The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-09-25

description ana so III VIII be non
Thursday next, when Mr. Charles
Mathews make his appearance" AS
he said this the old waiter made a pro.
found genuhec,ion 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 on my trunk,
and had been mistaken for the COM
ing man. / was chuckling over the
singular error, and had resolved TO dis.
abuse the staff of the "Red Lion &C.
cordingly, whose curious reception of
me was now explained, when a clrcum.
stance occurred which caused me to
change my resolution. The window
of the room which occupied COM
manded view of the coach road lead
ing to the nearest postal town.
As | reflected over the curious blum
der, | found myself mechanically
watching dog-cart which was rapidly
approaching the inn. 1t drew up at
the door, and from the vehicle de-
scended a stout, oarselooking man,
wearing very bad hat, and very
seedy in his habiliments in general.
| was reading the advertisement in the
Seamouth Express which announced
the appearance of the London actor in
his celebrated character Of Sir Charles
Cotdstreom in "Used Up" on Thurs
day next. This was one of my best
impersonations as an amateur, and 1
had made such close study Of the
original representative that l could re-
produce every tone, and glance, and
gesture My personal appearance was
also very similar. AT this moment the
waiter entered the room, holding his
hands before his face, and apparently
convulsed with laughter.
81 beg pardon, sir, but you will
laugh as much as me when | tell you,
sir. There is Sheriff's officer in the
coffee room, who wants to serve writ
on MIR. Charles Mathews; he inquired
il gent of that name was here. |
told him yes-the note hactor. He
guy a sigh, and said that was net the
gent he wanted. He is going to stop
here, as he knows for certain that his
man is coming to Seamouth direct
ly, and he will watch the arrivals by
COACH"
AS the waiter delivered this exor-
dium my mind was at work endeavor-
ing to solve the mystery of my hiding
place being discovered. "Nobbs'--
that was the solution. On second
thoughts he had disclosed the place Of
my retreat to Binks. AS the waiter
concluded, my determination was
taken. My natural love for fun and
adventure, combined with the instinct
of self preservation, decided me to &C.
cept the honors thus suddenly thrust
upon me. l made no reference to the
walters story, treating it as too absurd
for discussion.
81 want to send note round to the
lessee of the Theatre Royal"
"Certainly, sir. The boots can take
it,"
In few seconds had scribbled the
following: H"
"Dear Simpson-to quote the Duke $
motto-I am here. Will you call a
rehearsal of Used Up for tomorrow
at IL? Yours faithfully, G. J. Ia
thews."
This characteristic note was prompt
ly dispatched, and l waited in serenity
and with keen sense of approaching
enjoyment at the result.
In half an hour the answer came
"Dear Mr.. Mathews, / am agreeably
surprised by your early arrival, as
did not expect you till the morning Of
Thursday (the day of the performance)
| suppose the papers are in error in ad
vertsing you as playing at Plymouth
to-day, Tuesday. l shall be very
pleased to make your acquaintance
Youis sincerely, T. Simpson"
Nothing can be more fortunate
Mr. Simpson had never seen the grea
comedian, and l was safe till Thursday
The reader may inquire, Why did
not make my escape from Seamouti
while / had the opportunity : car
only reply that my love of adventur,
was responsible for my conduct.
1 cuoNiu iuiiiSV ~ uoiiu oil any Oue' III
deed l was conferring an actual bene
fit on the company of the Theatr
Royal by affording them the great ad
vantage of an extra rehearsal. AnC
the actor himself would find his tasl
on Thursday considerably smoother
as all my business was precisely tn
same as he would adopt.
Punctual to the hour appointed
made my appearance at the stage doc
at IL on the following morning.
"Good morning, Mr.. Mathews ex
claimed little shabbily-dressed man
who was standing with his back to tn
fireplace in conversation with the Ger
berus who guarded the sacred porta
of the drama.
"Good morning, Mr.. Simpson
Where is the company ?"
"They are all on the stage, MI
Mathews. have got pretty Mar.
for you, aud a capital blacksmith"
| | followed MIR. Simpson along
dimly lighted passage to the stage
As we threaded the gloomy labyrinth
| my CONDUCTOR whispered 10 me
"You are satisfied with the terms
offeredi" F.. L
Perfectly, | answered. "Nothin
could have been more liberal" (Ho'
wondered what they were y
"Yes, l think that arrangement
the fairest for both parties, continue
the worthy manager.
| found a group of seedy-looking il
viduals on the stage, who were seve
ally introduced to me. The impersol
ator of Mary IV,rzel was a prett,
looking girl, but very pale and emac
ated, while the representative of II
blacksmith was diminut,ve, bl
sturdy, little man.
"Hallol this won't do; Lon6ra,
should be big man, or where is IL
alarming contrast between Sir Chart
in the deadly ARRAY which tax,
place" The manager shrugged h
shoulders.
"We cant get another now.'
While they arranged the first seer
= | glanced round the theatre. 1t was
band-box of house, and should n