Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 January 1880 — A Watch in His Hat. [ARTICLE]

A Watch in His Hat.

We have seen a great deal written and heard considerable said about the “Man in the Iron Mask,” and the man with a “brick” in his hat, but while riding on a Western railroad a short time since we actually beheld a man with a watch in his hat—aye, in his hat—but not on the inside of his hat—a plain silver watch set in his hat front, about midway between the rim and the crown, face outward, so that any one passing in front of him could tell the time of day. He was a middle-aged man, with long hair —by the way, how is it that almost all eccentric individuals wear long hair—even Samson did until Delilah found a pair of shears—and paid no apparent attention to the numerous queer looks cast at him. It getting noised about the train numerous persons from other cars would pass through the coach he was in to see the man with the watch in his hat. At last ony young gent with more assurance ' than discretion ventured to ask the peculiar party the reason why he carried his watch in that promineut position. The old sport looked his questioner quizzically iu the face and told him it was an alarm watch, and every time it struck it hit his head, and reminded him that it was time to take his medicine, and remarking, “ It has just struck,” pulled out a bottle of “ old rye” and took a good “ swig,” and the young man retreated amid the quiet smiles of the adjacent passengers.