The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1888-05-19
DEAD BROKE.


ing for seat | was glad to offer him
half Of mine. He was an intelligent
looking, clean faced man, and he had
scarcely installed himself when dis
covered that he was highly educated.
We began on the Darwlhian theory,
branched off to discuss the age of the
earth, took in the pyramids, the rocky
mountains and several other interest
ing things before we stopped talking
long enough to exchange cards.
We said we were glad to know each
other and think we both meant it.
When we began talking again he
gave me his version of the birth of cy-
clones and hurricanes, and I never
heard more reasonable argument.
Then we discussed Aztecs. billiards.,
gulf stream, artic regions and various
laws of nature. and when the brake
man called the station at which | was
to get off had to tear myself away. I
was sincere clear down to my toes
when held out my hand and sam:
''Mr. Burt, am real sorry to part
with you, and hope we may meet
again."
"And l am sorry, top,' he replied.
II don't know when have enjoyed
three hours 40 mucb.r
l got off at a little to n of 1900 peo-
pie, waited until my link came off:
and then inquired the hay to hotel.
just then also felt for my wallet, but
it was gone. l searched again and
again. but it was no use. Then / re-
membered how eoafdinsly Mr.. Burt
had leaned on my shoulder, and how
often he had patted me with his hand,
and felt certain he had played the
pickpOcket act.
hurried into the station and wrote
= dispatch to the train conductor. The
operator counted the words and said :
"Thirty five cents.'
''But have been robbed. Haven't
even . nickel"
He heaved a weary sigh, tsre the
message in quarters aatl went back to
his table.
I WAS dead broke in a strange town.
! If You have never been in similar Ak
can tell you the situation has no fun
ny side. l sat down on bale of cot
ton to figure little. A trunk full of
clothing ought to be security until
could get money by telegraph, and l
entered the station and ordered mine
sent to the hotel.
(Which is it = asked the telegraph
operator, who was also the station
agent.
"That one there
"Check, please"
l went down for it. but it wasn't
there. I searched and searched, and
then remembered of placing the check
in my wallet.
"Gsing to stay in these parts long -
queried tho agent in peculiar voice
as 1 gsve up beat.
1.-TWO or three days, I guess"
81 wouldn't spin out the time beyond
that if / were your
l didn't ask him what he meant.
There are times when yoa don't feel
like asking for explanations. l started
of to find the hotel. | think some one
had been there before me. for as en-
tered tho Office the landlord looked me
from top to toe and said:
"Sorry, sir, but We are full"
So was l.
went out and sat down in \ chair
on the veranda, and after ten minutes
Of hard thinking resolved to 20 to
the mayor and try and convince him
of the situation. | was rising up when
man jumped around the corner OF
the house and called to me
Glands up, Or I'll blow your head
off,
held up my hands. It was trtfiing
thing to do to save head had car
ried for forty years.
''Now, then" continued the. man, '.ii
you attempt any resistance I'll kill YOU
like a dog! Yon are Billy Minker