embrac-
ed in the literary remains of the late
Willis Gay lord Clark. 1t is only nec-
essary to premise that the writer is Il
Philadel phia student who, after sto-
len fortnight amid the gayetles Of a
"Washington season." finds himself
(through remissness of a chum) at Bal
timore, on his way home, without Il
penny in his pocket. He stops at Il
fashionable hotel, nevertheless, where,
after tarrying day or two, he finally,
at the heel of a grand dinner, omnuS
solus in his private apartment flanked
with abundant Champaign and Burgun-
dy, resolves to disclose all to the
landlord. Summoning servant, he
says:
ASK the Landlord to step up to my
room and bring his BILL"
He cIattered down stairs, siggling.
and shortly thereafter his master ap-
peared. He entered with a generous
smile, that made me hope for The best
his house afforded, and that, just then,
was reliI
"IIow much do owe you,' said
]. lie handed me the bill with all the
grace oGpolite expectancy.
Letme see seventeen dO.lurs. How
very reasonable! But my dear sir,
the most disagreeabIe part of the mat
ter is now to be disclosed. lgrieve to
inform you that at present I am out OF
money; but | know by your philan-
,hropic looks, that you will be satisfied
when tell you that if had it. | would
give it to you with unqualified pleasure.
But you see my not having the change
with me is the reason don't do it; and
lam sure you will let the matter stand,
and say no more about it. | am a
stranger to you, that's Il fact; but in
the place where came from, all my
acquaintances know me, as easy as
can be-"
The landlord turned all colors-
"Where do you live any how?"
"In Wash-l should say, Phila-
delphia."
His eyes flashed with angry disap,
pointment. 81 see how it is, Mister;
my opinion is that you are bIackleg.
You don't know where your home is.
You begin with Washington and then
drop il for Philadelphia. You must
pay your BILL"
"But can't"
"Then Ill take your clothes; if |
don't, blow me tight!'
"Scoundrelr' said !, rising bolt up
right, "do it ii you dare! do it-and
leave the rest tO me-"
There were no more words. He
arose deliberately, seized my only in
expressibles, and walked down stars.
Physi, ians say that no two excite.
ments can exist at the sumo time in one
system. External circumstances drove
away almost Immediately, the confu-
sion of my brain.
arose and looked cut Of the win
dow. The snow was descending as ]
drummed on the pane. An unhappy
wight, sans cuiotte, in strange city,
no money and slightly inebriated. A
thought strnck me. had large ulI
cloak, which with my other apportion-
ments save those he took, the landlord
had 'pared. dressed Immediately;
threw on my boots over my fair white
drawers, not unlike small clothes; put
on my cravat, vest and coat, laid
travelling cap from my trunk, ,launting.
ly over my forehead, and flingi1g my
mantle gracefully about me, made my
way through the hall into the street.
Attracted by shining lamps in the
porfico of u new hotel, few squares
from my first lodgings, entered, re-
eerdsd some name on the books, an