The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-08-12
ARrEmUs WARDS CHARGE.
He Led a Comedian in Chains an
Had Fun With People.

He Led a Com dian in Chains and
Had Fun With People.
Daniel Setchell, the comedian, was at
one time playing an engagement at one of
the theaters- III Philadelphia. Artemus
Ward and Setchel had been friends for a
long time, ana had passed through many
laughable scenes together. One summer.
during their vacation Ward wished to
visit his mother, living at that time
down east and he conceived the idea
of driving there inStend of going by the
usual railway and steamboat that had be-
come quite monOtOnOus to him. Setchell
agreed to be his companion on the trip, so
after all business matters had been ar
ranged they started on their novel
journey with their "hired horse
and buggy" Nothing of Importance hap
pened on their way out. Ward said his
time and attention were taken up by the
horse The beast desired to make the
pace and he did; the persuader was USE
less and Ward was compelled to allow the
animal to get there when he could After
two days and a night on the road they ar
rived at the home of Wards mother.
Some time was spent there. They enjoyed
every moment of the visit and felt reluc-
taut to leave the happy place when the
day came for their departure AS
they were to return by the road
they came they anticipated a dull
time, and, Of course, two such spirits
could not stand d1llnesS at any time
Setchell was a comedian of the stage as
well as on. and his facial expression was
unexcelled, if not unequaIed by any actor
of his day. He was stoutly built man,
inclined to eerpglency- with full, round,
Jolly face. just as the horse was brought
up and everything made ready for their
departure Setchell quietly said TO Ward:
"Charley Wards name was Charles
thinlr and If
don't want trouble with me you had bet
ter chain me on our down trip"
"All right" said Ward, I've known
that fact Tor some time, and | would
really prefer to chain you, as the land
lords and barkeepers would then have
protection"
The chain was procured and slipped in
the carriage. no one knowing it was there,
and after leave taking and many good
bys as they mounted the wagon, the 'sre-
turn trip was begun. The ride was un-
eventfu nor some time. At noon they
stopped for dinner at the Road Side inn,
and Ward informed the landlord OF his
friends mental condition. Several rustics
gathered round to have look at the Luz
matte, but, with the exception of few
grimaces and rolling of his eyes, nothing
startling occurred. Resuming their Jour-
ney, they found the road almost deserted,
and, of course, 10 need of applying the
chain. Just at dusk they arrived at the
tavern where the night would be spent.
The chain was placed on Setchell and
Ward, carefully leading him, entered the
house Ward told The landlord that his
charge was harmless except at times, but
he could always tell whom the fit was
coming on by his change Of countenance,
which was at times startling.
The landlord got very uneasy and hoped
he would not have Ut in his house. In
the early morning every body in hehouse
was aroused by unear5hly yells coming
from the supposed lunatic's room. There
was general rush of every one and the
proprietor with pale face seemed terror
stricken. In short time Ward sue
ceeded in quieting his com panion, and the
breakfast soon over, they were preparing
TO leave the house, when suddenly the
lunatic began again yelling and distorting
his features. Guests and servants flew
in dismay, and the poor landlord was al
most paralyzed with fear.
DO get him out, Mr.. Ward" he said,
never mind the bill, get him out, get
him out"
Ward, of course, paid his bill, and at
last succeeded in getting his friend in the
buggy.
As they were leaving, Ward said to the
landlord, I'VE will stop here on our way
back"
mo, you needn't" shouted the boni-
face, II close this house for repairs to-
night"
Nothing further happened until they
came to a blacksmith's shop on the road
side. The chain was put on, and they
stopped at the shop door without alght-
ing Ward called to the blacksmith, re-
questing drink of cold water for the I'M
beetle by his side. The smith brought
the sparkling liquid in the usual stone
Jug, and SetchelI, after apparently taking
long draught, with vacant stare, ana
to all appearances not knowing what ne
was doing, threw the contents Of the Jug
over the big blacksmith.
The man retreated a few steps. shaking
the water from his eyes, and then, raising
his huge arm, said, You're not as big
fool as you look and / can lick the pair OF
you,n and started for them with ven
geance in his eye.
Ward was prepared, however, for any
emergency, and before the man could get
near enough to reach them, brought the
whip down on the horse with such vigor
that the poor beast, with fright, jumped
into run, fortunately for the occupants
of the vehicle.
The race continued for some distance,
but the horse succeeded at length in leav-
ing the pursuing smith TOO far behind 70
be dangerous.
IL think the happiest sight Of my Ire
was that enraged and painting blacksmith
standing at the bottom of the hill ana we
at safe distance at the top" said Ar
temus Ward.