The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-08-28
VagarieS of Punch.

One particular dark, damp, dull, drlz.
ly, and disagreeable day, in the latter
part of November, A. d. 1912, tall
gaunt, queer-looking customer. dressed
in blue coat, with brass buttons, a
birthstone ccIored vest, and plaid pan
falcons, with calfskin termnations, sat.
solitary and alone, in little room sit
uated in certain little tavern, in Vine
st., city of Philadelphia. Before him
was little round table, on whose mar
Bile top was not d little pitcher of smok-
ing punch, s.screechin hot" The sol-
tarv individual was York, nothing else,
dear child, and that was his second
pitcher full, nigh his second pitcher
empty. One moment after, and you
couldn't have squeezed drop out OF
either glass or pitcher, by forty-two
pound hydraulic press!
York rang the bell. The waiter
popped his head in at the door,
"Ring, sa?" -
"Of course | did! Is it clearing OFF,
"No, sa-damp--sa-fog so thick,
sa, you could ladle tout 18th spoon.
sa. Have anything, sa?"
"More punch, and strong!'
k "Yes, sa! Immediately, sa."
1.-THE waiter withdrew, and in lew
seconds the third pitcherof punch stood
before our hero, who attacked it zeal
ouslv. York had just drained the last
glass full f,om the pitcher, and was be-
ginning 10 feel glorious, when, on rals'
ing his eyes, he saw his own figure in
large pier-glass directly opposite
He rubbed bis eyes, winked, coughed
started, winked and rubbed his eye:
again.
'.Bah!" said he, "there's some fellow
sitting right before me. This is a prl
vate room, sir! engaged the room
sir, for my sole accommodations" He
waited a moment, expecting an an
swer, but the reflection merely staret
at him, and held its peace. 81 was
saving, sir, that this was my private
room--mine, sir!'' cried York, fetching
his voice an octave higher than before
No answer was made; and he rang th'
bell again furiousIy. The waiter made
his appearance again.
"Ring. sa?
ayes! | did ring: didn't ask for
private room?
81 sa-this is private room! sa."
"It is! Why there is fellow sit
ting right before me now, on the othe
side of the table!--rot his impudence.
"Tabe? sa-fellow? sa"
eyes, there is--well--never mind
Bringme some punch, and two oglasSes.
eyes, sa--immediately, sa."
In a short time the fourth pitcher
with two glasses, made its appearance
York filled one Of the glasses, ant
showed it over the table. "Will yol
drink, sir?' said he, addressing the fig
ure in the glass. Oh, you wont, eh
Well, | will" And SO he did. "Bet
ter drink, old felIow!' continued he
"your liquors getting cold, and yo,
look as if you were fond of the thing.
No answer being returned, York finish
! ed the pitcher, and rang the bell again
; In popped the waiter.
"Ring, sa?"
"Why, certain! Why shouldn't J
Where's -the-man--who keeps lhl
t p-p-place!
"Boss, SAP III sen'im, sa."
Shortly alter, mine host, a quiet look
ing little man, with mottled, calIc'
. patterned face, and shining bald head
: made his appearance.
f "Wh.what's to pay" demanded
r York, rising and assuming an air o
, dignity.
"Four punches-four levies, SIR"
"There's the money, sir" said York
5 forking out the coin. "And now
: want 10 know, why--when ] call 70