The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1910-08-19
WHISTLER TALES.
Some Amusing Peculiarities Of
the Eccentric Artist.
BARRING OUT BILL BEARERS.

He Knew the Knock Of Each Collector
and tho Amount It Represented.
London cabbies Had Good Reason to
Fight Shy Of the Erratie Genius.
There was steady stream of credi-
tors at the King street studio in those
days. says writer in the Century.
Whistler made no effort to conceal the
fact that he was deeply in debt. One
4ay as we were busily and silently
working there came loud business
like rap at the door. Whistler listened
attentively.
"Psstv said he. That's one and
ten
Within half an hour there was an
other rap, not quite so loud.
Two and six" said Whistler.
"Psst!''
What on earth do you mean?"
asked after time
Zone pound ten shillings; two
pounds six shillings. Vulgar trades
men with their bills. colonel. They
want payment. All, well.' he sighed
with an exaggerated air of sadness
and returned TO his canvas.
Then came another knock. most
! gentle, insinuat ting rap.
Dear me-" said Whistler, that must
be all Of twenty! Poor fellow, really
must do something for him. So sorry
I'm not in
i could not take the situation so
4 placidly and seized eagerly the first
j opportunity Of financial aid that pre-
scented itself. A rich American. So
journing in London, asked me what
he could purchase and take back with
him in the way of art.
by all means get a set of Whistler's
etchings. Unquestionably he will
make for you a selection. I'll speak to
him." / told him, and hurried back
with the good news
Whistler was delighted, and for a
day worked busily, overhauling aud
sorting his proofs. The selection was
splendid one and called for sub
Btantial payment. 1t was arranged
that Whistler should meet the pur-
chaser at bank in Queen street the
following morning and receive his
check.
Most men under the circumstances
4 would have thought of little else, but
by the next morning Whistler had
wholly forgotten his engagement, He
had begun II new canvas, and was
completely absorbed in it. For while
: expostulated in vain.
Come, Whistler" / said finally, you
: have been away from America SO long
: that you don't appreciate the value OF
time to the traveller. particularly the
American traveller You must not keeI
the man waiting"
Very well" said he, laying down his
brush, with sigh. Now We'll CO.
why WEI" replied. II don't want
to CO." protested firmly. To tell tho
: truth. was looking forward with 6
great deal Of comfort to a morning al
to myself.
"Oh, but you must" he said calmly
bringing my coat and hat and present
} ~ we stood in front of the house sig
| mailing cab.
One came up readily enough, but
nfter one scrutlnizing look upon thu
cabby's part, drove swiftly by; an
bther went through the same strang,
proceedings. / looked questioningly a
Whistler-this odd circumstance hat
happened before we We're together
, but Whistler was calmly signaling. A
length a cabby took us III.
, Whistler always carried as a walk
Ing stick long. slender wand, sor
i. Of mahlstick. nearly three-quarter
, of his own height. We were no soone
t seated than he began poking his site
ut the horse. The animal reared
t plunged wildly and started down til
4 street at a breakneck gallop, while til
c nstonished cabby swore freely an
t tugged desperately ut the rein
q Whistler looked calmly ahead and keI
poking.
J Butcher boys and grocer boys mao
l. wild leaps for safety; outraged cabbit
y whipped their horses out Of the wa
Just in time; burly drayEen bawle
. curses after us. and still we wei
: merrily on. Little wonder. thought
: In the midst Of my Amusement al
resentment, that Whistler never ge
the same cab twice.
Suddenly he began waving his ca
s. ! and shouting "Whoa" He took t