Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-03-22
How Mr.. Reeeher Lest hi. Boots.


The following is in Henry Ward Bescher's
best vein:
The difference between and 8 is not very
great; only single unit. And yet that differ
ence has power over mans whole temper,
convenience and dignity. Thus, at Buffalo,
my boots were set out at night to be blacked.
In the morning no boots were there, though
all the neigh hboring rooms had been served. L
rang, rang twice. "a pretty hotel-nearly
eight O'Clock, going out at nine, breakfast to
be eaten, and no boots yet" hewaiter came,
toek my somewhat emphatic order, and left.
Every minute was an hour. 1t always is when
you are out Of temper. A man in his stocking
feet, in third story Of hotel, finds himself
restricted in locOmotion went to the door,
looked up and down the hall, saw frowsy
characteristics; saw afar off the master of the
coal scuttle; saw gentlemen walking in bright
boots, unconscious of the privileges they en-
joyed, bat did not see any one coming with my
boots. A German servant at length came,
round and ruddy faced, very kind and good
natured, honest and stupid.
he informed me that a gentleman had al
ready taken boots No. 7S (my number) He
would hunt him sp; thought he was at break
fast. Here was new yexatiOn. Who was the
man who had taken my number and gone for
my boots? Somebody had them on, warm and
nice, and was enjoying his coffee, while L
walked up and dewn, with less and less pa
IlouCo, WHO QdQ none 10 Hucn at nrSL. NO
servant returned. Irang again, and sent en-
ergetie and staccato messengers to the Office.
Some water had been spilled on the fosr. 1
stepped into it Of course. In winter, cold
water feels as If it burned you. Unpacked my
valise for new stockings. Time was speeding
1t was quarter past eight; train at nine, no
boots and no breakfast. 1 slipped on a pair
of sandsl-rubbers, too large by inches for my
naked foot, and while shuff1ed along the hall,
hey played up and down on my feet. First,
one shot Of; that secured, the other dropped
on the stairs; people that / met looked as if
they thought that L was not well over last
nights spree.
1t was very annoying. Reached the office
and expressed my mind. First, the clerk rang
the bell three times furiOusly, then ran forth
himself met the German boots, who had boots
7s in bis hand, narrow and long, thinking per-
haps, could wear them. Who knows but 81
had my boots Some curiosity was beginning
to be felt among the bystanders. 1t was like
ly that should have half the hotel inquiring
after my boots. abhor q scene. Retreated
to my room. On the way thought /, would
look at room US boots. Behold they were
mine! There was the broken pull-straps; the
patch on the right-side, and the very shape of
my toe-infsllible signs The fellow had
marked them u and not 75 And all this
hours tumult arose from just the difference
between and 8.
lOsI my OOOLs, lOsI the tram, lost my
temper, and, of course, lost my good manners.
Everybody does that loses temper. But boots
on, breakfast served, q cup of coffee brought
peace and good will. The whole matter took
q ludicrous aspect. / moralized upon that
in6rmity that puts a mans peace at the mercy
Of q Dutchman's chalk. Had he written sew
enty-eight, / had been a good-natured man
looking at Niagara Falls in its winter dress.
He wrote seventy-seyen, and fumed, saw
only my own falls, and spent the day in Buff
falo
Are not most Of the pets and rubs of life such
as thisl Few men could afford. tomorrow, to
review the things that yexed them yesterday.
We boast Of being free, yet every man permits
the most arrant trifes to rule and ride him.
A msn that is yexed and angry turns the worst
part Of himself into sight, and exhibits himself
in bufoon's coat and FOOLS cap, and walks
forth to be jeered! And yet ones temper does
worse by him than that. And men submit To
IL, not once, but often, and sometimes every
day! wonder whether these sage reflections
will make me patient and quiet the next time
my boots are misplaced