Georgetown weekly news., 1855-03-15
The French FiddIcr'S Bet.

The French FiddIcr's Bet.
A little French fiddler and his wife, who
gained a livelihood by teaching the art of
dancing, were on board steamer on the
Mississippi river, short time since They
had got short of funds, and having got run
out in the last place where they had stop
ped, were changing their spots" for more
favorable opportunity to engage in their
profession of teaching. The Frenchman
was extravagantly fond of his wife, and,
withal, very chary of her, often boasting that
no man could be allowed by her to take
even the smallest liberties with her charms
that are usually winked at by husbands
But little affair occurred, which shook the
poor mans belief in this deIusion.
Soon after the starting of the boat he
went into the cabin, and was soon in con-
versation with the captain. Discovering
that the captain was a bachelor, Frenchy
was prolific in sympathy, declaring that he
should die of grief if it were not for the COM
pany and careSSes of his wife.
"Oh as for that" said the captain, 81
have the company of ladies much of the
time, on bOard and the best of it is, they
are all willing that l should indulge in a lit
tie kissing with them sometimes
"You mean you kiss EN- alI?' said our
hero. | bet you five dollars you no kiss my
little womanr
''It's done p replied the captain.
The Frenchman took out his wallet, but
could not find the amount: Il find l has
no money, captain; but bet dis fiddle, (hold-
ing up the instrument) no man ever kiss
my little woman!
swell" replied the captain I'll bet my
boat and whole cargo against your fiddle,
that can kiss your wife in two hours from
now, if you viii bring her into the cabin
and then retire yourself"
81 goes it-you lose your boat and cargo
sar.
Accordingly, Frenchy brought down his
wife, telling her that the captain wished to
see her, and adding
"Take care of yourself, little woman; l
don't know what kind of man this cap
tain is
The Frenchman retired from the cabin
but though he felt quite sure that his wife
would repel Indignantly any attempts which
the captain might make to gain his bet, yet
he was little fearful Of what might hap
pen He thought he might keep his wife
in mind of him, by playing and singing a
little. So going to a respectful distance
from the cabin door, he commenced to sing,
accompanying himself with his favorite in
strument =
''Be true, my love, be true, my love,
Be true for a couple of hours;
Be true, my love, be true, my love,
And the boat and cargo is ours"
After he had finished, the captain said to
the lady
"Y our husband seems extremely anxious
about you-I suppose it would half kill
him to have another man kiss his wife,
wouldn't it,"
81 don't know-SuppoSe y0u try lt?'
The captain dtd try it, most assuredly,
and the little woman returned it as heartily
Then, turning her eyes to the cabin door,
she sung in sweet voice, reply to her
waiting spouse:-
you're late, my love, you're late my love,
His arm is round my middle;
He kissed me once, he kisses me again
Ny dear, you'Ue lost your fddle!"
The little Frenchman burst open the
door, caught up his wife, and carried her
of, swearing vengeance on all steamboat
captains generally, and the Yankees in par
ticular. 1t is no more than justice to add
that the captain did not take the fiddle, but
was perfectly satisfied with the other re-
suits Of the bet