Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-01-12
An Innuisitive American.


An American sightseeing in Europe.
gives his mind TO his york. which is to
do the places of interest In order to
crafty his curiosity he sometimes dis
regards the proprieties aud accosts the
first man he meets if he thinks him
capable Of serving rs guide-book
One Of these American tourists while
in London heard Of the famous palace
which Baron Rothschild was building.
He went to see it, and was fortunate
enough to meet the master builder,
who showed him over the building
After he had finished the inspection
he addressed a portly old gentleman
whom he saw watching the workmen
with Good morning, sir" The man
bowed politely without speaking.
I'm a stranger" the American con-
tinucd, thinking he might be speaking
to the contractor; 1--WE been looking
over this building, and | should like
to ask you for some information.
Il shall 6e happy TO oblige you,
said the old gentleman, and he told
the American many interesting facts
about the building
81 suppose you have seen Rothschild,
sir?" said the American.
(Which one?"
The old cock"
Il see the old cock every day." an
swered the old man eying the Ameri-
can.
II should like to have look at him.
People say that he is a gay old chap
and lives high. / wish | had him in
my power. I'd not let him up till he
had shelled out pile Of his money"
The American ratified on, and the
old gentlemen laughed heartily. When
there was a pause he remarked:
Baron Rothschild had to work for
his money, and he deserves to enjoy
it,"
maybe so, said the American,
"but | reckon he did a heap Of squeez-
ing to get it.
The old mans face flushed as he
said stifly. 81 never heard tie honesty
of the house called in question.
Didn't you? Well to tell the truth,
netaer did l. But wouldn't be sur
prised if I'm right, after all"
The old mans face grew black, and
he bit his lip, but he sad nothing.
People tell me that the Rolhschilds
have made two fortunes. Now, I'd
like to learn the way the thing was
done
II can tell you, replied the old man,
smiling. People say the house Of
RothSchild made one fortune by being
careful 10 mind their own business,
aud the other by letting that of others
alone. Good morning, sir.
And the old gentleman left the
American staring at HIM and went to
the other end OF the building.
"Can YOU tell me the name of that
old gentlcmanP' asked the American
Of a handsome young man who was
looking at the building.
"Tnat is Baron Rothschild."
"Fhen I've got myself into a scrapef'
said the mortified American, and told
the young man what had occurred.
THAT was awkward the young
man remarked, after a hearty laugh.
Hes a crusty old chap, he's rs cross
rs a bear, continued the veXed Amer
lean.
80, that is only his way; he is a
kind-hcarted man, but little &C.
centric, said the young man.
'.Do YOU know Baron Rothschild?'
inquired the American.
II have met him several times, and
l have an appointment to wait on him
to-day"
Then ! wish you'd say to him that
did not know to when | was talking
this morning, or would not cav" said
so much; and that he need not have
been SO huihsh about it"
~ will do SO; he will be the first to
laugh at the adventure when be hears
your explanation. Good morning.
Just then workman passed, and the
American asked him the name of the
young gentleman.
THAT was one of the younger Roth
schilds,' said the workman. The
American was afraid to speak to a
stranger for week, for fear he might
be Ruthschid. d. IoUth'S Companion.