Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 October 1888 — An Abstruse Vagabond. [ARTICLE]

An Abstruse Vagabond.

A tramp walked back and knocked on the kitchen door of a North Sidney house, with the confidence of a family doctor whose coming was expected. The lady opened the door, and he said: “Madam, I have not had a bite of bread since yesterday; could you give me a hunk of cold meat ?” “We haven’t got a bit in the house.” “How do you manage to keep so much this warm weather?” “I say that we are clear out of meat.” “Is it roasted or boiled?” “I mean that we ate it all up at dinner,” raising her voice. “It don’t matter, veal or beef. ” Still louder, “I tell you we’ve got no meat. I’ll call the dog.” “You going to give the dog a chunk of it?” “Chunk of what!” “Why, a chunk of the no meat that you say you have got.” “Here, Tiger, Tiger!” “Good day, madam. I have been plentifully supplied with no meat today, and have none to lose,” and he skipped the fence as the dog turned the corner, saving his bacon. —Detroit Free Press.