The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1867-10-29
MANCHESTER. VT. TUESDAY MORNING.

answer at al Moreover, Alberfs
motto when travelling was. Every one
tor himself, and this he made his un.
variable rule q aetion A proposal 70
pu, himself out q the way 20 accom-
modaie a starnger, be would have ridi-
culod as ;he height d ahsurdiiy.
Knowing this disposition in cur hero
the reader w,il not lie surprised when
told that Albert instead of giving q
simple affirmative answer. or even a
responsive nod, regarded the rough
looking man a moment in silent dis
dain. and passed on without a word
But theold gentleman with the drab
coat and faded velvet waistcoat in spite
Of his rough appearance, evidently pos
sessed a patient and good natured dis
position, which was not easily disturb
cd. Without appearing 70 notice AL
bert's inciyihty, be quietly remarked, as
he came in his way again:
You are going to Pekin, should
Judge n
What if / am 2" growled Albert,
"0h, nothing, answered the old gon-
tleman. with good natured smile,
"only advise yon TO book your name
for a seat in the stage at once, il you
have not done SO: for have no doubt
that there will be half a dozen more
passengers than the coach can accom-
modate."
Now Albert had not booked his name
and he ought to have thanked the old
man for bis suggestion. So far, howev-
er from manifesting any sense Of obi
CATION, he replied with an insulting
Hem and abruptly turned upon his
heel.
In effect Albert found that there was
but one seat in the stage coach left un-
ingaged, and that an outside one, and
he had scarcely booked his name, when
two other gentlemen came up in haste,
manifesting much disappointment on
learning that there was no room for
them in the next stage. Albert was
therefore fully conscious that be owed
his chance to the old gentleman, whom
he had treated SO rudely.
Albert placed his valise on the floor
in the public room, and lighting a cigar
sat down by his property to be-
guile his impotence with smoke. He
had not been thus employed long, when
the gentleman in the velvet waistcoat
came and sat down by his right hand.
Albert looked at him through wreaths
Of smoke, as il the old gentleman had
been nothing but smoke himself, Of a
most disagreeable quality; ard pufed
away without noticing him further.
"Will You be so good as to give me
the time, sir ?" ciyilly asked the old man
glancing at Albert's snowy fob chain.
"Ciise you what?" muttered Albert,
as Il he had not understood-at the
same time putting volume Of smoke
ia the good-naiured face OF the Oldham.
"The time, it. yot please, sir. Is it
eleven O'Clock 2"
Il don't know replied Albert, without
deigning to look NJ his watch.
A moment after the young man NOV
ed his clair to another part ofthe room
and sat down with his back t,irned to-
wards tie drab coat and velvet waist
coat.
The stage coach drove up shortly
after, and having discharged its passen-
gers and changed horses, made ready
for the return route to Pekin.
Albert and another traveller occupied
seat designed to accommodate three,
directly behind the driver, Both were
slender men, yet. they managed to
spread themselves, SO as to give the seat
the appearance Of being full.
The stage was nearly ready to depart,
when the old gentlemen in the drab
coat came out Of the tavern with a
heavy carpet bag in his hand, and look
ing inquiringly at the outside passen-
gers
Room for an other up theres" he
asked, and smiled ct Albert
Were crowded now, responded the
young man sharply.
You viii have to get them up. sir,
observed The driver addressing the drab
coat That seat ought TO Accommo-
date three.
Then / suppose ! must take my
chances Nith the rest Of yon, cried the
old gentleman with good humored
laugh, as he climbed up The stage
Sorry to troable you, young gentle
men, be added, when neither Albert
nor the otter Traveller attempted to make
rrnus aHat ttght 81 isnst a 81