The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1861-08-10

So thanked my friend for his story, and
babe him good bye.
DOLLARS FOR A |
DINNER.
Among the many anecdotes told of Billy
Gibbons. the New Jersey millionaire, is one
of his high priced dinner in the country. 1t
seems he was on visit to the country vii
lage in which he owned some real estate,
and after transacting his business he came
to the village hotel about P. NJ, tired. dusty
and hungry, and applied for hot dinner.
A smart clerk in attendance, glancing at
his rather rusty habiliments, told him they
'.didn't have hot dinners for travellers at
that time of day, but to wait till the COM
mittee on the New Town House were at
tended 20. and if there was any chance then
he would see.'
But" remarked the old gentleman,
whose olfactories were saluted with the
grateful incense of certain roasts and
broils. ''there seems to be something ready
now %
"Oh, yes," said the clerk. "the commit
tee of selectmen for purchasing new Town
House lot have a dinner here to -day"-and
he hustled off in one direction, the landlord
in another, and two white -jscketed walters
flew hither and thither, impressed with the
vast importance of providing for the six
magnates who were to honor the house by
dining there.
'.Why can't have dinner with the COM
mittee ?'' said the old gentleman. arresting
the clerk once more as he passed by him
81 am perfectly willing to pay for all l
have"
"You! Well, my old fellow, that is
COOL" said the clerk. ''Why, do you think
the seleetmen would let you in to their
table ?'
Stranger things have happened" was
the reply sat any rate, should like to-
try"
"Ha ha % laughed the clerk. couldn't
think of such thing
The old man at this moment, however,
as the clerk turned away, caught sight,
through half-opened door, of Widespread
table, evidently all in readiness for the COM
mittee, who were assembled in a room above,
and would soon be summoned to discuss the
the viands that were already smoking upon
the board. Without any ado, therefore, he
passed in, took a seat, and commenced a.
vigorous attack upon the dish nearest him,
which CHANGED to be an excellent pair of
AOooG SuICASuS. IL HoppcucO Nnob tHOiC "oo
no person in the room when the uninvited
guest took his seat. and the two or three
servants who came in within the next few
minutes to place upon the table the remain
ing articles which were necessary, only hon.
ored him with curious stare as they per-
formed their duties-while he piled his
knife and fork with vigor that betokened
a sharpened appetite and proper appreci-
e A. 8 L. ona 1ofO
him.
The clerk, who entered short time after
to take final glance and see that all was
right, was Mortified at the spectacle. "Why.
you old sinner - said he, rushing up to
the object of his wrath, who was enjoying
the savory viands before him with great
gusto, ''didn't I tell you that this dinner
was for the committee? What are you do
ing here 20
Cant you see yourself? '' said the old
man, cutting into a huge decorated ham
81 m having good dinner
''Having good dinner! Why, you are
spelling everything" said the clerk aghast
at the frightful gap made by the onslaught
upon the ham.
''That's very true, young man." was the
reply, '1'n spelling my appetite also. and
if matters proceed in this manner it will
soon be gone altogether"
The clerk, in dismay, hurried off for the
landlord, while the cause of his trouble con-
tinued to eat away as Industriously and quiz
city as though nothing had happened. In
a few minutes the landlord rushed liz boiling
with wrath.
''How dare you, sir !''exclaimed that wor-
thy, show dare you % said he, advancing
with hostile intent.
keep perfectly COOL" said the old man,
with dangerous look in his eye, as he
suspended operations upon roast turkey
he was dismembering with large carving
knife. Remember, I'll pay for all 4
have.'
"Pay Tor all you have !" said the land
lord, cycling the carving-knife. "why. you
will have TO pay for the whole supper %
Every glad TO do that" said the other, |
his knife and fork and finishing
his repast with few choice morsels.
Eyes. you shall pay for all you've de-
said the landlord, almost choking
with rage. as his visitor cooIly poured out
. glass of wine from decanter, and, nod
ding to him. drank it of.
"Agreed," said the other, as he wiped bis
mouth and fingers upon napkin, and
drew long breath OF satisfaction land,
landlord, you say shall pay for all de-
stroy ga
'.That do, and roundly, too" replied
Boniface.
"WelI, then, let's have the bill for the
sum total 90 said the old man as he rose,
bringing up one side of the table with him
At the same time, and precipitating, with
crash, the whole contents in one common
pile upon the floor.
The landlord started back with horror
Ind dismay at the sight, while his custom
n, eoolly drawing toothpick from his
rest pocket. exclaimed
Lets have the bill, landlord Don't
,e frightened at a little broken crockery.
Let's know the price OF the supper ?"
The landlord. giving the wink to his
clerk, to keep an eye on the old fellow, and
zee that he did not escape, proceeded to the
'fice. followed by his customer. The score
yas soon figured up and passed over to the
Id man. who stood quietly waiting Er,is.
nth the clerk and two waters behind him.
eady to seize him at signal from their :