Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-11-21
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
stolen upon unawares. Some one came
and stood behind my chair, and said: II
think, sir, you will find a seat 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, l 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 leveled at them.
Then, too, there was the suddenness of
the thing. To be sure, the speaker
might have worn soft slippers, as is the
custom of many walters, but even then
there would been a shutting sound as
he moved over the polished wood-floor
of the great dining-room.
/ turned quickly, and then it was his
appearance that effaced 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 head
of such disproportiOnate smallnesS that
it looked like little apple on big
limb. The face was even small for the
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.
Isee l have used the word ''grotesque"
in attempting to describe the mans APP
pearance. This is wrong, for l should
rather have said appalling; and, as 1
looked at him, found myself wonder
ing how the shrewd manager of the San
Juan Capistrano Hotel could have en-
gagged so 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 l ever experienced, and l
found, too, that behind that distressing
mask there lay an intelligence of pc
culiar high order.
Il am the son of an English clergy
man." he told me, one day. l had
spilled the salt, and, as did so, l said:
Dear me, that means bad luck, l SUP
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 'Ingoldsby Legends as well
as l remember" he answered, and then
came a short conversation on reading
for / am not of the exclusive order
out of which grew the remark about his
being the son of an English clergyman.
Il know, of course" he said. in that
great below of his, ''that there is fine
chestnuty flavor about this statement
still 1t is strictly true. 1t is also true,
sir, that you will find my name on the
books of Brazenose College, at Oxford. -
well, then, my good fellow" said,
what In the name of ali that's I'M
pleasant brings you here as waiter at
California seaside hotel in the dead
season."
Drink" was the 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, 1 saw that his eyes were
drawn down as if in pain, and that his
huge mouth was all Of a tremble.