Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 April 1869 — Turning the Tablea. [ARTICLE]

Turning the Tablea.

“Halt! Your money or your life! Throw up your hands!” exclaimed a stranger, stepping out from the shadow, while accompanying the words might plainly be heard the sharp click of a pistol. The person addressed was a weary newspaper man, winding his lonely way homeward in the outskirts of the city at about tiiree.p’clock in the morning: “Oh, yes,. certainly. I'm in no hurry. Only walking for exercise. Just as soon hold up my hands as not. I’m not armed. Please turn that pistol a little one side. It makes me nervous.” “Hand over your cash!” “Haven’t nary rod with me. You see they took all that away from me when they entered my name on the books.” “When did they take your money from you?”

“Oh, yes; why, at the pest-house. You see, I’m a small-pox patient, juSVout for exercise. They would not let me walk about in day-light, with my* face in this condition, so I had to go it after dark and late at night When thestreets are empty!—. By the way, ’stranger, the wind is rather in your direction, and unless you ain’t particular about it, it might be as well to stand on the other side, I’ve got my old silver watch, though. If you like it, come and take it. You’re at perfect liberty to search me if you like, only don’t point that pistol- this way, its uncomfortable. D’ye want the watch?’’ “No, thank you,” said the robber, backing away and around toward the other side. “I couldn’t take anything from annan so unfortunate as you arc. Here. There’s half a dollar for you, poor fellow. Go and get something to drink,” and he threw the Coin toward him, and backing off. “Now!” said he, “you turn batik and go round the block the other way. As you’re only walking for exercise it won't incommode you—” “Oh, not a particle; I’d just as soon walk with you if you desire it Either way, though, its all the same to mo. Thank you for the half.— Won’t you join me and drink to my recovery?” “Well, you go round the block the other way, and as I haven’t hurt you, say nothing about having met me. I guess I’H go this way,” and then watching until the supposed small-pox patient turned the corner, lle StaTted bfl' on a full fuh in the opposite direction. “Mr. Newspaper man proceeded on homeward undisturbed, and slept the sleep of one who enjoys the consciousness of having done a good thing, and four bits better offfor having met a highwayman. — Golden Era. .......