Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-07-15

water called Jones Falls, I believe. We
then plunged into mass of intricate mar
row streets, and at last stopped before the
door of very ordinary looking tavern.
1t bore nondescript pt-looking sign, which
was told represented Golden Angel, by
which name the tavern was known.
I entered and made my stereotyped in
quiry-whether could have bed there for
the night. The landlord, thick, burly-
looking man, with G leam of latent humor
in his face, shook his head, and repeated the
hateful words: "All full"
turned to go away, but was recalled by
the voice of the host.
"Would you mind sharing bed with an.
other party?" said he.
eff there is no help for it I suppose I
must" I replied, "although to tell the truth
it is by no means agreeable to me-" and
inwardly heaped denunciations on Andrews
head for persuading me to be his substitute.
"Your bedfellow is quiet fellow when he
is asleep, although must say he is violent
when annoyed. He sleeps very soundly and
all you have to do is to be careful not to
wake him. He has 5eeI: in bed for some
time"
must make humiliating confession to
the reader: am not a brave man. l have
often tried to persuade myself that am, but
truth compels me to state that greater cow
ard does not exist than myself The land
lords description Of my bedfellow was any
thing but assuring, and was on the point Of
declining, when the proprietor Of the Golden
Angel no doubt reading what was transpir'
ing in my mind, exclaimed:
You are not afraid, are your"
"Afraid should think not, indeed" I
replied, for was too much of coward to
brave being thought one. II accept your
offer of half bed. Bring me some brandy
and water and cigar"
sat down at one Of the little tables in the
barroom, and putting away at my cigar, l
tried to persuade myself that l was very
jolly. 1t was miserable attempt, however.
l had previously supped at restaurant in
more modern part of the city. After Icy
cigar was finished, I asked to be shown to my
chamber. The landlord took upon himself
the task of being my conductor, and l fol.
lowed him up a narrow, rickety staircase.
We kept on ascending until we reached the
top of the house, when we entered a moder.
ately sized room, but much cleaner than /
had expected to find it, The ceiling was
very low, and inclined in front to the slope of
the roof. The apartment contained but one
bed which was placed against the wall near
the door. At the opposite end of the cham
Der was table, placed between two windows,
which looked upon the roof
The landlord placed the lamp upon the
table, and then 1noticed that he shielded the
light with his hand, as he passed near the
bed.
"Be sure and don't take the light near
him." whispered the proprietor of the Gold.
en- Angel nothing wakes him sooner than
that You see don't know how he might
like my putting another man with him; and
he is a very ugly customer when he's riled, |
can tell you"
81 shall be careful" I replied.
"That's right. Good night" he whisper
ed, and left the room.
He had no sooner gone than I cautiously
sat down, taking care not to make the least
noise. l then calmly surveyed my position.
1t was certainly not very enviable one.
According to the landlords account, my
mpanion for the night was anything but an
amiable character. If should chance to
awaken him knew not what might occur
He might assault me dangerously before |
could enter into any explanation. l half
resolved to pass the night in the chair, and
not retire to bed at all. But it was one of
the old.fashioned high.back chairs, and made
such an uncomfortable seat that soon tired
out. then ventured to glance around the
room. My eyes naturally fell on the bed.
There was one thing that consoled me; my
companion appeared to be in deep sleep, for
he did not even move. | could see the ridge
made by his feet at the end of his bed,
and that was all. also noticed that the bed
was very large one. The man who had
possession of it lay near the wall, and there
was plenty of space between him and the
outside for me to lie without touching him.
I screwed my courage up and began to un-
dress-but I remembered the landlords
words, that the stranger was an "ugly Gus.
toner when he was riled," which made me
desist. The thought struck me that 1 might
manage to lie on the floor, but moments
examination settled the question in the mega
tive, for the floor was entirely bare, and the
air blew very cold through the wide chinks
in the planking. cast my eyes to the cell
ing, and noticed for the first time that q
heavy beam, studded with numerous hooks,
ran through the apartment; but as was not
bird and could not perch there, this dis
covery was of little use to me.
Half an hour passed away in this state OF
indecision. l stole cautiously to one of the
windows, and gazed on the beautiful city
bathed in the light of the moon.
How quiet and calm everything looked !
But the air felt fresh and cool, and l closed
the window and resumed my seat in the
chair. I then found myself wondering what
avocation my friend in bed followed. sud-
denly cast my eyes on heap Of clothes which
lay on trunk, covered over with hand
kercbief, no doubt belonging to the sleeper.
My curiosity got the better of my politeness,
and before l scarcel ly knew what was about,
found myself examining his apparel. The
handkerchief which covered them was
coarse cotton one, and his clothes Of coarse
homespun, and were such as are usually worn
by drovers. My companion. then was evil
IDENTIFY drover-a rough class of men who
usually stand upon very little ceremony.
Partly undressed as I was, began to feel
very cold-but before venturing into bed l
determined to try an experiment to see if
the drover slept soundly or not. I had taken
the precaution to leave the bed room door
open so that could make run of it if nec-
essary. l fixed my eyes on the bed as l let
my boot fall. The drover was evidently a
sound sleeper, for although the noise made
,,o, III, bo did ,no 10 tho o1irht.