Maryland free press., 1866-05-17
DESPERATION.

The following is passage from the ve-
ryiaughable tale of Desperation" one
Of the rich articles which are embraced in
the literary remains of Willis Gaylord
Clark. 1t is only necessary to premise
that the author is Philadelphia student
who, after stolen fortnight amid the ga
tiles ofa Washington season. finds himself
[through the remissncss of a chum) at Bal
timore, on his way home, without pen
ny in his pocket. He stops fashionable
hotel nevertheless, where, after tarrying for
q day or two, he finally, on the head of a
great dinner, taken in bed at his private
APARTMENT, fanked with abundant Cham
pagne and Burgundy, resolves to disclose
all TO the landlord. summoning servant
he ssaid
"Ask the landlord to step up to my
room and bring his bill"
He clattcred down the stairs laughing
and shortly after his master appeared. -
lie entered with generous smile that
made me hope for the best his house af-
farded, and that just then was credit.
GLOW much do l owe you?" said I.
He handed me the bill with all the
grace of private expectancy.
''Let me see-seventeen dollars. How
very reasonable! But, my dear sir, the
most disagreeable part of the matter is
now to be disclosed. I grieve to inform
you. that at present I am out of money, and
! know by your philanthropic looks, that
you will be satisfied when [ tell you that
If / had it, 1 would give it to you with un-
qualified pleasure. But you see my not
having the change by me, is the reason l
cannot do it, and l am sure you will let
the matter stand and say no more about it.
1 am a stranger to you, that's fact, but
In the place came from all my acquain-
tances know me as easy as can be-"
The landlord turned all colors.
4Wherc do you live and howl"
t'In Washin-I should say Philadel-
phia,"
His eyes flashed with angry disappoint-
ment
81 see how it is, mister; my opinion is
that you are blackleg. You don't know
where your home is; you begin with Wash
ington and then drop it for Philadelphia.
You must pay your bill"
s'But I can't"
.'Thcn I'll take your clothes; if l don't
BLOW me tight"
ssScoundrel," said I, rising bolt upright,
-'do that if you dare, and leave the rest
TO me-"
There were no more words. lie arose
deliberately, seized my hat and my only
inexprcssiblcs, and walked down stairs
Physicians say that two excitements
can't exist at one time in the same system
External circumstances drove away, al
most Immediately, the confusion Of my
brain.
] rose and looked out of the window
The snow was descending as I drummed
on the window pane. What was to do?
An unhappy mortal in strange city; no
money, and slightly incbriatcd.
A thought struck me. l had large
full cloak, which with all my other ap-
pointments, save those he took the land
lord had spared. dressed Immediately,
drew on my boots over my fair drawers,
net unlike small-clothcs; put on my cravat
yest and coat, laid travelling cap from
my trunk jauntily over my forehead, and
llinging my fine long mantle gracefully a
bout me, made my way from the hall into
the street.
Attracted by the shining lamps of the
portico of a new hotel, few squares from
my first lodgings, entered, recorded some
name on the books and bespoke a bed
Everything was fresh and neat. every SER
yant attentive, all augured we'll. I kept
myself closely cloaked, puffed cigar, and
retired to bed to mature my plot.
"Waiter, jutt brush my clothes well,
~ fine fellow" said I, in the morning,
. he entered my room; mind the panta-
loons; don't spill anything from the pock-
.ets-there is money in both"
II don't see no pantaIoons."
"The devil you don't. Where are
hey"
Cant tell, I'm sure; I don't know,
6clp me God"
"Go down, sir, and tell your master to
oome here Immediately"
The publican was with me in amoment.