The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-08-25

---- IT ------------ -
Taken i'm and Done For.
Lord Marmion requested Chester to charge
and it is popularly supposed that Chester did
it. What he charged is not reported. In
dividuals ola querulous disposition do say,
also, that "Mine hosts" in London and Paris
arc an improvement on Chester, and charge
without being specifically requested to do so,
like regiment of Zouaves. The N. o. Cres-
cent, however, reports the existence of a Bon
face up in Arkansas, who deserves to be put
in the Calender as the patron saint Of inn
keepers. Here followeth the account Of that
estimable and conscientious individuals
Several weeks ago two well-known gentle
men of this city, went travelling for the ben
eft of their health, and concluded to try the
famous Hot Springs Of old "Rackensack !"
There being neither river, railroad, nor canal
to take body to the Springs, our travellers
hired horses at their point of debarkation, to
ride in that manner to their destina.ien.--
They unluckily did not follow the right road,
or else there was no road to follow; at any
rate they got lost, and after a fatiguing day S
ride through barren and inhospitable will
derness, they came to neat little building
standing alone in the woods with farming
appendages around. Our travellers halted
and hallooed, A great, tall, raw -boned giant
Of a fellow stepped out.
"Can we get lodgings here tonight ~
asked one Of the horsemen.
"Well, gentlemen, reckon We kim" said
the big one, and welkim to boot. This is a
hotel"
The travellers, although they did not like
the cut of the landlords jib, dsmounted,
were relieved of their horses, and were soon
regaling themselves over good country sup
per of corn dodgers, bacon, milk, fried chick
ems and coffee. 1t was regular country
supper, but with their whettcd appctites our
invalids enjoyed it amazingly. ..-..
After supper the gigantic landlord sat on
the porch with them talking, laughing, crack
ing jokes, and treating occasionally to some
good old rye, of which he appeared to have
a plentiful stock. The invalids set him
down for a regular "brick," and were still
better pleased when lighted at last to nice
soft feather bed, with the whitest and sweet
est of sheets. .a--@-
81 tell you what it is, Bill," said Tom, as
they were sinking gently into the embrace
of Somnus, ''this fellow keeps nice place,
if it is out here in the woods"
That's fact" replied Bill, land I sup
pose its cheap place, too; but like it, and
I'm willing to pay the full city figure on it,"
Next morning our travellers were aroused
by their ugly but affable landlord, and re-
called with breakfast, if possible still more
appetising than the last nights supper had
been. The horses were brought around and
it was evident that they too had been well
cared for. One Of the travellers pulled out
his wallet, and said to the big entertainer:
''Wel, landlord, you keep first-rate little
hotel lout here better than we expected to
find We are much pleased with it, and
now want to know what the damage is"
The landlord drew himself up, and putting
on very solemn look, said "Gentlemen,
I'm pleased to hear yer satisfied. The bill
is two hundred and seventy-five dollars"
"How much did you say, sir p asked the
travellers, both startled. saras
The big one, drawing himself up little
higher, and looking still lmore solemn, replied,
distinctly and cmphatically, 1.-TWO hundred
and seventy-five dollars, gentlemen
"Do hear you Alright, sir DO you really
mean to charge us two hundred and seventy.
five dollars for two meals, and lodging, and
horse-feed?' Gentlemen" said the land
lord, with the most alarming sang .froid,
'that's no mistake. Two hundred and sew
enty-five dollars is the BILL" The invalids
got scared. They did not feel strong enough
to fight T; and if they had, could never have
hoped to make anything out of the ungainly
giant who stood so composedly before them.
Without another word the traveller with the
wallet squeezed it and peeled its different
pockets, and succeeded in handing over the
full amountrequired. The landlord thanked
his guests politely, and hoped if they should
ever pass that way again, that they would
give him CALL
The travellers Were now on their horses,
and prepared, like the famous cavaliers in
James novels, to resume their soltry ride.
Before getting far off, however, the traveller
who had had to disgorge turned in his sad.
die, and hailed the landlord:
II say, landlord" he shouted, ''before
60, I'd just like to ask you one question:
civil question which you cant take offence
It," ro sa
Fire ahead, gentlemen, was the answer;
''ye've paid yer bill, and yer welkm to ask
, anythin," without offence
"Well, how. in the name of heaven, did
you come to charge us two hundred and
seventy-ife dollars for one nights acccmmo-
dation, not worth more than five OF Sis dol.
lars at the outside ~
Certainly, gentlemen, Iii te'i yer. and
wclkim. Yer see Keep hotel; and some.
times has customers and sometimes l has,