Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-08-16
THE BARTENDER's BLUFF.
Made . WhirIing Dcrvish, but Could
 Not Make Two Alike.

Not Make Two Alike. You thought for a minute you had me stuck. didn't you?" inquired the bartender pleasantly of the men 1 who had just ordered. You'll have ] to guess again. I'm pretty old bird to fall down on that easy one. I There are dozens of new drinks invented every year" he continued, growing confidential, land, of course, there is some call for the drinks of l yesteryear, so you will appreciate what 1t means to be first class bar keep. If you're working in a high toned place and are earning your salary you've got to know them all, 1 or at least be able to put up pretty good bluff
 I've always made it a point to keep up to date, and although once in while somebody gets new one on mo, I usually hear of a drink as soon as any one else. Of course the game all the time is never to admit ignorance. A strong bluff will usual ly make good.
 l There is a certain class of fellows whose chief occupation seems to be putting new ones at us barkeeps. They hear the name of some drink l that has become all the rage further east, and they at once trot around t try us out. Say, please mix me a golden pheasant or something equally unheard of. one of these fel- lows will say, giving me sideways look as much as to say: Whats the answer and It's up to me to make good.
 Its ten to one that the man knows just as little about a golden pheasant as I do, and couldn't tell one unless 1t had sign hung on 1t. This is always my opportunity. l don't blink an eye or look in his di- rection second time, but fall to work on the drink, putting every- thing I can lay my hands on into 1t. Maybe I'll fix him up some kind of dope that tastes pretty good, and again it might not be fit to drink; but have made good with the cus- toner and that's all that's necessary They always think it's the fault of the drink and not that of the mixer that is, if he goes about 1t with . enough confidence.
 An old party came into the place, stepped up to the bar and called for a whirling dervish. l made him a whirling dervish, and by the time got through squirting syrups and cor dials and brandies into the tall glass had a drink that I'll bet was peach. He watched me with some doubt in his eye, and felt just bit doubtful myself when stood the re- suits of my labor in front of him. His eye lit up with the most benevo- lent of expressions, and after he had drained the glass he wanted to shake me by the hand.
 | You can imagine my horror when the old fellow sidled close to the bar and called for another. We'll, l did some quick thinking then, and sud- denly decided to keep up the bluf if it cost me my job. I again went to work and soon had tall glass containing strange colored liquor ranged on the bar in front of him. watched the old man with consider able apprehension as he wiped his lips and smiled in anticipation. at smile soon faded. He drani one large swallow, put down the glass, adjusted his spectacles to his nose and looked at me so reproach. fully that I would have laughed out. right had not felt so cheap. How much do l owe you?' he said, reach. ing into his pocket. Nothing, not cent. Those drinks are always on the house. I stammered and leaned ovel the bar. When I stood up again my customer had gone. We'll. then tasted of that drink, and-I couldn't hold myself. I simply leaned agains
 the bar and yelled. d."-Milwaukee
 Journal. a 298