Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1868-03-26
Heat it Hot Sam.
A correspondent sends us the following goo

A correspondent sends us the following good
story
Colonel McHatten came from Virginia to
this State lIllinois in early settlement of this
country, when road side inns were unknown,
and every dweller in the Wilderness kept a sort
of travellers home.
The Colonel by lucky investment in wild
land, became in time rich man, but he kept
up his habits Of hospitality; aud if the guest
was well to do in the world, did not object to
turning an honest penny in that way.
One cold, clustering, winter evening, horse
man drew up to the house and asked accom-
modation for the night. A half grown lad
answered in the affirmative, and usbered him
into the sitting room where the great wood
fire, of itself, gave him cordial welcome
After supper the Colonel made his appearance
for the first time.
He was hearty and hale and rosy as any
boniface should be, but he was bent and Grip
pied in bis gait. lie explained by saying that
he had taken cold which settled in his back.
a don't mind the pain so much" he con-
tinued, but it is so inconvenient, have been
recommended to try poor man plaster, and
if you will excuse me will have it put on
Sam Samuel Samuel McHattan"
"Here, father" said the lad before mention
ed, hastily swallowing huge piece of mince
pie which he had been quietly enjoying.
Here, Sam, my boy, heat this plaster for
me and put it on my back. Heat it hot, Sam"
Saying which he handed the plaster to his
son, and seating himself astride his chair, with
his back to the FIRE, threw his suspenders back
and lis shirt over his head. "Now, San" I"
said the Colonel, "if the poor mans plaster is
hot, you may put it on but-yOu may wait
little; I'm afraid it is not hot enough. Heat
it hot, Sam. Can you tell, he continued,
turning to the traveller, who was seated in the
corner, "Can you tell why this is called the
poor mans plaster-sometimes the poor mans
friend? ell d? give it up laughing to himself,
because it sticketh closer than brother !,
Ell? Poor Sam who had been watching his
chance to speak without interrupting his father,
now ventured to say:
al guess it is hot enough now, father"
"What do you know about it ?" said the old
man testify.
al say heat it hot, Sam, heat it hot"
Sam, whose face was at a red heat, had held
the plaster TO the fire until it ran and drpped
down on the hearth, and he made no reply
"Well," said the old man, looking around,
"maybe it will do now, Sam. Clap il on"
Sam, armed with the plaster, approached
him. and if my word can be taken, did clap it
! on.
The old man gave one yell, like wild In
dian. and jumped clear over the back Of his
chair. kicking his old fashioned breeches off his
feet, dancing around with pain. The traveller
laughed until he cried, and the more mine host
roared, the more he laughed. When the first
agony was over, the Colonel began to swear,
and our traveller thought it would be prudent
I for him to retire, lest he should share wrath
with Sam. who he observed was making good
I his distance.
The next morning when leaving, he handed
the Colonel five dollars, saying with twinkle
Of his eye:
al don't want any change. It is cheap at
that" After he was seated upon his horse,
and out of range, he called;
aHeat ii hot, Sam, heat it hot 1t stlcketh
closer than brother, ehT