Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-09-14
The White Hart
CHAPTER V

WHEN man has experienced some
w great and totally unexpected reverse
Of fortune, has been swept from one plane
of existence to another, that he should
fail at once to recognize the full magni-
tude Of that change is but natural, for
his faculties must OF necessityybe nuRsped
more or less by its very suddenness.
Yesterday had been reduced from ar,
fiuence TO poverty with an unexpected-'
ness that had dazed me for the time
being, and, from the poverty Of an hour
ago, now found myself reduced TO an
utter destitution, without the wherewithal
to pay for the meanest nights lodging.
And, contrasting the careless ease OF
few days since with my present lament
able situation, fell into a gloomy raedi-
tation; and the longer I thought Il over,
the more detected became. To be sure,
/ might apply TO Sir Richard for assist
ance, but my pride revolted ct even the
thought, more especially at such an early
stage; moreover, had determined. be-
forehand to walk my appointed road un-
aided from the first
From these depressing thoughts I was
presently aroused by a loud, rough voice
at no great distance, TO which, though
had been diraly conscious OF II for some
time, I had before paid no attention.
Now, however, I raised my eyes from the
spot upon the floor where they had rested
hitherto. alnd hxed them upon the
speaker.
He was a square-shouldersd bullet
headed fellow. evidently held in much re-
spect by his companions. for he occupied
the head OF the table ard ! noticed that
whenever he spoke the others held their
peace, and hung upon the words with an
appearance Of much respect.
" Yes. sirs.' says ]" he began. louder
than ever before and with flourish Of
his long-stemrned pipe. yes, sirs. Tom
Craggs my name. an craggya my
natur,' says I I be ard. sirs. dey-viiish
ard an uncommon rocky! 'Ere's a face
as likes good knocks I says. wy, when
I fought Crib Burke O. Bristol. e broke
rs and again my Jaw, so . aid. an
scarce knowed 'e'd it me til see i'm
oppin' wi the pain OF Il. Come. sirG.
says !. who'll give me a black eye
hvers all ask Wen, up comes a young
buck ready an willin' Tom SAYS e.
I'm take two maps al that ngger-head O
yourn for seven guineas. come. what aye
| sayT ] says. done says J. So my fine
gentleman lays by IS at an cane. strips
off is right and glove, an Gavin back
let's ny at me. Bang comes Is nat again
my Jaw. an. there's my gentleman
a-dabbin at is broken l,nuckles wi Is
'snkercher. Come, my lord. says J. fair
is fair, take your other whick. tDanana-
! tion! says e, take your money an 80 to
the deyilr says e, ! thought you was
nSsh An blooa an 4ot cdnt IRON
| 'craggy. my lord. says !. gathering up
| the rhino. 'craEgy by name an eragGy hy
! natur', my lord. says J."
! Now, Tom" said tall. bony lnolr
vidual. chiefly remarkable In Possessing &
but one eye. and that 50 extremely rA
and watery as 10 give one the idea th1s
| II was very much overwofked sHoII
| Tom, said he, setting down the rehll4I
| tankard al the great mans elbow Ml1I
a triumphant flourish. tell Us ow III
shcok ands wi the Prince Regent III
"Ah' tel ns.n chined IN the rest
CONTINUED TOMORROW.