The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-06-13
A BET AT THE SPRINGS.

When visited the Springs, last summer,
met young R, lively and agreeable per-
son, witty and intelligent, but exceedingly slight,
pocket Adonis, and most decided pet Of tke
ladies. Al the same hotel, there was promi-
nent parsonage, known % Tom B, who
stood six feet and don't know how many inches
in his stockings, broad, heavy, coaree-buils fe-
low. as strong as lion, proud Of his strength,
which, with the exception Of his good na,ufs,
ing, (more particularly q failng,) than any others
in his cata' 'ogue,it was his sovereign contempt
for any one not possessed Of physical strength
R--, Of course met no favor in his ewes.
week, small, and delicate he appeared.
One evening after supper, the conversation
turned on feats Of strength. Tom-- held
chsirs out at arms length, bent pokers over his
arn took with apparent ease, one after the other.
such heavy whiskey toddies, as few ordinary men
could lift: elorifed himself and other Sssnsons.
until he reached pitch Of genuine excitement.
why, Tom,' quietly observed R-,sa
great frame is not always indicative Of great
strength, neither doess slight one Indicate the re-
supper and champaigne for the party, that can
carry YOU from the Pavilion to the Spring and
back again, without putting you down. m
Curry me!'
sYes! carry you'
tNonsence, my weight would crush you.,
'Wcil, well, that's my look out; will you bet
the superb
Supper! yes, fifty suppers: whv vou little
cherub, weigh nearly two hundred pounds! do
you dare to think that you can carry me from
this Pavilion to the Spring, without putting me
downr ts'f* - %
srhatis what 7 offer to do; but you are to use
TO unfair means to prevent, no dragging Of your
legs, or anything ofthat sort.' tta7s
sOf course not.'
q am to carry you the Spring and hack, with.
ont putting YOU down, that's the bet.' 6
'That'si'; tits a be-; nice investment Of your
capital
the feat, yet from his determined manner. some
were induced 10 back him; still bets were freely
offered two to one against him, Tom-- being
amongst the most extensive o. orators II WAS
an incident in the quiet routine Of our house.
hold. The voting gentlemen told il to the
young ladies'; the young ladies thought it would
be capital fun, but they were afraid that dear lit
tie R would strain himself. a5f
sR- says he will do il ifhe breaks q blood
vessel
sOn! shocking!'
The excitement increases, and many pairs Q
gloves, handkerchiefr, and boquets, were stake
upon the result. Next morning R-did no.
make his appearance at breakfast. and il wss
Whispered that he had sat up all night making
his will and practising with dumb bells. At
length the clock struck twelve, the hohr appoint-
ed for the performances, all was hustle confusion
and excitement, not only the piazzss and bal.
comics, bh. the entire road from the Pavilion TO
the Spring was lined with ladiesj on every sido
their little sun-shades glanced in the sun beanie,
and their light summer scaris waved 10 the
breeze. Soon R made his appearance,
utsering the ominous word sssrip?
'What!' says the giant.
Strip repe ted R.
what the devil do you meant
sWhy, exactly what lsay-strI come, hurry;
don't dsappont the ladies'
sYou don't mean xadress?'
fYes, do; wageEed TO carry yot; yon arc
heavy enough, in all conscienc. I'm hjt goin.
10 burden myself with m extra fifty pounds Q
clothng.'
sYou don't pretend that you were to carry mr.
,citto,t my clothesp almost shrieked the assol
ished giant.
Il bet that I would carry you, and nothin
else: will you get readyp
sid, Oh! Jemims; and by such little devil
exclaimed Tom, ana seizing r. BY III
waistband Of his trowsers, he rushed amid th
! shouts Of laughter, and waving Of handk ksrchief
into the bar-room, deposited R------- uPon It.
counter, called tor brandy smashes all ronns
and ordered supper a. nine precisely. Spirit
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