The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-01-26


several days. Bill took his place as bar-ksepeE,
and drew liquor and mixed punches ard sings
with dexterity that seemed to crafty the owner
ofthe place vory much; for he looked upon every
movement with peculiar smile. I staid until
nearly night, and then went oyer again TO George
town.. The old lady seemed glad tosee me. and
asked why had not been TO dinner. / made
some excuse, but did not give the true reason.
1 think Ihare got you some work. she said.
went to see an old friend of mine, in the trade;
and he said he thought he could seat you.'
was, OF course, very much pleased at this
intelligence, and, in the morning, Mrs. Arnor
went with me to the shop where work had beeh
promised was surprised and confused on en-
tering tofnd myself in the same shop, where but
two or three days before, 1 had falsely stated
/ that had served my time in Washington.
This is the young man was speaking to you
about said my kind old friend, advancing TO the
counter, behind which stood the boss, busy at the
cutting. board ss,s.
i am sorry to tell you, Mrs Armor, said the
man, grayely, That can't seat him in my shop'
eyeing me ut the same tine with q forbiddtng
aspect.
Because he is runaway apprentice, and a liar.
to boot replied the man, in an half angry tone.
Mrs Armor turned upon me look of doubt
and inquiry, and thus appealed to, said
I am sorry to cay, Mrs. Armor, that, when
questioned here few days ago, said that had
served my time in Washington. But, what could
say? master, what chance would there have
been for work.
You understand now, sir how ho is situated.
and why he tried to lnislead you, said the old
woman, turning to the owner Of the shop. He
has been very badly treated, and almost forced 10
leave his master. He musthaye workor he can't
live. Won't you give him just little? Without
money frsnds in strange place, his situation Is
necessarily a distressing one.'
No, l will not give him bit of work. he re-
Piled Let him go home to his master and be-
have himself. A boy that Willie about onething,
will lie about another. And, if you'll take my
adyiee, Mrs. Armor, you'll turn him out of doors,
and tell him to go about his business
Never, said the old woman, as. she turned
away, and we left the shop together.
We walked along in silence until we came TO
her house, which we entered, and then she said
kindy-
.Isuac, you mnsu't be discouraged. All the
people in Georgetown amt like that man. if he is
IN old friend of mine. You mnst stay here until
something turns mp in your favor; and that will be
right soon. l feel certain.'
L hope so,' I said gloonily, But felt too bad
to say much. After supper that night, I went
over to the city to see Bill. i found him busy
behind the counter, mixing liquor for several per-
sons who stood around the bar. He seemed
cheerful and even pleased with his new employ
ment; for he chatted away as lively as any of the
noisy inmates of the tarvern. He did not see me
when entered, for the room was pretty full, and
as L retired TO the back part, table where
some men were plang cards, and others throwing
dice, l had chance to look on without being OBJ
served. SOON saw. him pour out some brandy
in glass; and after adding some sugar and wa
ter turned it off himself. ] now perceived that
his face was flushed, and that, ahont his manner
there was an Unusual degree of excitement,
Getting tpsy, Ilive!' said laughing to myself
Atthat moment his eye rested upon me, and T
advanced to the bar.
'Whatll you drink, Ike!' was his first saldiation.
2 Give me some brandy toddy,' Isaid
That's the stuff for you. ltif do your heart
good, Ike he said, as he pushed my glass across
the counter:
drank it off at single draught and soon began
to feel my spirits rising. Bill was kept busy for
the next hour by the constant calls of customers,
and bad but little chance TO talk with him. /
sat near the table mostof the time looking at the
keeper of the place and another man, who were
playing cards. They had good deal of money
staked, and the tarvern-keeper at almostev every
garne. The man with whom he was playing was
stout couniryman, who grew more and more
restless and excited every moment. Suddenly he
sprung from the table
p You have cheated mel he said with bitter
oath, clenching his fist, and looking the taryen-
keeper fereely in the ftce.
You are liar..' said the tarvern keeper, als8
springing up and seizing the countryman by the
throat. In the next moment a powerful blow
from The latter knocked him at full leugth upon the
floor.
He was soon upon his feet again, his face id;
famed, and his eyes flashing fire. With dread-
full impreeation, ho hurled chair, which he had
seized, in rising, at the head of his antagonist;
who, in turn, fell to the floor Without giving hini
an opportunity to rise, the tavern,keeper kicked
him in the flce and stomach three or four times,
causing The blood to gush from his mouth and nose.
Then dragging him to the door. he dashed him
into the street, swearing. thatif he come in again,
he would murder him. The man did not attempt
to re-enter, and felt greatly relieved. While
the scuffle going on, had retreated inside of
the bar. Already, Bill seemed to have degree
of relish fpr such scenes.
He's whole team, amt he 2 he said, aluding
to the keeper of the house. / felt no inclination
to reply, aud so remained silent. In few min
utes went away, half resolving never again to
enter the place: Still more troubled in mind, L
fastened along the lonesome way back to George