Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1859-08-12
THE RIVAL TENTRILeQUISTS.

i0nce upon iine,'' as the "story-tellers"
hare it, we were sailing dowa the @father of
waters,' the Mississippi, in the "Goddess of
Liberty" bound from St. Louis to New Orleans.
We bad on board the usual variety of passeu-
gers but for some uAezplainable cause, an un-
usual degree Of monotony prevailed. IT'S true,
the cardplayers we're at work, with their accus-
toned energy, and little groups of passengers
were earnestly engaged over the quiet game of
''eheckers" OF ''draughts, /" while one little cir
Gle only were observed in that old, but now
popular game-''chess." A large number of
passengers were sitting in the forward saloon,
gazing listlessly at each other, apparently in
state of stupefaction.
Being Of an active temperament, and fond
of excitement, We could not suffer ennui upon
such an occasion to get the upper hand of u.s.
so, With view of kicking up some kind of a
rumpus, for our own sake and the relief of the
passengers generally, we walked boldly into the
Captains Office, and laid the whole matter be-
fore the distinguished commander.
'sWe have DO music on boaTd," the captain
remarked, ''or we might wake the passengers
up with little hop on the light, fantastic
"Weil,' | replied docking carelesslY over
the list on the passengcr-roll,) ''we must have
some excitement, for the passage is really weari-
some"
just at that moment, our eyes fell upon a
name distinguished in the annuls of diabterie
mo less parsonage than the celebrated wiz
ard aud ventriloquist, Signor Blitz. Here was
indeed reason for crying sEureka,'' and forth
with We proceeded in search OF the mysterious
wizard. Ia few moments the signor was
found, quietly reposing in his state-room, and
the whole difficulty tthe occasion called for elo-
suence) eloqaently laid before him. Biiz con-
sented to create little .'harmless fan" as be
termed il; bus the sequel proved il more funny
than harmless. But, without anticipating, the
wizard entered the stewards apartment, and
providing himself with few huge slices of
bread, and obtaining some of bis little animate
assistants, he announced himself prepared, bat
remarked that we must select a good subject,
for on that selection depended the fun. We
entered the forward saloon noiselessly, arm-in-
arm, aud advanced towards the quiet, sleepy
looking passengers. who were collected togeth
er without aim or object. While running our
eyes rapidly around the room 10 search of
victim, our attention was attracted towards a
young man dressed in deep suit Of black, who
was seemingly absorbed 10 book which he was
attentively persuing. We "nudgcd" the sig
nor, pointed significantly at the young man, and
received from The former an affirmative answer,
BY quiet movement of the head. The signor
picked up stool, seated himself unceremoni-
ously between the young stranger and the end
Of the table near by. This movement arrested
the attention of the stranger, who looked up in
quirngly.
'.You seem to be much interested in your
book, sir" the signor remarked.
ayes, sir" he replied, "a good book is to me
preferable to good dinner"
Signor-ssTkat depends upon the length of
time you have tasted. BY the way, did not
see you at the dinner-table!''
Strange sir, preferred my book. ]"
SignOr-"one dollar is high for single meal;
| commend yoar economy"