The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-09-27

L TOLD INN l nad forgotten my pocket
book in the hurry Of getting ready
for the theatre, but I would call nex'
day and settle the bill.
Too thin story to pass here, sir,
he calculated. we do strictly cash
business
"!I don't want to be bullied abou'
such n trife,' continued; bSt the mar
had completely changed into a hog by
this time, and, coming out from his
place behind the desk, he looked wick
ed enough to choke ne then and there,
"I will call policeman and have
you arrested he said, in a menacine
tone, loud enough to be heard by al
the people in the saloon.
"My blood boiled at the insulting
manner Of the man, and l lost all con
troll over my actions.
Get out of my way and let me pass
you red-headed scoundrel,' said, as
L made dash for the door.
"A general scuff1e ensued, and be
lieve 1 was giving him a few we'll
aimed blows. when, to my horror, po
liceman rushed in and collared me as
roughly as if 1 had been madman.
What's this all about?" he demand
ed of the clerk, who was blind with
rage.
ARREST that man and take him to
the station house, and I will go down
and make charge against him
"'But let me explain cried, in a
loud tone.
Explanations at the station house.
said the officer, as he dragged me into
the street. where a crowd of idlers
had already gathered to see the fun.
'As reached the sidewalk saw the
carriage drive off at a rapid rate. I
learned afterward that Clorinda be-
came alarmed for her own safety, and
promised the driver a liberal reward
if he would drive her to her fathers
house. This made matters worse, for
it looked as if she were an accomplice
of mine, and fed for fear Of arrest.
Imagine the state of my feelings as
I was marshaled through the streets,
with a dozen rude boys yelling all
around me! When We reached the sta
ton the usual preliminaries were gone
through. The saloon keeper appeared.
and made a charge against me Of
'swindling. and deliberate assault with.
out provocation.'
Il told my story, but of course, it
went for nothing, as the policeman
gave his evidence in affirmation Of the
charges. and I was hustled off to a
cell, to pass the night in thinking over
my troubles.
"In the morning I telegraphed to
friend downtown, who soon came to
my assistance and paid fine Of $40
which the police justice imposed on
me. I went home to my boarding
house, and, as luck would have it, the
people in the house were ignorant Of
my adventures during the night. I
suppose they thought I had been on
a spree, but they said nothing, and /
did not enlighten them.
"That evening I made up my mind
to call upon my dear Clorinda and her
parents, for the purpose of explaining
my conduct. All through the day had
been framing excuses which were. for
the most part, lies and equivocations.
When T reached the door, my heart
beat so strongly that felt my courage
giving way, and I stood on the stoop
for several minutes before could sum-
mon sufficient courage to ring the bell.
"When the girl came to the door, 1
asked if Miss Clorinda was at home?
She said. Yes and politely asked me
to take seat in the parlor.'
''In a few moments the servant re-
appeared, bearing card with the COM
pliments of her mistress. I glanced at
the card, and on it was written in a
clear. delicate hand:
"'Have you got rubbers on? Have
you the money to pay for your supper?
If not, I will lend you the necessary
supply. c. s.
II made dash for the door, and was
soon in the street, fearing that the
father might appear and kick me out
Of the house.
"And now, my dear boy, do you Won
der that am still bachelor? My adj
vice to you is-beware of sailing under
false colors. New York Weekly.