Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-04-09
OlGBY BELLS STORY.
Ben Tnthiu Knew It All. Excepting What
the Chicago Cabman Knew.

One evening in Chicago Mr.. Ben Tuthili,
representing 1.-THE Pearl of Pekin," and my
self decided, after some little discussion of
various attractions, to attend the Stoddard
illustrated Lecture on Florence" Mr.
Tuthill, who has been a great deal in Chicago
and processes to know the city well, at once
constituted himself general guide, with the
cheerful assurance that he knew the way. L,
who am the personiication of credulous limo
cence, yielded myself to the leadership of
MIR. Tuthill until | found that gentlernans
footsteps were pointed well into the shadows
of Wabash avenue. Il don't think this is
the way to Central Music hall" ! hesitatingly
volunteered. This was an irritating assault
upon Mr.. Tuthllsamour propre, and he indig-
nantly resented this insinuation by stopping
short, with the sharp rejoinder: "Then, per-
haps, you'd better find the way yourself" |
paused. 1T seems to me-" said deferen-
TALLY, "its in the other direction "All
right" said MIR. Tuthill in high dudgeon;
then we'll go that way and sec where we
pull up" We turned about and retraced our
steps, coming finally, with respectful uncer-
tainty on my part and ieering volubility on
his, to the entrance to Central Music hail
In dubious tones / remarked: Il believe this
Is the place, old man" Mr.. Tuthill's gaze
lighted on large poster that took up half
the way and announced the ''Valda concert
for the following night. Then Mr.. Tuthill,
who hasn't very quick perception of dates,
let his scorn blaze out witheringly.
There, you chump" he exclaimed
You've brought up at some concert room,
and hope you are satisfied. didn't attend
the Thomas concerts all last summer without
learning where Central Music hall is-and
maybe you'll go with me now" In great
humbleness confessed my error of Judgment,
and deprecating further censure, volunteered
TO hire a cab. Mr. Tuthill elated and | de-
pressed entered a convenient cab--as Mr.
Tuthiu said in triumphant tones: Drive us
TO Central Music hall.n The driver, though
startled, did not lose his presence of mind,
but mounted his box and dashed his horses
unto motion. \ block away he called down,
"Where did you gents say you wanted to go"
and Mr.. Tuthill replied with some Importance,
ITO Central Music hall" Then merrily that
driver chirruped to his horse and briskly
made the revolution of two or three squares.
halted at last with a great flourish at the
exact spot from which he had started. Here
you are, sirs, he said cheerily, dismounting
MIR. Tuthill looked about in n dazed sort of
way and said, in Far Rockaway reverie:
why, this is where we were before" 80 It
seems to me-" l replied, sarcastically, with
rising emotions. ''This is Central Music hall, ~
said the driver, positively. We'll, we're
hunting for the Stoddard lecture" Right
inside" said the cabman, twinkling But
the concerto ''Oh, that's tomorrow night"
explained the amiable driver, adding persua-
sively, lone dollar, please" said, II think
you'd better pay that, Ben; I'm such chump,
you know AS we entered, the cabman was
heard by us to murmur something about
'hayseeds come to town" We looked straight
ahead. Tuthill whispered, ''Digby, this is a
cold world" replied, Never let this occur
again" He answered, mot on purpose "
Digby Bell in New York World.