The Press., 1895-12-12
THE RUsE OF A THIRSTY MAN.

How a wayfarer without money played a clever game on hotel-keeper: A well dressed man of more than medium height strolled leisurely out of the South Ferry house at II o'clock Wednesday night and
 made his way with uncertain steps across the square to Whitehall-st. When he reached the curbstone he stopped to cogi- tate for moment, and then thrusting his
 hands deep down into his trousers pock-
 cts drew forth a motley collection of old
 keys, bridge tickets, newspaper clippings
 and one lonely copper. He scrutinized
 hiding places and went through the other
 pockets of his outer garments with no
 better success. There wasn't the price of
 glass of beer in the entire mass of curiOs
 which he brought to light.
 The man turned disconsolately and
 walked up the street. Before he had
 gone far he found himself in font of
 brilliantly lighted rum-shop, and hesita-
 ting only moment, he passed into the
 saloon to try his luck empty handed. The
 thirsty customer, already tottering under
 the influence of larger weight of intoxi- | cants than the law allows to any self-re-
 specting member of society, found the | barkeeper in no amiable mood, and
 moment later was upon the sidewalk
 looking more disconsolate than ever. His
 petition at a neighboring saloon met with
 no better success, the only difference be-
 ing that he was landed upon the sidewalk
 in more precipitate haste than on the for
 mer occasion.
 The penniless customer wandered aim
 lessly down the sidewalk until, as if sud
 denly propelled by some unseen power,
 he started toward the Barge Office pier at
 rapid gait, and few moments later
 might have been seen ascending the few
 stone steps, which lead from the pier to
 the water. He had been taking bath in
 the chilly river, and that he had perform
 the task thoroughly was made evident by
 the fact that as he stepped upon the pier
 the water trickled down upon his should
 CTS from the brim of his derby hat, while
 his boots struck upon the pavement with peculiar swishing sound at every step. Bedraggled and forlorn, teeth chatter Ting and hands shaking, the persistent wayfarer walked into Peter Hartman's hotel, in Whitehall-st., a thoroughly sober man. But this time he had a different story to tell. For the benefit of @ curious group of loungeIs he rehearsed long and , well-connected story of how he had been
 robbed while standing near the Battery wall, and upon attempting to resist his assailants had been picked up bodily and tossed overheard into the river.
 The kind heart of Peter was touched,
 and almost before the regular and money ed patrons of the establishment knew what had happened, the' proprietor had thrown the crowd roughly aside and was rummaging among his private stock of liquor for the best the market afforded. ft By the time the generous proprietor had set the best brandy and whiskey he had before his unfortunate guest, the man was shaking so violently that even the glasses standing on the table before him began to dance and chatter in unison. This alarming symptom was soon over. come, however, for the man with the bright idea was soon drinking the best beverages i'll the house to his hearts con- = tent. When he had imbibed so freely that he couldn't stand alone he was put to bed by the hospitable Hartman, and 3 in the morning enjoyed @ hot breakfast which he ate as though nothing unusua 3 had happened the night before.
 Upon taking his leave the stranger re. ceived a well-filled purse, which had beer made up by the sympathizing crowd who had heard his pitable tale.
 Within ten minutes after the stranger had left the hotel friend of Hartman 3 came in and told him of the incident al l the Barge Office steps. ~ The proprietor . was highly disgusted with himself for be ing taken in.772Neso .Y0r6 Tribune.