The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-12-16
WALTER AND WILLIE.


We happened to witness an amusing
little incident, which occurred in the whole
sale dry goods establishment situated on
the northwest corner Of St. Francis and
Wate-streets, day or two since, which
was worth seeing, if it is not worth pub.
fishing.
A widow lady of our acquaintance has
two little boys nged about eight years
twins-who for oneness Of size, features,
voice and action, would riva; the celebrated
twins of San Francisco They are so much
alike, that even their mother is at times
puzzled to tell which is Willie and which
is Walter When one Of them deserves a
spanking, the other almost invariably gets
it; and on account of their exact likeness TO
each other, she recently came near losing
one Of them. She had occasion 10 admins
ter small dose Of paragoric to Willie, and
a few minutes after Walter seemed to need
something Of the same sort. She turned
but moment to yet the medicine, but in
that time the boys had got mixed, and bv
some means Willie swallowed another dose,
and shortly afterward went to bed and fell
asleep. lie continued in a stupor for some
twelve or fourteen hours, much 10 the as
tonishment and alarm Of the mother, who
saw that upon Walter the drug had no
effect. It was not until Willie told her
that she had given him two doses that she
discovered the mistake. But 10 the incl
dent:
The mother, having some business to
transact in store, took the two boys with
her. They were dressed exactly alike, and
during the stay Of their mother the each
took stand in separate doors fronting on
Water-street, 10 see what was to be seen
While standing thore, an old gentleman
who was walking slowly by, saw one of
them, and, struck by the lillls fellows in
telligent countehance and healthy looks,
stopped and asked him his name.
MY name is Willie, sir" replied the
little one.
"Ah, very pretty name, and very
pretty boy, said the old gent, pa,ting him
on the head. "1fcre's dime for YOU"
Passing on to the next door, he observed
Walter, standing in the same posture that
Willie had occupied, aud supposing it was
Willie who had run there TO see him as he
passed, be stopped again TO take another
a'lmiring look at him..
DO you live in Mobile, Willie q" asked
the old gent.
My name a'int Willie," said Walter.
"Why didn't you just now tell me at
The other door that yonr name WAS Willie.
mo, sir; my name is Walter"
"Oh, I thought you said Willie, while
ago, when you stood in the other door, and
l gave you dime"
81 Amt beer in the other door, and you
diln', give me no dime" said Walter.
The old gentleman looked at him a
moment rs Though the good opinion lie
had formed was fast changing, and then
walked slowly back to Willie's door. The
old gentleman looked at him steadily.
"Ah, Walter, said he, "you shouldn't tell
stories. Bad children tell stories. You
must be good boy, Walter"
II amt told no stories, sir. and my nnEe
amt Walter; my names Willie" said the
confused little fellow.
"Well, what made you say, at the other
door, that your name was Walter, and that
l didn't give you a dime9"
II never said so, sir" said Willie, sand I
amt been in t'other door,"
"Why, you precious little scamp" said
the old man, somewhat excited "what do
you mean7 At this door you're Willie; nj
the other your Walter. Here. say gave
you dime there you say, didn't. Here,
you say you haven't been at the other door
there you say you haven't been at this
You should be ashamed Of yourself, sir;
When you grow. mp to, be a man-"
Just here Walter, who had heard the
loud talking, walked round to Wil'ie's side,
] and there the two stood in front Of the Old
Y fgeptleman, who was perfectly bewi!dered
+ He soon comprehended the whole matter,
however, and when he did, he took the
dime back from Willie, and gave them hall
dollar each. :
ga,
falleyrand, when asked BY lady famous
for her beauty and stupidity how she shopld
rid herself Of her troublesome = sdmirsfs,
replied, "You have only to open Your mauth