Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1869-09-23
A DARK DEED;
OR, A NIGHT AT A WAYSIDE INN.

OR, A NIGHT AT A WAYSl0E INN
Nearly twenty years ago l was max
ing my way through one of the Yves
tern States of America, towards
large town situated about two hundred
miles from the village l was brough
up in. was very young, and no
overburdened with this worlds riches
therefore, was prosecuting my journey
on foot.
One afternoon | overlook a wayfayer
whose pack at once indicated that hi
calling was that of peddler. AS be
was travelling in the same direction a:
myself we soon struck up an acquain
tanceship, and beguiled the lonliness
of our way with conversation HI
was German Jew, small, wiry man
with ferret eyes, and "bearded like &
pard." H
His stock, which he exhibited to mt
while resting by the wayside, consisted
of an assortment of cheap jewelry and
fashy trinkets of little intrinsic value
He spoke English well, so we joggeG
along amicably; and just as the shade.
of evening fell deep around, we ar
rived at a house by the roadside, which
my companion asserted to be hostel
ry, though there was nothing in it;
outward appearance to warrant any
such supposition.
AS the nearest village was many
miles further on, we agreed to pass the
night here, if we could find accommo-
dation; therefore, inquired of a vii,
lainous-looking lad, who was idly loung-
ing near the door, if we could obtain
shelter within. r.
"Ask the master" was his surly re-
ply.
1 entered, and raped loudly with
my stick. --a
"What's wanted?" asked portly
and rather benigu-looking middle-aged
man who obeyed the summons.
l told him what was required, and
he "reckoned he could find quarters
for us, if we were not too particular
We proceeded to the kitchen, where
a huge log was blazing on the fire, she'd
ding warm glow through the room.
which bespoke rest and comfort after a
long walk. Soon our host brought us
a supply of eggs and bacon, apologiz-
ing for having nothing better to offer
us; but it was most palatable fare, and
we fell too in earnest, my Jewish friend
forgetting his creed in his hunger. d. b
Supper over, we lighted our pipes,
and drew close round the hearth; and
the landlord producing carboy Of
whisky, We made ourselves very com
Portable. Entering into conversation with
him, | soon found that he was much
better educated than his class in those
days unusually were; he made himself
particularly sociable and agreeable, the
whisky passed round freely and we
spent a very pleasant evening. I did
not drink much; but the peddler did
and l soon perceived that his copious
libations were taking effect upon him.
The innkeeper could not have failed
to notice this also; but he kept fire..
quently replenishing the Jews glass,
and, more than once, half tainted me
with my abstemiousness. Then my
companion drew the pack from beneath
his chair, and displayed quantity ot
his tawdry fnery on the table. Oul
host saw alta glance, the value of the
trashy ornaments, and made some
laughing remark about them, which
excited the peddler's ire. ssaf
"Ha! ha! mein Gott desc are moi
fine, eh? Zu tink me poor? Donner
wetter, zee den DIESEL" and he drew
forth small washleather pouch, and
emptied a little shower of diamonds
into the palm of his hand. l5.am
They were unset brilliants of the first
VETERINARY of them large-and scin-
tilated in the wretched light like star
dust. e ~
"Ha! zu are mine tears. l loves
su, mine tarlingsp' he hiccupped ex-
citedly, as he exulting exposed them
to our gaze. "'l -aho'
l saw our hosts eyes ghsten, and he
shot strangely vivid glance into the
peddler's face; but, catching my eye,
his countenance instantly resumed his
pristine serenity of expression.
"You don't drink hearty, friend
Amt the liquor to your taste?" he
said to me, as he re-6lled the now ine-
briated Jews glass. sF
81 will take no more" l said firmly.
"Well, well, have some coffee, then,
Hi! Dinahn' he shouted.
An old negress with a most repulsive
yisage, came in, followed by pretty
little creature, with flaxsp hair and rosy
cheeks. who ran to our hosts side, and
glanced affectionately, though rather
timidly, L fancied, up into his face.
"Make some coffee, old woman; and,
Nellie, get away to bed," just touch
ing the child's forehead with his ips.
ais that your daughter?" inquired.
eyes. Mothers dead. Dinab, here,
and the lad IS all as lives here," was his
laconlc answer N esat
Then he arose, and left the room, re-
turning shortly with the coffee. asre;.
The peddler, who, during the land
lords absence, had sunk into semi
comatose state with his head on his
breast, woke up, again, seemingly re-
freshed, for he drank two cups OF cot
fee, and then resumed his potatious OF
| whisky. A3. 4ibss' ~ I'm =