Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1866-08-25
DESPERATION.

Philadelphia student, it is necessary to
premise, who, after stolen fortnight
and the gayeties of a Washington seas.
on finds himself Through the remiss-
ness of chum) at Baltimore, on his
way home, without penny in his
purse. He stops at fashionable hotel
nevertheless, where, after tarrying a
day or two, he finally, at the heel of a
grand dinner; onane solus, in the private
apartment, fanked with an abundance
of champagne and Burgundy, resolves
to disclose all to the landlord. Summon
ing servant he said ...-. .--...
"Ask the landlord to step up to my
room and bring his BILL" ~
He clattered down stairs laughing,
and soon after his master apr cared. He
entered with generous smile that
made me hope for the best the house
afforded, and that, just then, was credit.
elbow much do owe you ?" said I.
He handed me the bill with all the
grace of a private expectancy. "a
'Let me see-seyenteen dollars. How
very reasonable. But, my dear sir, the
most disagreeable part of the matter is
to be disclosed. l grieve to inform you
that at present am out of money, and
| know by your philanthropic looks that
you will be satisfied when l tell you if l
had it l would give it to you with un-
qualified pleasure But you see, not
having it by me, is the reason I can't
do it; and am sure you will let the
matter stand, and say no more about it.
I'm a stranger to you, that's fact;
but in the place where came from, all
my acquaintance know me as we'll as
can be-" r------r ...... al
"Where do you live, and how ?'
"In Washing-I should say, Phila:
delphia y -ss-assas .afa
His eyes flashed with angry dizap-
pointment.
81 see hcw it is, mister; my opinion
is that you are a blackleg. You don't
know where your home is; You begin
with Washington, and drop it for Phil
adelphia. You must pay your bill.'
"But l can't"
"Then I'll take your clothes; if I
don't, blow me tight
"Scoundrel!' said l, rising bolt up
right. edo it if you dare, and leave the
rest to me-" >.... -r.-
There were no more words. He rose
deliberately, seized my hat and only
inexpressibles and walked down stairs.
Physicians say that two excitements
can't exist at the same time in one sys-
tenn. External circumstances drove
away, almost Immediately, the confusion
of my brain.
l arose and looked out of the win
dow. The snow was descending as 1
drummed on the pane. What was l to
do? An unhappy "sans culotte" in a
strange city; no money, and slightly
inebriated. A thought struck me.
I had large, full cloak, which, with
all my other appointments, save those
he took, the landlord had spared. I
dressed Immediately, drew on my boots
over my fair drawers, not unlike small
clothes, put on my crayat, vest and
coat; laid a travelling cap from my
trunk jauntily over my forehead; and
finging my fine long mantle gracefully
alb ut me, made my way through the
hall into the street.
Attracted by the shining lamps in
the portico of a new hotel, a few squares
from my first lodgings, 1 entered my
name on the books and bespoke bed.
Everything was fresh and neat, every
servant was attentive, all augured we'll.
1 kept myself closely cloaked, pufed
cigar, and retired to bed to mature my
plot. r.
"Waiter, just brush my clothes we'll,
my fine fellow" said in the morning,
as he entered my room; mind the pan
falcons, don't spill anything from the
pockets; there is money in BOTH"
81 don't see the pantaloons.
"The devil you don't T. Where are
they p rag8s v-,
"Can't tell, I'm sure; don't know,
s'elp me God.' 5o
"Go down, sir, and tell your master
to come up here Immediately
The publican was with me in mo.
ment. l had risen and worked my face