Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-10-15

steak, some mealy potatoes, hanked
by tankard Of nut-brown ale, with
an obsequious waiter as my sole atten-
dant. | determined to write to nay
uncle Immediately after dinner, as my
slender purse would soon be exhaust
ed in defraying the cost of my present
luxury. As the waiter placed an apple
tart on the table he remarked: . |
think this your first visit to Seamouth,
sir?" I replied in the affirmative NUT
tering soto Uoce, land also my last. J"
"Seamouth appears to be a very
sleepy kind of place." The old waiter
drew himself up, apparently resenting
the stigma on the little watering place.
every quiet, sir, but very select. But
we shall be very lively now you have
honored us with visit SIR" [ failed
to perceive how the presence of a fugi-
tive debtor could add to the cheerful
ness of any place. But made no reply
considering the compliment would be
charged for in the bill. otis hastonish
ing, sir, what difference the theatre
makes when it is hopen." But Sea-
mouth cannot support theatre, res
piled. mo, sir; honly when a star
comes; remember, when was boy,
seeing Mr.. Macready hact here, and
people came from far and near to see
I'm. Our yard was full of traps of
hevery description, and SO it will be
hon Thursday next when Charles
Matthews makes his happearance. !"
AS he said these words the old waiter
made profound genufection and left
the room. A light dawned upon me;
my name was identical with that of
the great comedian. The waiter had
read the name on the brass plate of
my trunk, and I had been mistaken
for the coming man. Twas chuckliag
over the singular error, and had re-
solved to disabuse the staff of the ''Red
Lion" accordingly, whose curious re-
ception of me was now explained,
when a circumstance occurred Which
caused me to change my resolution,
The window of the room occupied
commanded view of the coach road
leading to the nearast postal town.
AS I reflected over the curious blum
der, 7 found myself mechanically
watching dog cart which was rapids
ly approaching the inn. 1t drew up
at the door, and from the vehicle de-
scended stout, coarse>looklng man,
wearing a very bad hat and very seedy
in his habiliments IN general. | was
reading the advertisements in the Sea-
mouth Express which announced the
appearance of the London actor in
his celebrated character of Sir Charles
Coldstream in used Upon" on Thurs
day next. This was one of my best
representations as an amateur, aud |
had made such close study of the or
iginal representative that [ could re-
produce every tone and glance and
gesture. Ny personal appearance
was also very similar. At this mo-
ment the waiter entered the room,
holding his hand before his face and
apparently convulsed with laughter.
It beg pardon, sir, but you will
laugh as much as me when tell you
sir. There is a sheriff officer in the
coffee room who wants to serve q writ
on Charles Matthews; he inquired if
a gent of that name was here told
him yes-the noted hactor He guy
sigh and said he was not the gent he
wanted. He is going to stop here,
as he knows for certain that his man
is coming to Seamouth directly, and
and he will watch the arrivals by
coach"
AS the waiter delivered this exor-
dun nay mind was at work endeavor
ing to solve the mystery Of my hiding
place being discovered. 'Nobbs"-.
thought he had disclosed the place of
- 4 ,.1x 141,.I
concluded, my determination was TAX
en-. Ny natural love of fun and adj
venture, combined with the instinct
Ct self~preservation. decided nae to use
the honors thus suddenly thrust upon
me. I made no reference to the wait
er's story, treating it as to absurd for
discussion.
81 want to send a note round to the
lessee of the Theatre Royal"
Certainly, sir. The booth can take
it."
Ia few minutes had scrubbed the
following:
Dear Simpson-to quote the dukes
motto-I am here. Will you call a
rehearsal of used Up" for to morrow
at 112 Yours faithfully, @. J. Matt
thews."
This characteristic was prompt
ly dispatched, and waited In serenity
and with a keen sense of approaching
ing enjoyment the result.
In half an hour the answer came.
s'Dear Mr.. Matthews, [ am agreeab-
lv surprised by your early arrival, as
[ did not expect you till the morning
of Thursday (the day of the perfors
nance. 1 suppose the papers are in
error in advertising you in Plymouth
to-day. Tuesday shall be very pleas
ed to make your acquaintance. Yours
sincerely, T. Thompson.
Nothing could be more fortunate.
Mr.. Simpson had never seen the great
comedian; and [ was safe till Thurs
day. The reader may inquire: Why
did I not make my escape from Sea-
mouth while I had the opportunity
I can only reply that my love of adj
venture was responsible for my con-
duct. I should indict no harm on