Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 July 1875 — Hard Up, Yet Rich in Eloquence. [ARTICLE]

Hard Up, Yet Rich in Eloquence.

He walked out of the depot with a sachcl in his hand—a good-looking sachcl, yet terribly gaunt and thin. If sachels had ribs. one. could have seen that sachel’s ribs and noted how thin in tlesh it was. When a professor of hack-driving asked the stranger if he would have a carriage he smiled blandly, and replied: “ Not this time. Colonel—not just now, although 1 warn thee that it is plebeianlike for a duke to walk around with his baggage in his hand. lam in search of a hostelry —a caravansary where I can recuperate and refresh." When he stood liefore the hotel clerk the clerk noted that the stranger's hat was full of dents and caves; that his shirt-front was badly soiled; that his garments were becoming threadbare and that there was need of thorough repair. “ I desire a seat at the banquet-board without delay,” said the stranger. "I have traveled far and feel the need of refreshment. V The clerk smiled as thcsachel was lifted over the counter. He “hefted” it and smiled again. “I carry the ducats here in my wallet,” said the stranger, “ and after I have sipped the amber mocha and carved the spring poultry I shall cheerfully requite thee.” He might have seventy-five cents about him —the clerk would chance it. Victory lurked in the stranger's eye as he turned to one of the bell-boys.and said: " Youthful me to a place where I can lave my fevered brow.” He was conducted, and after he had laved he looked a little better. Even a boot-black is improved by a liberal application of soap and water. Still, there was that lank sachcl behind the counter, those threadbare garments and that hungry voice.

“ Now, serf, proceed to the banquethall and I will follow thee,” said the stranger, as he ran a coarse comb over his head for the last time. Seated at the table and approached by a waiter, he remarked: “Thou canst bring me rare viands of any kind, and I shall not quarrel with thee about the cookery.” “ Beef-steak—fried ham —mutton-chops or liver?” queried the girl. “Fair lady, to thine ow T n good judgment do I leave it,” lie replied; "only lqt wings lie added to thy speed, for my castle is leagues away and I hunger.” She brought him a well-selected stock of groceries and provisions, and lie got away with them as a steam-ditcher goes down through sandy soil. He ate his till, and then he crammed another meal down on top of that. He emptied his coffeecup again aud again, and when he finally rose from the table lie could hardly lift himself. Turning to the fatigued waiter lie gently said: “ Fair maiden of the valley, tliou hast done thy culinary work in a manner which speaks volumes for thee. Permit me to offer thee my heartfelt thanks.” He strolled into the office, put some matches in one vest-pocket and some toothpicks in the other, and then, leaning his elbow on the counter, said to the clerk ■- “Thou knowest thy duties well, and when I am far aw-ay I shall gladly sound thy praise.” “ Come, no fooling now —out with that seventy-five cents.” “As soon as my retainers arrive I shall give thee a weightypurse, and thou canst keep every ducat in it.” “Ducats lie hanged! I want scrip—nickles—stamps! I want pay for your breakfast!” “ Gently, my friend with the Roman nose,” continued the stranger; “thou canst not say I am a lord or aduke in disguise.” “ And I don’t care a cent! Are you going to pay?” “ Am I going to turn these fragments of wood into gold ?” queried the stranger, as he held up a number of pine toothpicks. ' The clerk came out of the office,having the lean sachel in his hand, and he took the stranger to the door, kicked him with great good will and pointed up the street. “ I go, said the man in a solemn voice, “ but when my retainers arrive I shall seek revenge—human gore shall be shed to satisfy me!” “You want to gore right away from here—quick—smart!” exclaimed the clerk. He went. His face was clouded for a moment, but then a grand smile covered it, and he stopped a newsboy and asked: “ My faithful minion, canst thoudirect me to an office over the door of which, hangs the traditionary golden balls of the base money-lender—a place where I may exchange a few precious heirlooms for some vile dross ?” And the boy did.— Detroit Free Press.