Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-07-14

the breach to save his country. But
Martin Van Buren threw his country
into the breach to save himself"
|
Hard Up, Yet Rich in EIOquence.
Detroit Free Press.l
He walked out of the depot with a
sstchel in his hand-a good looking
satchel yet terribly gaunt and thin. If
Satchels had ribs, one could have seen
that satchers 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;
mot this time, colonel-not just now,
although | warn thee that it is plebeian.
like for duke to walk around with his
baggage in his hand. | am in search of
hostelry-a csravansay 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 re-
pair.
Il desire a seat at the banquet board
without delay" said the stranger. II
have travelled far and feel the need of
refreshment."
The clerk smiled as the satchel was
lifted over the counter. He "heited"
it and smiled again.
II carry the ducats here, in my wal
let, said the stranger, "and after | have
slipped the amber Mocha and carved the
spring poultry shall cheerfully requite
thee"
He might have seventy-fve cents about
him-the clerk would chance it. Vic
tory lurked in the stranger eye as he
turned to one Of the bell.boys and said
Youthful slave, conduct me to
place where | can lave my fevered
brow"
He was conducted, and after he had
laved he looked little better. Even
bootblack is improved by liberal ap-
plication of soap and water. Still, there
was that lank satchel behind the coun-
ter, 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"
"Beefsteak-fried ham-mutton-chops
or liver2' queried the girl.
Fair lady, to thine own good judg-
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 well-selected stock
Of groceries and provisions, aud he got
away with them as steam ditcher goes
down through sandy soil. He ate his
fill and then he crammed another meal
down on top of that de emptied his
coffee cup again and again, and when
he finally rose from the table he could
hardly lift himself. Turning to the
fatigued waiter he gently said:
Fair maiden OF the valley, thou hast
done thy culinary work in a 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 lean
ing his elbow on the counter, said to the
clerk.
Thou knowest thy duties we'll, and
when l am far away / shall gladly sound
"Come, no fooling nOw-out with
that seventy-6ve cents"
AS soon as my retainers arrive /
shall give thee weighty purse and thou
canst keep every ducat in it.
Ducats be hanged want scrip
nickles-stampsl want pay for your
breakfast"
Gently my friend with the Roman
nose" continued the stranger, thou
canst not say | am lord or duke in
disguise.
"And l don't care cent? Are you
going to pay"
Am l going to turn these fragments
Of wood into gold?" querried the stran-
ger, as he held up number of pine
tooth-picks.
The clerk came out of the Office, hav-
ing 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.
II CO." said the man in solemn
voice, "but when my retainers arrive, l
shall seek revenge-human gore shall be
shed to satisfy me
You want to gore right away from
here quick = smartl" exclaimed the
clerk.
He went. His face was clouded for
moment, but then grand smile covered
it, and he stopped a newsboy and asked:
my faithful minion, canst thou di-
rect me to an Office over the door of
which hangs the traditionary golden
balls Of the base money.lender-a place
where | may exchange few precious
heirlooms for some vile dross?"
And the boy did.