Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1849-11-09
You Can Take MY Hat.

We were once roaming over the rail-
road from Washington City to Baltimore,
when we observed peculiar sort of a
man sitting hard by-a tall, slim, good
natured fellow, but one who somehow
seemed to bear the impress, of person
who lived by his wits, written upon his
face. A friend, who was with me, ar
swered my inquiry as to who he was,
and at the same time asked me TO keep
between the object Of my notice and him
self. lest he should come over TO our seat,
as my companion said he knew him, but
did not wish to recognise him there.
THAT is Beau H. said he, "a
man that is universally known in WASH
ington as one of the most accomplished
fellows in the city, always ready to bor-
row or to drink with you. He never
has any money, however, and am curl
GUS TO know how he will get over the
road without paying, for he will surely do
it some way
'Probably he has got ticket--borrow-
ed the money to buy it with, or some
thing of that Sort said |.
Not he. Beau always travels free.
and boards in the same way. He new
er pays money when wit or trick will
pass current in their place, said my friend.
What shocking bad hat he has got
ON said l, observing the dilapidated con-
dition of his beaver.
Its some trick of his, doubtless; for
the rest Of his dress, you will observe,
is quite genteel.'
yes, see.'
My friend went on to tell me how
Beau had done his tailor out of receipt
in full for his last years bill, and his
Lam hdy at his last boarding place, and
is other specimens of his ingenuity
Wit.
e owed me ten dollars said my
I, but in attempting to collect it of
ne day, I'll be hanged if he didn't
n more out of me; SO think shall
matter rest there, for fear Of dou5-
he sum once more
this moment, the conductor entered
Il pposite end of the cars to gather the
II S from the passengers. and give
4 checks in return. Many Of them
is often the case with travellers, who
artfrequenby called upon, on populous
rontes, to show their tickets-had placed
theirs in the bands of their hats; SO that
the conductor could see that they were
alright, and not trouble them to take them
from their pockets at teach stopping place.
Irwatched Beau to see what his expcdi-
ent would be, to get rid of paying for his
passage. As the conductor drew nearer,
Beau thrust his head out of the window,
and seemed absorbed in contemplating
the scenery on that side of the road
The conductor spoke to him for his tick
et-there was no answer.
Ticket, sir said the conductor, tap
ping him lightly on the shoulder.
Beau sprang back in the car, knock
ing his hal in the road, and leaving it in
one minute nearly mile behind. He
looked first at the conductor, then out OF
the window after his hat, and in SEEM
ing fit of rage, exclaimed:
What the d. do you strike man
IN that way for? Is that your business?-
is that what the company hires you for!'
Il beg your pardon, sir; only want
your ticket replied the conductor, meek
".
Ticket @, yes. it's all very well for
you to.wao3 my ticket but want nay
h0tr replied Beau, bristling up.
Very sorry, sir, really. / merely
wished to call your attention, and ! took
the only means in my power said the
conductor.
You had better use cane to attract
PERSONS attention next, and hit him
over the head with ii if he happens to be
looking the other way! replied the In
>dignant Beat.
ell, sir, will apologize to you a
galnslf You wish. have done SO AREA
dy once, said the now disconnected con-
dnctor.
Yes, no doubt but that don't restore
my property; that's gone