Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 August 1896 — HOW ELASTIC ARE HOTEL BILLS [ARTICLE]

HOW ELASTIC ARE HOTEL BILLS

Drummers May Beat a Tattoo on Their Km ploy era’ Bank Account. “How much shall I make out Tour bill for?” Inquired the country hotel clerk, as the guest was learing. “Make It out] for what I owe,” replied the man, a little surprised. “The bill Is SB,” continued the clerk, with an Ingratiating smile, “but I’d just as soon make It out for $9 or $lO. It’s all the same to us.” “Perhaps It Is,” the puzzled guest ex* claimed, “but It Isn’t to me. Why should I pay $9 or $lO when my bill Is $6T’ “Aren’t you a drummer?” the dark suddenly demanded. “Certainly not” There was a pause, and then the guest suddenly demanded: “What’s all this business about fake bills, anyway?” “We always make out bills *to suit’ for drummers,” exclaimed the clerk, “so’s th‘ey can come out even on their expense accounts. A traveling man who pays us $6 can get a receipt for $lO If he likes, and when he settles with his employers he shows them the receipted bill and pockets the difference. I thought you were a drummer." “No, I’m not,” replied the guest, “but I know a good many drummers. In fact, I employ about a hundred, and 1 notice that when they come to this town they always stop at this hotel. I observe also that It’s a $2 joint and that I’m always charged $3.00. Never mind, though, I’ll lay for the next man who stops here.” And as he went out the clerk looked as if he thought he had put bis foot right In It and the foot was held there. —New York Herald.