Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-07-03

RAsCALIfY As FINE ART.-Ihere is an
inspiration in the climatic influences of Califor-
mia that eXciteS the faculty of Shrbwdness in
the human character to the highest point, and
when this trait inclncs to an giraffe tendency,
it usually develops rascaIity of au ingenious and
artistic order; none of your sitaking, pocket
picking, contemplate artifce, but digniiied and
majestic Villainy, calculated to command the
admiration and reverence even of its victim. A
few days since a gentleman arrived here from
New York city, and coming from that locality
one would naturally suppose the visitor was
thoroughly educated in all the decets and de-
ceptionS ever conceived for entrappng the guile
less and unsophisticated; but he had never tray
eled in San Francisco before, Entering one of
the street cars on Wednesday afternoon, he was
casually drawn into conversation with venera-
bic gentleman of clerical garb and mien, who
took seat beside him. As the conversation
proceeded the reverend gentleman disclosed that
hewaS on visit to the city, was the pastor of
fashionable congregation in the neighborhOod of
New York; and to complete the singular cOinci-
dence, he was Sojourning at the same hotel with
his newly-loTmed mercantile acquaintance
On this information, the intimacy between
the two became confirmed, and on returning to
the hotel, some hours of agreeable intercourse
resulted in an agreement to visit Yosemite in
company, previous TO returning together east
ward. 1t was carly in the evening of the same
day, the merchant and the clergyman had re-
Sumed the comparison of their observations of
life on the Pacific coast, in the sitting room of
the hotel when bright, intelligent looking
lad came tripping in breathessly and addressed
the latter: "Oh, papa, can mot 20 to the theatre
just for once; it is Maggie Mitchell from New
York that is performing here, and | want to see
the theatre only this time" "NO, my son" re-
piled the grave and reverend parent; "it would
be improper for me to accompany you to such
place of amusement, and could not consent
to yourIVlSltng the theatre unless under the pro-
lection of some friend" The mercantile gen
tleman from New York bethOught himself on
this suggestion that couple of hours TheS-
plan advertisement would relieve the mOnOtony
of the evening, and Immediately favored the in
clinaiOn of the lad kindly rendering his protec-
ton and society. "Wel, my son, remarked the
sOlicitous parent, on this proposition, "since my
friend desires to attend the theatre, | have
no objection TO your going in such company,
this one time" The engagement was immedi-
atcly assented to, and shortly after the merchant
from New York and the delighted son of his
esteemed clerical friend started on their way to
the Metropolitan. The two had proceeded but
short distance when the lad suddenly stopped
and reminded himself of an important precau-
ton. 81 must go back" he said TO his COM
panion, land leave my watch and money with
father; for people are always sure to get robbed
in San Francisco" The earnestneSS of the lad
aroused the apprehensions of the merchant as
well, and on returning to the hotel he also in
sisted on depOsting his watch, valuable gold
chronometer and pocket book containing $3.50
in greenbacks, in charge of his clerical friend.
The latter heSitated as to theprOpriety of accept
ing the trust but finally consented ON condition
that the merchant from New York should
take his receipt for the money and watch,
which was duly drawn and delivered. The
two again set out for the theater, much
more at case concerning the security of their
vauabes. 1t is needless to remark that Mag
gle was sparkling and captivating as usual and
the New Yorker was deeply engaged in the in
terestS of the play. His juvenile companion,
however, manifested a greater appreciation of
peanuts than dramatic talent. The lad finally
started for another pint, and did not return
His guardian became alarmed, and FASTENED
anXiousy to the hotel to make inquiry The
missing youth was not there, neither was the
pious and conscientious parent; and more sim
gular still, the clerk had never received any
formal intimation of the presence of such rev.
erend gentleman among the guests of the house.
The venerable gentleman had probably wan
dered off in one of those fits of abstractedness
peculiar to the clergymen of that class. When
he returns, the gentleman from New York has
his receipt to recover the property, and he will
probably preserve it as precious memento
meantime.-SdB Francisco Bulletin.