Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-09-05
THE EVENING STAR. !.
The Wrong Man.

day or two since, a rather aged man. in
whose appearance there was nothing striking,
except his small stature, dull, gray ewes and
extremely yerdant manner, arrived in a sister
city. stopped at one Of the hotels, and seemed
anxious to get of on one Of the up-river boats
He frequently expressed fear lest be should
miss the afternoon boat. A cabman lounging
about the hotel offered to take him and his
trunk to the wharf, and if he was too late he
would bring him back for nothing, but if be
took him there in time for the boat, he would
expect a fee of 50
To this the stranger was about to agree, not
knowing that he had at least two hours and a
half to spare, when another cabman stepped up
and offered to put him on board of the boat with
his baggage. for 81. This was dollar saved,
and the anxious stranger agreed to it. The
trunk was put in the vehicle and the stranger
got in with it, In less than FIVE minutes they
were upon the wharf. The old gent got out
and handed John the dollar.
What's this ere dollar for asked the
driver -........r .-..-...~
ITO pay my fare down here You promised
TO bring me here before the boat left for one
dollar"
Yes. Now, look here, old Teller, you dom Z
think l IN going to drive my horse TO death for
nothin, do you' Couldn't think Of taking less
than four dollars for that ere drive, and you
might as well fork over, old man."
The old gentleman, apparently not the least
angry, fastened his dull, gray eye upon John,
and calmly replied, - agreed to pay you one
dollar if you would bring me and my trunk to
the boat before it left, and here's your money.
If had promised you a hundred dollars, 4
would have given it to you for I'm able to pay
1t. But 4 bargain is a bargain, and want you
TO put my trunk out of your cab
Give ne four dollars, or takes the trunk
back to the hotel, was the cabman's re-
jOinder. ..-.-..
The little old man quietly reached up to the
horse q head, and took hold of the bit firmly in
his left hand. He then put his right hand into
his bosom and drew forth a keen seven-inch
bOwie-knife He then turned to the somewhat
astOnished cabman, and giving the knife two
or three admonitOry shakes, after the manner
of a schoOlmaster warning his refractory pupils,
be said, L" I'm an old man, and perhaps I'm
green, as came from Arkansaw but guess
shant let You impose upon me in that way
III you don't get of that seat and put my trunk
cut here. shall take both your ears off close
up to your head sure. You re a good looking
man DOW, but you'd look mighty bad driving a
cab about, and no ears on your head ~
John rather thought those eyes meant fight,
and not liking the idea of losing both care, he
took that trunk out in hurry He refused
however, to take the dollar which Arkansaw
had thrown down, and a couple of policemen
were about arresting him for extortion when
the old gentleman requested them to let the
fellow 20.
As TOR the dollar. gentlemen ~ said he, :: II
the cabman won't take it, why Just you two 20
to the nearest grocery and spend it for the
public good
The old gentleman quietly put up his blade
and slipped aboard the boat.