The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1858-10-07

ssssr fisst rgonI whia3a -claanss2>fts La- IL
Surveyors Department, he. threw his
luggage against the corner, seized an
armchair, and drew himself up to the
fire. Bracing his feet against the CRATE,
he pulled forth huge pipe, and having
very leisurely crowded it with pig tail.
be cooked his head over his shoulder,
and commenced putting away in right
good earnest. The surveyor gazed at
the queer biped moment but concluded
to wait the finale of this scene, without
intruding improbable questions. Hav-
ing finished his pipe lazily, the traveller
turned about to official with
Cold day, nabur."
Very, sir.
= "How long to dinner %
ITO what, sir -
.. Dinner"
"We dine al two," continued the
Surveyor, discovering the strangers err
ror. and disposed, for the nonce, to hu-
NOR it.
Whar's the old man ?" meaning the
landlord.
"The collector is in the next room,
sir" said the agreeable Surveyor; and
our down easter Immediately moved him
self into the Collectors Department, tot
ling his luggage along as he went.
Having laid down his traps, he stepped
up to the counter, where stood a pitcher
and tumbler, for the use Of the room.
The Cashier looked at him an instant,
when the stranger broke the silence.
Brandy and water"
"What, sir, exclaimed the astonished
accountant.
"a little brandy and water, FLU
please &
Leaving the bar-keeper (as he sup
posed him to fix his toddy, he moved
forward, and suddenly discovered the
Collector of the Port sound asleep in an
easy chair. Stepping up to him, he
gave him an unceremonious blow upon
the back, and shouted at the top of his
voice
'' Hello ole fellar, haow ar yer ?"
Had stroke of lightning struck be-
tween the shoulders of the naturally
modest and quiet Collector, he would not
have been half so seriously startled as
he was at this unexpected assault; and,
halfspringing, half-tumbling on his feet,
he gazed, thunder struck, upon the un-
welcome visitor now before him.
:" say, old hoss, how DE deu 20
Sir" exclaimed the Collector.
{" Glad tu see yer. Tew toddies, bar
keeper brandy and water for me. Wot
der yer drink, squire ?" frs
Sir r. exclaimed the collector again,
imagining himself the victim of some
horrid dream.
Come, come, ole fellar, wake up p
added his tormentor, bringing down his
huge mauler again between the Collec-
tors shoulders, and well nigh knocking
the breath entirely out of his body
g There's some mistake here, sir, -
said the collector, springing back.
"Not bit NV it, ole rusty; l know
you jis like an ink-stan'."
4" don remember, really"
/" Yes yeu deu. sart'n. But never
mind, wot yer going to take %
!" Do you know where you are, sir 2
inquired the Collector, supposing the
man TO be lanatic, whom he had better
get rid.of as easily and quickly as possi-
BILE. ,gsaekI lk
IS :" Me 2" Sart'n. In Polan'--Eag le
Coffee House. You're ole Brass, The
lan'lord | know you. o. git aout
We're baound to hey drink'-and he
drove his thumb and forefnger into the
Collectors ribs with so good an earnest,
that he nearly " finished his business
| for him.
Excuse me, sir, but"
:" No sir-ree. No backin' aout, ole
squibob-Tve see yeu go it afore. yer
know. Come, barkeeper, tote aout the
Ticker. All mum -chum, yer know. ]
un'stan'-agin the law TO sell brandy in
Porl;.n''--but we know: pass itsup.s HI
!. You have mistaken your quarters,
sir.'
&" Eth ?" ssl -
"This is the Custom House."
!" Gus. eh ?" continued the trav-
eler. /" Then not the Coffee House s''
No, sir.''aa b Hns gAeAls &c -.
!" Wal, 4 neueri' said the chop-fallen
traveller, gathering up his duds. Look
ing about him to be satisfied Of his error,
he concluded by inquiring what was the
expense. He was informed that there
was nothing to pay. =
"Wal, ole fellar, mistake isn't hay
stack % w
No, fortunately said the collector.
Wal, / wouldn't ha' 'lieved could
ha' made such blunder = and then in
sistipg that the " craowd should g'ou
and take gin'ral drink" which was de
clined, be secured his luggage and hast
ily vsmosed. to the no small qualification
Of the government officials, who had beer
SO queerly startled from their customar,
prepriety.