Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-11-22
A WONDERFUL COUNTRY.
HOW A YOUNG sNGLISHMAN WAS
HOAxEO IN CALIFORNIA.


HOAxEO IN CALIFORNIA.
Banker RaIston and His Titled Guest.
Big Bottles of Wine-NarveIous Tales
of Observation-Disclosures and Fishing.
The Victims Good-By.
In the Ralston davs, when Belmont was in
its glory and its prutuse hospitality was the
talk of the country, young kn-Ilshnan "i
title called upon the banker with letters OF
Introduction from IA" American minister in
London, an Old friend Of Ral>tou. OF course
he was invited to Brmont. lie Fad come to
San Francisco around the Horn. and. ike
many uf his order and nationality lad mad"
up his mind not 10 bc surprised at anything
be saw in this country
Rather a iime place, YOU know he re
marked To- RaI,ton, as hi, host t'ted him
down to Belmont, Tut some of "ur f'llo~s
who were out here rav" told the most out
rage,us stories, you know about California
your bears and immense rcgattas and all
that sort Of thing-so | have determined to
keep my eyes open. | imagine, you know,
that they have been hoaxed. BY ead, Mr..
Ral,ton have been all over the worII, and
hoax me, don't You know:
During tEi, conversation Mr. R9l>:Cn regis
tered mental oath that if monry or iTG,;rnce
could produce that widcawaks fellow BE-
wouM be forthcoming before the termination
Of the nohleman's visit. At Belmont were
assembled a few choice spirits. Leaving his
guest in charge of one Of them, RaIrton at
once called council of war
PUTTING THEIR HEADS TOGETHER
This Euglishman must lie fooled he
said Now let US put our head. together
and give him something to talk about when
he returns to the LONDON clubs
The private wire was busy that evening.
and a clJSh carriage WAS sent to meet the
next train No expense was spared 20 make
the Brti>her's stay in every sense delightful
When Ralston and his guests sauntered
into the dining room the Englishman opened
his eyes and stared in hewiidered astonish
ment at the table service. And well he
might The hotties we're Of that colossal
size holding half gallons. which the beer and
wine men Use for advertising purposes.
Now, by jove. YOU Californians must BE-
n thirsty lot" said the EnGllshman. Il never
saw such bottles in my life
oh. nonsense. said Ralston; don't You
have that size i'll England They used 10
have them when lived there, many years
ago"
That size great heavens, no.
We'll, here goes, anyhow. Peter, som-
champagne" and the butler proceeded with
impaSsive face, opened half gallon bottle
fizz, the cork going off like the explosion
Of a rifle As the dinner progressed the
guests piled the BrItisher with the most mar
velous tales Of the lawleSencSs of the country;
the bears. lions and antelope that rNamed
the nCighboriug hills, and everything, in fine,
that the fantastic imagination could invent
1t WAS arranged to have the house attacked
that night by outlaws, but they feared the
lord might get suspicious, 80 that scheme was
abandoned A deer hunt was decided upon
for the next morning, and a fishing party
for the next afternoon.
HUNTING AND FISHING.
The party were out before daybreak and
the lord stationed near a milk ranch.
and instructed not to stir until ono of the
hunters came to fetch him. When he was
properly planted the others returned to the
house, for the hunting grounds We're not
mile away, and amused themselves until
noon with laying new plans for the deleCta-
ton of their victim. Meanwhile. though
the poor foreigner Hlh not see deer, he
heard shots about nm AT intervals, and
when he was informed 'Da' the run was
over and that there would be no more shoot
ing that day was taken "ack 10 the house.
Il am awlniiy NnrE you dld not have
better luck' SAID fal''ol' "heh the DIS
gusted bil'isnsr appeared our Fellows
dld lalFlN' YOU So anu he pointed 10 Ihe
carcasS'S OF haii dozen deer lEihg on the
piazza wnch hah arrived that day from the
market ny tue morning 'ralh'
-Dldn you TeahS get shot! Confess.
now you pia"eu away AT stag or TWO, and