Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-02-23
DlGBY BELLS STORY.
Ben Tuthill Knew 1t All. Excepting What
the Chicago Cabmau Knew,

Ben Tuthill Knew 1t All. Excepting What
the Chicago Cabman Knew.
One evening in Chicago Mr. Ben Tuthll,
representing 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 great deal IL Chicago
and PROCESSES to know the city well, at once
constituted himself general guide, with the
cheerful assurance that he knew the way. |,
who am the personiication of credulous limo
cence, yielded myself to the leadership Of
Mr. Tuthill until | found that gentlemans
footsteps were pointed well into the shadows
of Wabash avenue II don't think this is
the way TO Central Music hall, hesitatinGly
volunteered This was an irritating assault
upon Mr. ruthill's 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" l
paused 1t seems to me, ! said deferen-
italy, Its in the other direction. An
right" said Mr. Tuthll in high dudgeon;
then Wen go that way and see where we
pull up" We turned about and retraced our
steps, coming finally, with respectful uncer-
tainty on my part and jeering volubility on
his, to the entrance to Central Music hall.
In dubious tones | remarked. II believe this
is the place Old man" Mr. Tuthilfs gaze
lighted ON large poster that took up half
the way and announced the "Nalla concert"
for the following night Then Mr. Tuthill,
who hasn't very quick perception of dates,
let his scorn blaze out wltherinsly.
There, you chump," he exclaimed
You've brought up at some concert room,
and hope you are satisfied didn't attend
tho Thomas concerts all last summer without
learning where Central Music hall sand
maybe youll 30 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..
Tuthill said in triumphant tones: Drive US
to Central Music hall" The driver, though
startled, did not lose his presence of mind,
but mounted his box and dashed his horses
into molten. A block away tie called down,
Where did you gents say you wanted to gof'
and Mr. Tuthill replied with some Importance,
TO Central Music hall" Then merriiy 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.
Mr.. Tuthill looSed about in a dazed sort OF
way and said, in a Far Rockaway revcrie:
why, this is where we wero before" 80 it
seems to me- | 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 concertT oh, that's tomorrow night"
explained the amiable driver, adding persua-
sively, "one 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
"ha yseeds come to town" We looked straight
ahead Tuthll whispered, 'Digby, this is a
cold world" replied. Never let this occur
again" He answered, Not on purpose u
Digby Bell in New York World.