Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-12-02

81 declare | never saw any thing of the kind
before in all my lile," exclaimed Clark, with much
enthusiasm
IL fattcr myself it is, in pointo originality and
ingenuity, considerably ahead Of any invention Of
modern times" | replied with a feeling of cxulta-
ton, as ! saw that | had caught the great critic,
and was sure Of a pull of the very best sort.
Original :" exclaimed the editor. eyes, it is
certainly original. | never dreamed of such al
thing | never saw any thing of tho kind since
was born-aud | hope with all my heart ! never
shall again ~
1t is needless to say that | was completely taken
in, and felt that any ordinary keyhole was consid.
erabiy larger than would be necessary for me to
crawl through.
We then passed to the upper stories of the Mus
cum, and finally to the roof, where / had adycrtis-
ed an aerial garden" which consisted of two tubs
each containing n stuntcd ard faded cedar, and ten
or twelve pots of wilted flowers, backed up by a
dozen small tables and Il few chairs for the accom-
mediation Of such p~artakcrs of icc-cream as could
appreciate the beauties Of eycr.vcrdant nature,
as shown forth in the tubs and pots aforesaid.
The "Knickerbockcr' appeared, and | felt hap
py to see that whilo it spoke Of the assiduity in
business manifested by the new proprietor of the
Museum, and Il progrustigatiou that he would soon
render his establishment highly popular, the editor
had kindly reiraincd from making any allusion to
The Cataract of Niagara with real Water"
Some months subsequent to this, Mr., Clark
came rushing into the Museum almost out Of
breath, and with much earnestncss saluted me
thus Friend Barnum, | have come to ask if you
have got the club in the Museum that Captain
Cook was killed WITH"
Remembering that | had a large lot of Indian
war-clubs in the collection of aboriginal curiosi-
ties, and feeling that | owed Mr.. Clark n joke for
his Niagara Falls catch, | instantly replied that |
was the owner Of the club in question.
"Well, | declare | am very glad to hear it" said
he: 'lor do you know that | have for Il long time
had a singular and irresistible desire to see that
club?'
wait here a few moments, and l will show it to
you" | replied.
Passing up stairs, | commenced overhauling a
lot Of war-clubs, and finally selected a heavy one
that looked us if it might have killed Captain Cook
or any body else whose head it came in contact
with. Having affixed IL small label on it, reading
The Capt. Cook Club" | took it down to Mr..
Clark, assuring him that this was the instrument
Of death he had inquired for,
rs it possible !" said he, as he took it in his
hand. Presently raising it above his head, he ex-
claimed, We'll, | declare, this is a terrible weapon
with which to take a mans life"
Yes" | replied seriously, but feeling an inward
delight that was now paying off Mr.. Clark with
interest. Il believe it killed the victim at the first
blow"
Poor Cook" exclaimed Clark with n sigh !
wonder il he was conscious after receiving the IA
tai blow"
81 don't think he could have been" | responded
with Il well-fcigncd look Of sorrow.
"You are sure this is the identical club ?" in
quired Clark.
I'VE have documents which place its identity
beyond all question" | replied.
Poor Cook! poor Cuok!' said Clark musingly.
"WclI, Mr.. Burnum," he continued with great
gravity, at the same time extending his hand and
giving mine n hearty shake, 81 am really very
much obliged to you for your kindness. | had al
irresistible desire to see the club that killed Capt.
+ Cook, and | felt quite confident you could accom-
n,.1,t ,, I,.,I ,n, ;,, I,Ip =, l,uo, 100 H..
museums, and as they all had ii, | was sure a
large establishment like yours would not be
without it !"
My laureis were fast whitening, and | felt that
unless | kept my wits about m and managed t.
t pay Clark at least an instalmcut on what | owed
5 him, | should be the laughing stock Of all his ac
5 quaiutances. a few weeks afterwards, therefore
| | wrote a note to him, saying that | desired to CON
> suit him for a few moments at my Office, ON a sub
= ject Of great importance to me. lie came immedi
ately.
t Now" said l, 81 do not want any of your
t nonsense, but | want your sober advice"
, "Ny dear Barr um," he replied, in the fulncss
of his truly generous heart, nothing will give me
greater pleasure than to serve you Ill any way in
my power.
l proceeded to inform him that a gentleman who
had visited Egypt had brought from the river Nile
a most remarkable fish, which he offered to hire for
exhibition. The fish, ] told him, was Of a most re-
markable formation, and that the owner Of it would
place So 600 in the hands of a responsible banker,
to be forfeited if the fish did not in six weeks pass
through a tronsfOrmationi in which its head would
disappear, and it would then have legs.
as it possible ~ exclaimed Clark, in great as
constituent.
assured him that there was no mistake about
it. But" said |, "his price is high, and | want
+ to ask your opinion in regard to it. He asks $l0O
} per week for the use of it."
5 at is cheap enough, my dear fellow. 1t will
draw you more than that sum extra per day. Why
the whole thing is incredible. 1t will startle the
: acknowledgements up the whole scientific world
$ and draw in the masses"
DO you really think SOP" | asked.
"upon my honor, | am sure of it," responded
Clark with much enthusiasm. Make an engage
ment for six months, or for a year, if possible
: then come out and state the fact regarding this
c wonderful observation-disclosures that s. 1000
has been deposited in responsible hands which will
d be forfeited to the poor Of this city if the change
does not take place as described, and my word foi
it your museum will not be large enough to con
a tain your visitors. l declare ! believe you will
a make $4,000 by the operation :"
Y | thanked Mr.. Clark very warmly for his kline
d counsel, and assured him that | should not fail t.
e take his advice. ia fact" said |, 81 thought wei
of the speculation excepting that | did not like thu
name of the fish, | think that is an objection"
flush, tush, not at all what's in a name?-
y Nothing. That makes no difference whatever
What is the name Of the fish ?"
q "Tadpolo, but it is ~valgorly called pollywog,"
replied, with becoming gravity.
sold, by thundcr!' exclaimed Clark, springinj
II to his feet and rushing down stairs.
THE NIGHTS.