The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-01-20
Fer he Somerset HERALD.
MIKE
OR;
SANDY, THE SHARPER !
BY r. r. RODDY,
AUTHOR OF TUE BANDIT OF
THE ALLEGHENIES-
ATHANASE THE
AYENGER-
&c.
BY r. R. RODDY,
(C0ncluded }

Seeing 10 immediate prospect for a
game Of cards, or chance of plunder,
be hastily assumed the hurried look
and manner OF man of business.
Through sll the business parts Of
! Cumberland he wss 10 and out, with
an anxious ard care-worn look, as if
the world was not going well with
him. Before commencing this pill
grimage be had carefully concealed
ali his money but little loose change
in the soles Of his shoes. IN one of
his hurried tramps through the street
ne slipped and spralned his ankle,
not far from one of the leading
tayerns That was before the house"
and "bOtel" era. By the aid Of some
persons attracted to the spot by bis
groabs, be was assisted into the
house. Calling for quart of whis-
key, be bade his willing assistants to
rub his leg literally with the potent
fluid and drink the balance. The
timely application Of the slimulant
seemed to have good effect, for be
was soon able to walk again as we'll
as ever, Turning to the landlord be
thanked him for the kindness shown
him. and said be was short of change
just then, but would call 10 before be
left town and settle. The landlord
thought settling then would conduce
to the longevity Of their friendship
At first Sandy denied having any
money al all; then in apparent con-
fusion admitted having some that be
feared wasn't good and wanted TO re-
turn to the man be got il from. The
landlord thought be could find some,
and did with The aid Of stout black
servant, find a twenty dollar note,
carefully wrapped n a rag and pin
ned in q small side pocket Of the
vest He mumbled that it wasn't
good, that be didn't think the land
lord could change such a big bill for
50 small an amount Mine host laugh
ed at the idea Of bis not being able
10 change big note, and soon did
so, giving the stranger within half q
dollar of the full amount, but telling
him be ought 70 charge a dollar for
the trOutle Mike felt greatly crest
fallen in appearance, but inwardly
rejOieed over his good days work
Counterfeiting bad not attained the
perfection Of our day. and if he had
tried to pass that note openly, the
poorest judge in the place would
have at FIRST sight pronounced It q
base counterfeit, but the trick. since
become common in the cities, was
new .hen and completely blinded the
eyes Of the jolly host.
Deeming it unsafe 20 remain there
longer, as the news Of his Frostburg
exploits would soon be generally cir
c0lated through the town, be started
up the old pike towards Berlin.
known at that day as the saw log
road (Tbere are contradictory ac-
counts Of the origin Of the name.
Perhaps, some one who does us the
honor TO read our story, viii favor
the HERALD With full pariiculsrs)
Berlin. st that day aud since,
though the mass Of its people were
Lonest and industrious, unusually so
for towns of its size, had q few
black sheep" who were ready for
any kind Of trade. game, or sport
from pitch and toss to burglary. II
lis only Just to add that the wors;
part of her male population were
newcomers the females. the home
production, if we are to rely on past
stories. were not to be improved on
by importation. He was certain Of
finding cOngenial spirits and gambling
associates in pIeaty both in Berlin
snd Somerset. Tradition has not