Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-21

language and are looked for eagerly by
Tine member Of the y. T. L. (Nauonal
rrampiug Tuion) who is exploring new
Ground Sometimes, even as in that
,,r.s+es, NJ AN vehicles of communication,
the English language, there arises con-
f,sion which makes even a tramp think
F.r instance. a Weary was once looking
~ a cross carved on a paling Of a yard
fence. He had put that cross there one
wear ago 10 the day. but for the life
- him he could not recOllect whether II
stood for 10 cents ne had been gener-
ously given inside, or wood-horse
THE STRANGE INSCRIPTION.
So then. our new acquaintance puzzled
their long-forgotten brains TO interpret
the inscription on the post. 1t was really
simple eu0ugh-when understood. Inc
artist had skilfully drawn stream ~
tovyinr water of yeuowish color upon the
yyhitewashed surface Of the post. He had
represented a number of men clad in
working clothes. with spades in their
hands standing up TO their knees in the
stream. They were I'm the act Of digging.
What could IT mean? 1t was evident,
from their loud talk and gesuculau0ns,
they could not agree.
MIR WILLIAMS'S INTERPRETATIONS.
'NI.rfNI IdIudHult Ilollhf Hclh -hiFANA
W,srv william, those men are at work.
That picture was drawn by some self-re-
suertue brother Of our distinguished pro-
fession. who wished to warn us Of the in
sultiuc treatment that awaits us i'm this
city Those men are actually cleaning
out ShockOe creek. the most beauteous-
nav most disgusting-of all streams
"Aiister Hank" he continued, you may
go into that place if you. in your superior
wisdom so elect. but l choose none or II.
some kind-hearted, thoughtful brother OF
our great Union intended that should
warn YOU and me and all others who are
11urncying across the dark Wlds OF ne
Mr Williams had begun in loud harsh
tone but. apparently, touched and SOFT
,red by what ne believed 10 be the genu-
iue kindness Of a member OF the brother
hood. his voice, as the last sentence
closed was low and almost sweet.
WHAT MR. HANK THOUGHT OF 1T.
The reply Of the other cOntrasted In
tone with 80. 1t was spoken complain
iuely and while not very loud, was shrlIl
and very penetrating. you are always
slspecting somebody or something" he
began. 81 don't believe that sketch, al
m.rlbly done for an amateur, means Work
in the sense you are pleased TO construct
3d. Mister William. That is hlondlke
scene, the men are digging gold. 1t IS
symbol Of prosperity. and means good
cheer and plenty for US. That city the
proud Richmond of Virginia" he de-
uIlrcd. els represented nObly as stream
Of pure and living water flowing over a
bed Of gold" He said this, and the three
weeks growth Of beard upon his lips part
cd in "a grin of derision at the pessimism
o. the other.
THEY SEPARATE.
"Au right" returned william. good
br 10 YOU will go in. l am not though
wish YOU we'll"
IIc extended his begrimed paw. which
Was taken carelessly by the other VINO
,a.J as he did so: Il hope your travels
may De pleasant and fruitful. OF much
comfort and peace Of soul Nhen pe,
come Mayor Of this hourishing ana PROUD
r.fv I'll send for you and nave the eN-
Ql.site pleasure OF reminding you at my
own table. grooming under the best OF inc
land that I told you so"
They departed-the one for wanderinsS
.u other places. the other TO mingle Tor
awhile with the happy people OF RICH
m0nd
That other Is shown In the cut when
accompanies this plain tale. He Is slahu-
.ng in ShOckoe creek. just bS the power
house Of the Richmond Traction company
It had his breakfast at 1:b O'CLOCK, was
40 bis place OF business at g. Will remain
there until o'clock. when he goes TO am |
Icr. fashionable as 90 the hour, at least !
Only he did not have any lunch as fash /
ionable folks have. and will have no sup |
Per.
lt Is impossible I'm this story TO follow !
The wanderings and record the pleasant /
experiences Of Mr.. william. IL can only |
be said in passing that ne has heard or |
The fate OF his friend and former COM
psuiOn. Mr.. Hank, and will not turn
bis steps TO Richmond until he comes
a. the guest OF the Mayor.
IT CERTAINLY LOOKS ODD.
TO a man who Is neatly clad. who has
few dimes in his pocket, who has so
far succeeded in lodging the collector
Tor one day. and who. under such de-
Aghtful conditions. and an umbrella,
stands upon the banks OF this truly de-
Aghtfui stream, the picture which lies
before him IN reality. and is given also
here is an odd one. II certainly has a
sober side, II also has It's ridiculous as
poets.
There are seven men al work-a men,
Der OF the Caucasian race, Mister PAN
handle Hank and six members Of tha