The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1875-07-09
Hard Up, yet Rich in EiOquence

He walked out of the depot with a
satchel in his hand-a good. looking
satchel, yet terribly gaunt and thin. If
satchels mad ribs, one could have seen
that satcheI's ribs, and noted how thin
in flesh it was. When a professor of
hack driving asked the stranger if he
would have a carriage he smiled blandly
and replied.
"Not this time, colonel-not just
now, although I warn thee that it is
plebeian-like for duke to walk around
with his baggage in his hand. l am in
| search of a hOstelry-a caravansaly
where | can recuperate and refresh"
When he stood before the hotel clerk
the clerk noted that the strangers hat
was full of dents and caves that his
shirt-frOnt was badly soiled; that his
garments were becoming threadbare,
and that there was need of thorough
repair.
81 desire a seat at the banquet board
without delay" said the stranger. "I
have travelled far and feel the need of
refreshment.'
The clerk smiled as the satchel was
lifted oven the counter. He "hefted
itssand smiled again.
81 carry the dUcats here, in my
wallet, said the stranger, "and after |
have slipped the amber Mocha and carved
the spring poultry, l shall cheerfully re-
quite thee"
He might have seventy-fve cents
about him-the clerk would chance it.
Victory lurked in the strangers eye as
he turned to one of the bell-boys and
said
Youthful slave, conduct me to a
place where l can lave my fevered
brt W"
He was conducted, and after he had
laved he looked a little better. Even a
boot. black is improved by liberal ap-
plicatiOn of soap and water. Still,
there was that lank satchel behind the
counter, those threadbare garments and
that hungry voice.
Seated at the table and approached
by a waiter, he remarked
"ThOu canst bring me rare viands of
any kind, and [ will not quarrel with
thee about the cookery"
''Beefstt ak-fried ham mutton chops
or liver ?" queried the girl.
Fair lady, to thine own good iudg-
ment do [ leave it, he replied "only
let wings be added to thy speed, for my
castle is leagues away and hunger"
She brought him a well-selected stock
of groceries and provisions, and he got
away with them as a steam ditcher goes
down through sandy soil. He ate his
fill and then he crammed another meal
down on top of that. He emptied his
coffee cup again and again, and when
he finally rose from the table he could
hardly lift himself. Turning to the
fa Fl iO11p9 yVoitnT ba cant lv said.
"Fair maiden of the valley, thou
hast done thy culinary work IN manner
which speaks volumes for thee. Permit
me to offer thee my heartfelt thanks"
He strolled into the Office, put some
matches in one vest pocket and some
toOthpicks in the other, and then leaning
bis elbow on the counter, said to the
clerk
"Thou knowest thy duties well, and
when am far away L shall gladly sound |
thy praise"
"Come, no fooling now-out with
that seventy-five cents.
As soon as my retainers arrive l
shall give thee a weighty purse and |
thou capst keep every ducat in it.
" Ducats be hanged [ want scrip |
/ want pay for your |
breakfast !"
g Gently, my friend with the Roman
nose" continued the stranger, " thou
cans't not say am lord or a duke in
disguise"
"And I don't care a cent ! Are you
going to pay?"
Am going to turn these fragments
of wood into gold ?" queried the stran-
ger, as he held up number of pine
tootf-EsSA
The CLERK came out of the Office,
having the lean satchel in his hand, and
he took the stranger to the door, kicked
him with great good will and pointed to
The street.
"I CO." said the man in a solemn
voice, "but when my retainers arrive,
shall seek revenge-hnman gore shall
be shed to satisfy me?"
You want to gore right away from
here-quick - smart I" exclaimed the
clerk.
He went. His face was clouded for
but then grand smile covered
it, and he stopped a newsboy and asked:
My faithful minion, cans't thou di-
rect me to an office over the door of
which hangs the traditionary golden
Oalls of the base 1noney-lender- place
where l may exchange a few preci Jus
leirlooms for some vile drOss ?"
And the boy did. Detroit Free