The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-06-20
The Tale OF IS 1922

Yester- evening, just as the twilight was
creeping gently in, and the frogs beginning
their cultural croak, took my seat on that
dear old mythical rustic bench under the
tall and mythical silvery elm up on the real
eminence located just about a stones throw
back from the avenue which gracefully
winds its spectre-like form through the
What was doing there? Alas. l will
confess it. l had undertaken to write an
article to grace the beautiful face of THE
PRISON MIRROR. and failing to find the
requisite food for thought down in the hol-
low among its very prosaic surroundings.
slowly threaded my way up to the eminence
with an idea that might in that elevated
and poetic atmosphere be inspired to dash
off ten pages or so of matter of more or less
vital importance to the ell-being of man.
kind at large.
However it happened, remains mystery
to me even now, but fact it remains never
theless. that before had enjoyed the cool
and balmy air in my cozy nook for fifteen
minutes, and before had the slightest con-
ception of what mental form the inspiration
would come to ME in. and what the article
would look like when finished, found my
self sound asleep. and in dreamland.
All was chaos for while: but presently,
ah, beautiful vision! the mistS cleared away,
and before me spread in all its gorgeous
splendOr that city of many palaces-San
Francisco. l saw myself standing on the
nf Nnh Hill poyinu n fboI
rapture upon the grand panorama that
spread out before me. 1t seemed to me
that it was with reluctant sigh that | fl
nally turned away from this beautiful scene
and proceeded to join the Surging mass of
humanity on the main ttOrOughfare below.
l wandered along in literal housekeeping
fashion, and being in no hurry, l walked
slowly-stopping now and again before a
shop window or any other attraction.
"Going! Third, and last call, gentlemen;
are you all done? Sold.! right
in young man."
'Assuredly, this must be an auction es-
tablishment," said to myself. as at the
same time l followed the auctioneers inv-
tatiOn and stepped inside the place.
| had no more than time to note the pres
ence of but two auditors besides myself in
the room, when in there rushed eXcitedly a
very genteel appearing young man.
Sir" said he to the auctioneer; II wish
this gold watch of mine sold immediately
Am sorely pressed for funds. What COM
mission do you take?"
Ten per ct.'' was the reply from the as
tOnished auctioneer. But my dear sir,
with this small audience, it would be pity
to put up this fine gold watch"
Never mind about that. Put it up. |
must have the money. Sorry as am
the watch cost me S225-I must sacrifice
it''
'How unfortunate" thought, as l ST.
lently witnessed these proceedings. "And
how distressed the young man does look. "
At.this juncture my thoughts were in
terrupted by the auctioneer, who had
started the sale:
''Its a shame, gentlemen; shame. (etc
etc. What am offered? Who will say
hundred for this handsome gold watch?
Remember. we give written guarantee
Twenty. Twenty dollars only I am bid,
make it fifty. Fifty do l hear it? Forty.
Forty am bid. who will 90 fifty? Fifty
do hear it? Forty-five. It's like pulling
teeth, gentlemen. A handsome gold watch
that would pawn for twice the sum, and
only bid forty-fve dollars. Who says fifty?