The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1889-12-05
THE GREWSOME WAITER.
He Tells of His Relations With the
Angel of Death.

The quality of his voice first attracted
my attention, although with it came the
uncomfortable sensation that had been
and stood behind my chair, and said: Il
think, sir, you will find scat over
there by the window preferable to
this
At all times given to be slightly nerv-
GUS, positively jumped on being thus
spoken to. First, ] say, because of the
quality of the voice. 1t was heavy and
deep, like one of the bourbon pipes of
an organ, and was of such volume and
vibratory power that it sounded pain
fully in my ears, as though this same
organ-pipe had been lcvcled at them.
Then, too, there was tho suddenness of
the thing. To be sure, the speaker
might have worn soft slippers, as is tho
custom of many walters, but even then
there would been shutting sound as
he moved over the polished wood floor
of the great dining-room.
turned quickly, and then 1t was his
appearance that effaccd all preceding
sensations. He was unusually tall, of
massive though angular frame. but it
was his face that was the point of at
traction. Upon shoulders of that pecu-
liar breadth and squareness which often
mark the consumptive, was set a head
OF such disproportionate smallness that
it looked like a little apple on big
limb. The face was even small for tho
small head, but, as though nature had
been seized with a fit of whimsical COM
pensation, the features were grotesquely
large. The eyes, Of SO pale blue as to
be almost colorless, occupied such a
wide space that they seemed actually to
intrude upon the root of the nose, which
jutted forward like an eagles beak. The
mouth was extensive and ragged in out
line, while the ears stuck out like the
handles of an antique vase. OF hair he
had scarcely any, the few remaining
wisps being of the color of well-dried
hay.
1see have used the word "grotesque"
in attempting to describe the mans ap-
pearance. This is wrong, for I should
rather have said appalling; and, as I
looked at him, l found myself wonder
ing how tho shrewd manager of the San
Juan Capistrano Hotel could have en-
gagged 80 repulsive creature. Before
many days had passed, however. found
that there was good reason for the en-
ployment. His service was about as
near perfect as I ever experienced, and l
found, too, that behind that distressing
mask there lay an intelligence of pc
culiar high order.
II am the son of an English clergy
man." he told me, one day. I had
spilled the salt, and, as did 80, said:
dear me, that means bad luck, I SUI
pose.'
"Never mind, SIR" he said, ''throw a
little over your left shoulder and say
'Abracadabra.'
'Where in the world did you hear
that form Of conjuration?" asked.
In the '1ngoldsby Legends as we'll
as remember" he answered, and then
came a short conversation on reading
for I am not of the exclusive order
out Of viii h grew the remark about his
being the son of an English clergyman.
~ know, of course" he said, in that
chestnuty flavor about this statement
still it is strictly true. 1t is also true,
sir, that you will find my name on the
books of 1}razenose College, at Oxford. -"
''Well, then, my good fellow" said,
"what in the name of all that's un-
pleasant brings you here as a waiter at
q California seaside hotel in the dead
season."
Drink" was tho laconic reply.
"Ah, the old story said.
NO." he replied, in quite spirited
manner; ''by no means the old story"
"What is it, then?'' persisted.
Don't ask me, please" he pleaded,
and in the mirror, which was at the foot
of the table, / saw that his eyes were
drawn down as If in pain, and that his
huge mouth was all of a tremble.
Twas interested, must confess, but,
at the same time, 1 was also q little cha
grined to think that might possibly be
allowing smart impostor to play upon
my feelings. therefore shrugged my
shoulders with gesture that meant
something near disgust. He was quick
to read the sign. '.,..s
!. Don't think am attempting to ex-
cuse myself or impose on you, SIR" he
said; ''let me come to your room this
evening" shall not make the privilege
IN excuse for the least attempt ct init.
macy, strand shall be able to explain
myself fully"
hesitatsd moment and then con.
scented.