Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-05-21
ITO THE MANNER BORN"

There was a lean and hungry look
about him as he opened the door of the
lunch room and advanced toward the
desk, says the Washington Star
Il want to see the proprietor he said
with the air of one born to command.
The man behind the desk took in at a
glance the heavy fringe on the stranger
pantaloons, the I-have-seen-better days
ASPECT of his torn coat and the mutilated
and discolored appearance of his hat.
We'll, what'll you have?" he said,
shortly his eyes moving suggestively to-
ward the door and back again to the
stranger.
Sir" said the latter, Strengthening him
self and proudly throwing back his head,
you see before you gentleman to the
mannor born, who has just returned from
the Klond-''
That's enough interrupted the pro-
prietor, and there was a GOODNESS in his
voice that reminded the stranger of an
Alaskan blizzard he had read about
There's the door" went on the man
behind the desk, pointing toward that
aperture.
Surely l am at liberty to ask civil
question" remarked the stranger, in an
inquired tone. i merely wanted to know
the price of a square meal"
Twenty-Five cents. and in advance!'
snapped the proprietor.
The stranger sighed and stepped back
a pace. Unfortunately for me at the pres
ent moment | gave my last haIf-dollar to
a poor man list night who was in search
of lodging; but, gentleman to the man
ner born though | am, can work. Is
Il think l showed you the door once"
said the proprietor, bouncing up from his
seat.
zone moment" said the stranger, edo
ing regretfully toward the door. Il notice
that your place is in one of the older
buildings in the city, and it ocurs to me
that perhaps the rats are source of an
noyance to you"
wei. what if they are?'' asked the pro-
prletor, pausing abruptly.
new light shone in the strangers eyes
and the gentleman to the manner born in
stinct showed itself in the graceful bow he
made
Because I am great rat exterminator
Give me a square meal and am ready to
kill the vermin, wipe them OUT
The proprietor seemed impressed. He
hesitated only moment, then babe the
stranger to be seated. An hour after
wards the stranger sat back in his chair
with a sigh on contentment as he finished
his dessert
Here is 10 cents" he said to the waiter
but | am a gentleman to the manner
born and spurn the thought of giving you
so small a sum-" and he returned the
dime to his pocket.
Now for the rat killing" he muttered,
rising from his seat
Il am going to ask you for a biscuit roll
Ter" he said, suavely. to the proprietor
When that implement was brought in he
rolled up his sleeves in a busness-like
manner, and looking at those who were
crowdfng around him, Are you ready to
go ahead?'
Certainly said the proprietor, little
puzzled.
Well l am ready, too. Just waltz out
your rats and I'll kill them, according to
the letter of my contract.
The neighbors didn't know Just what
waat was happening, but it seemed as if
a merry-go-round was in operation within
the restaurant. Half an hour later the
proprietor was carressing his eye with a
piece of raw beefsteak ana tall, soldier
ly man was walking down the street
Part of his coat tail was gone and he
looked as If he might have been used
temporarily as a patent floor scrubber,
but his face was illuminated with a ser
aphic smile, such as arises only from a
clear conscience and a full stomach.