Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-11-18
The Rival Ventriloquists.

k0UCC.
The Rival Ventriloquists.
BY OUR NED. .t.-
"Once upon a time.' as the "story-
teilers' have il, We were sailing down
the great father of waters." the Mlssis-
sippi. in the beautiful steamer "Goddess
of Liberty" bound from st. Louis to
New Orleans. We hal on board the
usual variety of passengers; but for
some unexplained cause, an unusual de-
gree Of monotony prevailed. 'Tis true,
the card players we're at work. with their
accustomed energy. and little groups
of passengers were earnestly engaged
over the quiet game of "che ckers," or
"draughts." while one little circle only
were absorbed in that old bnt now pop
ular game-"chess." A large number
of passengers were sitting in the for
ward saloon. gazing listless!y at each
other, apparently in state Of stupefac.
ton.
Being Of an active temperament, and
fond of excitement, we could not suffer
ennui upon such an occasion to get the
upper hand Of us; so, with view to
kicking up some kind Of rumpus for
our own sake and the relief Of tn, pas
sengers generslly, we walked boldly in-
to the captains Office, and laid the
whole met,er befre the distinguished
commander.
1--WE have no music ON board" the
captain remarked. "or we might wake
the passengers up with little hop on
the light fantastic,''
"Well,' we replied docking carelessly
ever the list on the passenger roll 1--WE
must have some excitement, for the pas
sage is really wearisome."
Just at that moment our eyes fell
upon name distinguished in the annals
OF d abieric-no less q parsonage than
the cele brated wizard and ventriloqulst,
Signor Blitz. Here WAS indeed reason
for cryin, Eureka" anu forthwith we
proceeded in search of the mysterious
wizard. In few moments the signor
was found. quietly reposing in his state
room, and the whole difficulty (the occa-
sion called for eloquence) eioqaently laid
before him. Bi,z consented to create a
little ''harmless fun" as be termed it; !;
but the sequel proved more funny than
harmless. Bat withort anticipating, the
wizard entered the stewards apartment,
and providing himself with few huge
slices Of bread, and obtaining some OF
his little animate assistants, he annonnc.
ed himself prepared, but remarked that
we must selec: a good subject, for on
tt at selection depended the fun. We
entered the forward saloon noiselessly,
arm-in-arm, and advanced toward the
quiet. sleepy-looking passengers. who
were collected together without aim or
object While running our eyes rapid
lv around the saloon in search Of a VIC
tim, our attention was attracted toward
young man dressed in deep sui, of
black, who was seemingly absorbed in a
book, which he was attentyelv perusing.
We "nudged" the signor, pointed sig
ulllCiulkl az ilibh.AhA iNSNA' ~
from the former an affirmative answer. by
quiet movement OF the head. The sig
nor picked up stool, and seated himself
unceremonionsly between the young
stranger and the end Of the table near
by. This movement arrested the atten-
ton of the stranger, who looked up in
quirinS!y.
You seem 20 be much interested it
your book, SIR the signor remarked.
Yes, sir,' he replied; "a good book
is to me preferable to a good dinner."
Signor.-"Thas depends upon the
length of time you have tasted. BY the
way. did not see YOU at the dinner ta-
BILE -
Stranger.-"No, sir; preferred my
book"
Signor.-" "One dollar is high for a
single meal; comm. nd your economy
Stranger (indisuantly).-"I eat when
hungry, whatever the price! =
Sssnor.-"l spoke Of economy be-
cause observed some provisions in your
hat"
Stranger lin an offended tone) -
"Provisions. sir: carry no provisions
with me; l always eat at the public Ia
bic. and pay for it too"
The whole attention Of the passengers
was now centered upon the speakers, s,and
considerable interest manifested by the
company in the peculiar subject under
discussion.
Sigaor Citing up tho gents hat from
his side. and passing it under the eyes
of the entire group" do not wish to
oF.nd you. sir, but sec here quito a
supply of provisions
This created not a little merrimcnt at
the expense Of the stranger, which soon
increased to a laugh. as the wizard drew
forth slice after slice Of stale bread from
the young mans hat. The stranger bit
his lips in confusion, and fixed his gaze
upon the slgnor; then, with smile. got
up from his seat, and moved toward his
state-rooT.
"Fri5 htened :" says one Of the lockers
on, smiling at the sudden disappearance
of the stranger.
Stranger emerging from the state.
room). .-"\o; not frightened exactly. |
merely put away my uook, because l tiad
there Is going TO be some fun aboard, ,and
wnen there fun obout want to be
counted IN. tor that's my fOrie."