The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-02-28


ingly introduced himself as Ike Busen-
bark of Shickshinny, Pa. Mr.. Busenbark
was simple and unaffected in manner and
rather baekswoods in his dress; in fact.
he bore a striking resemblance to HI
Holler of way Down East" fame.
well, by tunket" observed Mr.. Busen-
bark "I heard tell o. these here New
York skyscratchers, but 1 never had no
dee what they was like till this week.
Why, they're most as tall as the noun
tains down where I come from.
I've been stuck in Shickshinny nigh
onto 3S years, and now I'm going to see
life in this here gay metropolis. We
found coal down In the pasture lot, and
now I've got so much money I'm nigh
humpbacked carrying it around
Here Mr.. Busenbark produced a huge
wallet secured with many yards of Irvine.
He proceeded to unwind the fastening and
displayed to the company a thick pack
age of yellowbacks. The gentlemen eau
toned him on his reckless display but
Mr.. Busenbark said he felt perfectly safe
in showing his treasure among friends.
Maize pressed refreshments on the par
ty. Mr. Busenbark exhibited a prodigious
capacity for beer and sandwiches and it
proved impossible to drag him away from
the banquet hall until the edibles were
consumed He then took his place at the
card table, and explained that, while he
was an expert at old maids and casino,
his knowledge of poker was rather hazy.
He further asserted that he was per-
fectly willing to pay for tuition in the
national game.
George gave each gentleman 500 worth
of checks and bestowed the money care
fully in his vest pocket. Maize seated
herself where she could see that the kitty
was getting all it was entitled to, and
| the game was on.
| Mr.. Busenbark proved to be one con-
| tinuous jag of joy as a joker player.
| He stood half a dozen raises on a pair
+, of tens and laid four aces in big
| jackpot without making a bet His
opponents tried to explain the points
of the game. but Mr.. Busenbark stated
| that he had come to New York to have
a good time; that he was having
good time, and that nothing gave him
so much pleasure as to distribute
money among friends. Mr. Busenbark
continued to play with abandon I'M
til he had lost $50. He then looked
at his watch and discovered that it was
nearly l o'clock
| We'll, I'll swan" said he Il amt
been out this late since Obed Hard
| tacks barn burnt two years ago last
! fall. You gents keep on playin and
I'll fight out for my tavern. Just give
me the address of your place, Mr.. Ma
givern and I'll come around tomorrow
and see you"
| Mr.. Busenbark jotted down Mr.. Ma
giyern's address on a card and George
assisted him into his overcoat. In re-
turn for this politeness Mr.. Busenbark
| carefully brushed some cigar ashes
| from Georges vest. having bade every
| body cheerful farewell.
"Chorge, dot friend of yours is a conf
cal feller," said Mr.. Schultz
Hes no friend of mine,' said George.
81 never saw him before tonight; I guess
he's a friend of Magiverns.''
HE came in my place just before large
came in," said Magivern. 'Whin he
started down the strate with us thought
he was frind of Wise's. But tbs no
great matther, anyhow, for he lift 80
good round dollars with u.s."
The game languished after the depar-
ture of Busenbark, and Mr.. Wise, who
was about $50 ahead. said he was so
sleepy that he could hardly keep his eyes
open. When he reached in his pocket to
consult his watch he suddenly became
wide awake.
my watch is gonen' he shrieked
Wow! Wow! The wise mans been
touched said Magivern.
We'll, you needn't laugh said Mr..
Wise vindictively Il don't see no watch
chain on you neither"
1t was too true; Magivern's timepiece
had also vanished.
MY. but youse fellers is marks said
Mr.. Schultz I'm awful glad I didn't set
next to dot Busenbarks man. Chust cash
be in feefty dollars worth, Ghorge und
keep the seventy-five cents for your
self"
George was Mortified to find a roll of
tissue paper in place of the greenbacks
which mad been intrusted to him. In the
center of the paper was card Which
read: Dear George: According to Hoyle.
the bank roll should always be kept in
safe. Much obliged for the same. From
your friend, Busenbark."
'Chee." said Mr.. Schultz. ''if dot town
of Chickchinny was to move to New
York they'd have to put anchors on the
Flatiron building. I'm going home before
iose my cloes."
81 don't wish anybody amy hard
luck." observed Magivern, but I wish
there was a dinnymite boom in the
watch
The gentlemen dispersed quietly, if
somewhat sadly, and left George and
Maize alone amid the debris.
George" said Maize, did you ever
hear about the yellow clarinet? Well