Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-05-16
A Private Room, or Effects OF Punch Drink

One particular dark, damp, dull, drzzly and dsa-
greeaoe day. IN the latter part of November. tall,
gaun queer looking customer, dressed in blue coat
with yellow buttons, with "yaller" striped panta-
looms, and calfskin terminatons sat solitary and
alone" in little room situated in certain little
tavern, in - street, Philadelphia
Before him was little round table, on whose
marble top was ''not little pitcher of smoking
punch, schreechen hot" and a wine glass The
solitary individual York--nothin' else, dear
his second empty. One minute /; fier. and you
couldn't-fact you see-have squeezed drop out of
either pitcher or glass. by fortytwo FOUNDER hy
draulic press.
York rang the bell. The waiter popped his head
in the door.
''Rng, sa -
''Of course did. Is it clearing off 2"
No sa-darnp, sa-fog so thick, sa, you could
adle it out 'th spoon, sa. Have anything, sa 2"
More punch, and strong
" Yes, sa-immediately sa.'
The waiter withdrew, and in a few seconds re.
turned with third pitcher of punch, and York was
beginning to feel glorious, when, raising up his
eyes. he saw his own figure in pier glass, directly
opposite. He rubbed his eyes again.
"By thundern said he, here's some fellow sit
ting right before me III swear there's impudence
for you! TFis is a private room, sir, for my sole
accommodation
He waited a minute, expecting an answer, but his
reflection only stared at him and held its peace.
g was saying. sir, that this is my private room
mine, sir cried York, fetching his voice an octave
higher than it was before. No answer was made,
and he rung the bell furiousy The waiter made
his appearance again
Ring, sa ,"
"Yes, did ring. Didn't ask for a private
room -
Yes, sa, this is private room, sa."
" 1t is ! Why there's fellow sitting right oppo-
site me now on the other side of the table Rot his
impudence"
Table, sa-fellow sa ?"
eyes, there is. Well Just never mind. Bring
on some more punch and couple of glasses
In very short time the fourth pitcher, with two
glasses, made its appearance.
York filled one of the glasses, and then showed it
over the table
"Wil you drink - said he, addressing the figure
in the glass.
"Oh, you won't eh Well, II will"
And so he did.
"Better drink, old fellow" continued he "Your
liquor is getting sold, and you look as if you was
fond of the thing
No answer being given, York finished the pitcher
and rang the bell again. In popped the waiter"
Ring, sa o.
"To be sure did, Didn't you hear the b-b.bell 2"
"I did,"
Didn't oter p.p-priyate room? Eh o.
Yes. sa, this is private room, sa.'
pretty private room this is with a f-f-fellow
sitting right opposite that won't take glass of punch
when it's offered him, and RI r-rred-nosed man at
that 0, we'll, never mind, bring more punch and
t-t-tumhlers. I'll try him again.
Presently pitcher number five, with glasses 10
MATCH Eas borne in with due state.
Better try some old boy" said York, coaxingly,
10 his double, The reflex merely looked good ma
tured but said nothing.
"Well," continued York, with sigh " if this isn't
the most Infamous. Never mind, I'll drink the
punch"
And SO he did, every bit of it. About five min
utes sufced 10 end the pitcher. York rang the bell
superfuriously. The waiter came again.
Ring, sa? %
"Why certain. Why shouldn'tI? Where's the
man-.who keeps the-pIace ?"
"Boss, sa =? I'll see i'm, sa'
Shortly after, mine host, quiet looking little man,
with moed, calico pattern face and shining bald
head, made his appearance.
"W-w-what's to pay ?n demanded York, rising
and assuming air of dignity.
Five punches-f1ve levies, sir
Thel e's the money, sir,' said York, forkng over
the coin. " And now want to know why, when |
call for private room, you should put me in here
with s-s-somebody else ?'
There's nobody here but you and I, sr'
"Nobody! Do you s-s-spose can't see? Do you
think I'm drunk2 There, look there two of 'em,
by jingo!"
"Wel sir, I must confess. can't see but US two.n
"You can't, eh ," And York dragged the land.
lord TO the table. " Look there continued he point
ing to the glass, tn th-theres the rascals now One
of ems enough like you to be your brother and the
other is the most Lord forsaken, meanest look ing
white man ever saw"