Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1868-02-20
HEAT 1T HOT, SAM.

Col Mediation came from Virginia to
Illinois in the early settlement oethis coun-
try, when roadside inns were unknown,
and every dweler in the wilderness kept
a sort OF travellers home.
The Col. by lucky investment in wild
land, became in time rich man, but he
kept up his hospitality; and 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, a
horseman drew up to the house and asked
accommodation for the night. A half
grown lad answered in the affirmative, and
ushered him into the sitting room, where
the great wood FIRE Of itself, gave him a
cordial welcome. After supper the Col.
made his appearance for the first time,
lie was hearty and hale and rosy as any
boniface sh uld le, but he was bent and
crippled in his gait He explained by
saying he had taken cold which had settled
in his back.
Il don't mind the pain so much" he
continued, ''but it is so inconvenient. [
have been recommended 50 try poor mans
plaster, and if you will excuse me will
have itput on. Sam! Samuel! Samuel
McHatten p
Here, father" said the lad before mem
toned, hastily swallowing huge piece Of
mnce pie which he had been quietly en-
joying.
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 aside his chair,
with his back to the fire, threw his suspen-
ders back and bis shirt over his head. =
Now, SAM" said the Col, eff 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.
why this is called the poor mans plaster
sometimes the poor mans friend? eh?
give it up?' laug ing to himself-'be-
cause it sticks closer than brother eh 2"
Poor Sam, who had been watching his
chance to speak without interrupting his
father, now ventured to say:
Il guess it is hot enough now. father"
NV hat do you know about II" said
the old man, testify.
Il say heat it hot, Sam, heat it hot"
Sam, whose face was al red heat, had
held the plaster to the fire until it ran and
dripped down on the HEARTH and he made
10 reply.
"WelI," said the old man, looking ar
ound, may be it will do now, Sam. Clap
it on"
Sam, armed with the plaster, approach
ed him, and did clap it on.
The old man gave one yell, like wild
Indian, and jumped clear over the back Of
his chair, kicking has oldfa bioned bree-
ches off bis 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 Col. began to swear, and our traveller
thought it would be prudent for him to re-
tire, lest he should share wrath with Sam,
who he observed was making good his
distance.
The next morning when leaving, he
handed the Colonel five dollars, saying
with twinkle of his eye:
Il don't want any change. 1t is cheap
at that" After he was seated upon his
horse. and out of range, he called:
Heat it hot, Sam. heat it hot. 1t
8ticketL closer than a brother, eh?'