The Savannah morning news., 1901-11-10
SONGS FOR DINNERS.
How Some Celebrities Have Paid
Their Bills.
From Tit Bits.


Many an artist has ere now settled
a score run up at a tavern by paint
ing a sign for Boniface. George Nor
land painted several, while his friend
Ibbetson did one in settlement of
| bill owing to the landlord OF an inn
at Troutbeck. Harlow likewise paid
bill at the Queen Charlotte, Epson,
with a front and back view of that
Queen, done in Sir Thomas Lawrences
style and signed ST. L." much to the
horror of the famous and ultra-re-
spectacle Academician.
Singers, too, have found their art
avail them under the circumstances.
Once, when staying at an inn in a re
mote Spanish village, Mario, when it
came to paying the bill, discovered
that he had not sufficient money. So
he explained who he was to the hosC
and promised to forward the amount
Immediately. But Boniface, who clear
ly had his doubts as to his guests
identity, remarked that if he were in
deed the great singer he would take
a song in quittance of the debt. Mario
readily agreed to this proposition, and
left h a clean slate.
The celebrated dancer, Taglioni, was
once in a similar predicament. She
gave her name; the landlord grinned
decided doubts as to her veracity. An
CRY, yet amused at the fellows attl-
tude, she bade him push the table
aside, and there and then gave such
specimen of her Terpsichorean ability
that when she quilted the inn an hour
later her bill was handed to her, with
an obsequious bow, receipted.
During one of his walking tours
Prof Wilson put up at an inn, where
for two days he thoroughly enjoyed
himself-so much, indeed, that when
the bill was presented the money IN
his pocket by no means equalled Its
amount. Here was a quandary from
which the host, a well-known local
athlete, suggested an escape in the
shape of a wrestling bout with him
self, on the result of which should
depend a receipt in full for his guest
or the latter's appearance before the
nearest justice as a swindler. wilson
who was a first-class wrestler, prompt
ly accepted the challenge. which it IS
needless to say resulted in its givers
discontinue.
Somewhat similar was the experience
of that American genius. Edgar Allen
TUE, dllnOuSu NO1tCol III lAAS
was to determine whether he or the
landlord of a Boston hotel where he
had run up a long bill, was the bet
ter Jumper. Boniface was so sure
of his superiority that he staked the
total of his guests account against hVe
dollars-long odds which were by no
means justified by the event. which
the poet. who was noted for his aglll-
ty, won by over two feet.
The late Dr. Steintz the celebrated
chess, player used to relate how on one
occasion, while staying at a smaH
German inn. the proprietor, unaware
of his identity, offered to board him
for a week free if he could defeat him
at chess; the alternative being the Tor
feiting of forty marks. Steinitz agreed
to the terms, and although, needless
to say, he was victorious. he used 10
aver that the inkeeper gave him one
of the best games of his life.
Robert Houdin, the con1urer, once
found himself without money Moth
ing daunted, he entered a hotel ana
ordered dinner. An excellent repast was
served; the bill was presented. Woul1
the landlord take glass of wine? VIVA
pleasure. Then prestidigitation ran
riot From every conceivable obleI.
came every conceivable article. WINE
Boniface himself literally moultel
spoons forks and knives. To amaze-
ment succeeded terror, and when me-
began 10 issue from the mouth OF ms
guest he besought him, whom he DOUBT
less took for Old Nick in person 10
quit al once and never mind payment
Lord Norbury. Chief Justice OF Ire
land. who IN described IA having be-u
a blend Of sanoho Panza and Juak'
Jenreys, being 10th 10 settle the A'-
count az q tavern. whore be had pesh
staying, suggested that he shepll
work out" the amount BY pfesialNs
for a week az the daily ordinary ana
singing therest a oonvivial SONG -
this. a. Il was bound % prove a sls1l
draw, the landlord consented, ene ~
doubt re8ped . rich harvest