Rensselaer Union and Jasper Republican, Volume 8, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 April 1876 — How a Stranger Fleeced a Hotel-Keeper. [ARTICLE]

How a Stranger Fleeced a HotelKeeper.

Wednesday afternoon a man entered one of the billiard-rooms in thlte city and engaged in a game of billiards. He ware a long and stylish Ulster overcoat, while his pants were tucked inside of his bootlegs. He played about two hours, and when settling-time arrived his bill amounted to two dollars and seventy-five cents. Cautiously approaching the proprietor, he said that he didn’t have a cent, but was willing to leave anything as security, promismg to redeem it in the morning. In reply the proprietor tckl him to leave anything he wished, whereat the strangerasked to be shown to a private room. His request was complied with, and in about five minutes he returned, carrying upon his arm a pair of pants nearly new and of very stylish make. He handed them to the saloon-keeper, saying-. “Take ’em; they cost me eighteen dollars last week, but I’ll redeem ’em to-morrow morning.” “ But what will you wear house ?’ said the proprietor. “ I don’t wish to strip “That’s all right,” said the stranger. “ My Ulster and top boots easily make up for the lack of trousers, and I’ll redeem the pledge in the morning.”! Thus the account was settled, and the stranger departed. Then the stranger went to Gillman Brothers’ Oyster Ocean Hotel, and calling for a room retired., Yesterday morning he appeared at the hotel office and said to the clerk? n Last night I engaged a room here and retired. This morning I awoke to find that during the night I had foot my

pants, which contained all the money I had—about twenty-five dollars. It’s aa unfortunate transaction for me. and while I have no wish to appear hard to suit, I do wish that It may net reflect upon the management of this betel. Therefore I leave w with you to settle as you see fit, promising to abide by your decMeu with* out complaint.” E. a. Gill naan waa caliedj and alter the case had been stated he retired to a room, when he became convkced that the stranger wus without trowrers, anda thorough search and inquiry failed to reveal their whereabouts, and soewa-newpair of pants had' been charged to GiUman Brothers and given to the stranger, who was also given-twenty-five dollars in cash. Yesterday afternoon the keeper of the billiard establishment visited.the Oyster Ocean and related as “ a funny story” the episode of a mats leaving a pair of pants worth eighteen, dollars as security for a billiard bill ofi two dollars and seventyfive cents, adaing “bat he aame back this morning with plenty of money and redeemed them,” - E. H. Glllman,. who had listened to the story, thought he saw some connection between his own experience and the story just related, and told the proprietor A the billiard room.about “ the stolbmpanta and twenty-five dollars,” and they began to compare notes. The result was that, they unanimously agreed that the man with anUlster overcoat and top-boete had, S' shrewd deception, come out winner of a ght's lodging, several games of billiards, a pair of twelve dollar pants and twentyfive dollars in cash. — Detroit Free Preu.