Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-07
THE VENTRILOQUIST.

CoaIhole, in London, we were gathered
together one evening, laughing over the
amusing scenes Of ventriloquism with
which that clever comedian, Toole, had
just been edifying u.s.
A journalist present complinented him
somewhat ironically on what he called his
little society talents"
These same little talents said Toole,
in a grave tone, have sometimes a great
utility In life; do not despise them An
infinitely small talent may save world
of trouble; nothing is unproductive here
below. Let me give you simple Illus
tration:
Some years ago I was passing one
evening through Drury lane on my way
to the Gaiety theatre where was at that
time playing role
Ny attention was suddenly attracted
by pathetic voice imploring charity. l
stopped and looked around ne. The voice
proceeded from misshapen being, ap-
parently a cripple, crouched in the corner
Of an archway leading into one of those
winding alleys SO numerous in this popu-
lous quarter. His whittier hair and beard
and his cracked voice indicated clearly
that the beggar was an old man.
GA few pence for poor old man, sir,
said the tremulous voice. 4 am cold and
hungry-oh, so hungry l have eaten
nothing since yesterday
1.-The sight of a young man, however
miserable he might have been, would not
have moved me. Old cockneys like me
are too well posted on all these borrow
ing schemes which flourish in our town,
but this decrepit old age and horrible de-
forrnity filed me with compassion.
What misery l exclaimed, gazing at
the old man. Is it possible that you are
condemned to begging at your age? Have
you no sons or daughters?
"'Alas! yes, gentleman said the beg
gar in smothered tone, as if ashamed to
acknowledge the truth, but they have
abandoned me-
" 1t is infanousp added
'And l drew from my purse a half
crown.
''As handed it toward the beggar my
customary suspicious seized me. Perhaps,
after all, it was made up cripple. We
actors are not the only ones who know
how to disguise themselves.
al prefer TO assist you more eff
fectively,' remarked after an instanty
pause. You have refuge somewhere?
4 homer Where do you liver
Il expected to be enlightened as to the
genuineness of my beggar; the slightest
hesitation on his part would have put me
on my guard at once.
Not over quarter of mile from
here replied the cripple. 1 will take
you to my lodging, sir, if you like
THE earnestness with which he re-
sponded occurred to me after the advent
ure was over; at the time laid no stress
upon it.
Very well, go ahead; viii follow
answered
''The begear started. of on his clutches,
dragging after him two stuInps of legs,
and with hundred protestations of graf
itude made in a warm and fervent tone,
be Unanswered rapidly along the muddy
ind slippery sidewalk of Drurv lane.
1t was dismal London winter even
ing A thick, humid fog hung heavily
over the mRcadami=e4 pavement. By the
dull, yellow light of the street lamps the
psssers by have the aspect of phantoms.
From the doorsteps and windows of
the miserable houses in the alleys and
courts through which we passed gaunt,
pallid faces gazed out upon US, and cut
throat countenances with wolfsh eyes
glared out into the night.
In spite Of my familiarity with the
dark sides Of London life, | could not re-
press thrill of inquietude, and l said to
myself it would not be pleasant to cross
this quarter Of London in the dead Of
night.
Not but that we must acknowledge
OUT police is admirably organized, for, con
n = har ~ i
1ation in London, it is only astonishing
hat crimes are not twenty times as nu-
nerous as they are. But, despite this
energy of the police, how many a black
Iced rests hidden, buried forever IN the
Sums Of cur great town.
During these reflections, little reas-
'uring as they were, gazed after my
guide. Decidedly it was a poor devil; |
hat no longer doubted. I was on the
point of stopping him and sending him
N his way with few shillings. I was
almost ashamed OF my suspicious. But
With skill undoubtedly acquired by long /
ears OF exercise, the beggar advanced /
Tery rapidly, turning from time to time
% make sure that was following
'tAt length we crossed Covent Garden |
market and Long Acre, and entered that
lideous quarter which you all know /
seven Dials- The adventure commenced |
o only half way please me.
"'Are we far from your room stillg I I
.sked, catching up with the beggsr. I
.avent much time to spare.
CAS- spoke drew out my watch, an I
xcellent chronone.er of Dents, Of con-
iderable value. Looking suddenly up I
Gn ugly, covetous glance be-
ea.h the beggar's bushy eyebrows.
oh, hoP said to myself. that's 6
Mighty young eye for an old nan
My suspicious returned with triple
orce; but often our paltry pride over
tiles our better judgment. Moreover,
18th the Seven DiaIs quarter had returned
be hustle and noise of London life
.aughs and shouts greeted Us on all sides
rom the public houses and barroons OF
be neighborhood.
Il determined to push the adventure to
s end, the more so as my companion now
lrned to ne and said II bis cracked fsI-
srng tones:
Here is my home, gentleman he
tipped through the half open door Of
lapidated building end started up 9
cAety staircase with the agility had
efore remarked. Ihad difficulty In fol-
wing him IN the nauseating obscCYity.
he smart zap Of his clutches sounded on
lie steps and served as ny guide.
"At the third story the old beccg
opped. heard him feeling about in the
Ark. then came the sound Of key turn
z IN lock
:" One moment, ny good gentleman
lid the trembling voice; I vii light
ndle-'
Some seconds passed: then the dismal
INNER of a tauow candle liz Up q room
bich struck ne as toierably spacious
The beggar had slipped behind ne,