Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-07-28
SELLING A LANDLORD.

MI. hOCluS 1uggS was u UlSlTluhio SchtS-
man who performed the heavy business at
halEprice theaters His stock in trade con
sisted of laundering voice square shoulders,
and pair of prodgious calves. He was
great vilian-theatrically speaking; rs
man, though not without his faults, he Ws
never committed the slightest burglary ar
son, or murder Still an unfortunate tenden-
cy 10 mosten his diaphragm too freely with
fermented liquors, led him into serious enbar-
easements. lie was frequently "indisposed,"
and severely tried his patience both Of mana
gers and the public Yet he made some no.
BILE professional discoveries. None of the
representatives of Richard Duke of Gloster,
from Garrick to Charles Kean, had ever eli
cited from Shakespeares text at the stage
direction the astonishing fact that the hump
back assassin of King Henry and the prince
was drunkard as well as a murderer and a
tyrant. Yet Puggs conceived and rendered
the character in the spirit more than once,
staggering through the love scene with Lady
Anne, and exhibiting more Dutch courage
than valor, and cunning of fence" in the
| closing encounter with Richmond, A differ
ence as to the propriety of this rendition be-
tween Puggs and the managers led to the
loss of engagements. and Puggs at one time,
had run up u bill at certain tavern, in a cer-
tain town, where he was unknown and out Of
business, without the slightest prospect of Ii
! quidating the account. His personal prosper
! ty consisted of trunk containing two or
three shirts and an old uniform
Ths landlord was forbearing, but forbear-
ance has an end. This individual had only
one peculiarity--a resemblance to the Stuart
portrait of Gen. Washington, on which he
prided himself immensely. 1t was his weak
point, and Puggs determined TO take adyan-
| tage of it.
| One day he ordered bottle Of port. and
requested the landlord should come up with
/ it. Mr.. George Washington Bliffiu accord
ingy made his appearance with the port in
more than his ordinary statelpes.
"Mr. Puggs," said he. 81 have filled your
orders for the very last time, Sir; / have
! family"
"Cherubsl cherubs General" said the ac-
| tor
81 must live"
Naturally"
Every well, Sir; your bill already amounts
to S40-Sl5 for board and S25 for brandy
and cigars"
1T was on this very subject I wanted to
see you, General. What surprising like
ness" added the actor, throwing himself
back in his chair, and shading his eyes with
his hands, "a perfect Stuart"
Il have been told so,' replied the landlord,
in more pleasant manner, and taking
seat
That's right, Blillin; make yourself at
! home. Now then-bnmpers and to business!
Forty dollars you say Well, have a bet,
cool fifty spot. in the winning of which you're
| deeply interested i have q bet that you can
stand for ten minutes in the attitude of the
Farewell Address without moving n muscle.
| Dodgem of the Museum. is the party-you
can do it as easy as winking. / have con
tinental uniform which you shall put on while
/ arrange the light. Then I'll 60 for Dod-
gem. My signal at the door shall be warn
ing for your getting in an attitude 1t will
soon be over, and I'll then settle your BILL
Do you cOnsent?"
The landlord assented. TIE was soon at
tired in the continental uniform, and assumed
the attitude Puggs pointed ont. The actor
inspected him, and asseverated he felt sure oil
winning. Puggs went to the Museum.
"Dodgem," said he to the proprietor, Il
come to propose a bargain to you-a full
length wax statue of Gen. Washington, large
as lle-in uniform--the very best thing you
ever saw; cost cords of money. Do you want
the artcle?'
"That depends on the quality and price,
said Dodgem, cautiously
Quality frst-rate You shall Judge for
YOURSELF; price, nothing at all--ttiy dol
lars"
"Then," said the Snowman, III the figures
all right, I'll take it,"
Come along, then-hurry-I must take
the next train" said the actor.
In ten minutes they reach the door of the
actors room. Puggs made some noise as he
fumbed with the key, and addressed Dodgem
in n loud tone s. as to prepare the lahcloru'
This done, they entered. The light ar'istic
cally arranged, fell on the motionles hgure Oh
the unfortunate Blifhn.
There YOU have him. sir said the ACTOR
extending his hand "1'he father oil his couh-
try. as large as life, and twice as natural
Please notice the characteristic costume anu
expression" -, -, A., sbov.
What capital coloring" I" said the show
Isn't if ? Don't he seem TO be saying
Friends, Countrymen, ana Lovers N"'
card for the 4th Of July.
81 shonld like q little more light said the
Don't" whispered Puegs, us the other Of
c,roJ 10 omen tile shutter, "yOu know the sun
;niures wax.work. There, Sir, solid )! and he
n1nched the landlord in the ribs with his
cane. Are You satisfied Z!
"Periec,ly-it's all you represented.
Come oiOng, then, suiu lhe "oto' anu
! burrying podgem down in the bar-ronm, he
hastily scrawled re ,eipt in full for fifty dol
! lars
"Send for him this afternoon said Puggs
ms he pocketed the cash. land III have him
packed in straw for you"
The Snowman departed and Puggs, has
tening to the railroad station made good his
escape from town, eXuiting IN his stratagem.
How the Museum was covered with flying
posters announcing the exhibitian of the
marvellous statue, how the public were eyre
giously disappointed how Mr., Dodgem was
| infuridted, and Bliiiin rabid when tie "sell"
was discovered, it were useless TO tell.