John Cheap, the Chapman's Library. Vol. 1: Comic and Humorous: The Scottish Chap Literature of Last Century, Classified — John Shaqi
John Cheap, the Chapman's Library. Vol. 1: Comic and Humorous: The Scottish Chap Literature of Last Century, ClassifiedGraham, Dougal
General
John Cheap, the Chapman's Library. Vol. 1: Comic and Humorous: The Scottish Chap Literature of Last Century, Classified
Graham, Dougal
Chapbooks, Scottish; English literature -- 18th century; Graham, Dougal, 1724-1779; Popular literature -- Scotland
5. One time George being in the country, he came to an inn, where
he alighted to refresh himself and his horse. The innkeeper charged
him double price for every thing he called for.--George never
grumbled at this, but gave him all demands, and away he goes on
his journey. At the inn where he quartered the following night
he was used after the same manner, if not worse. Having little
farther to go, he returned next day, and came that night to the inn
where he refreshed himself the day before. So, when he alighted,
the boy asked him what he would give his horse? What you will,
said he. When he had gone to his room, the waiter enquired what
he would have to drink? What you will, says he. The master of the
inn came into his room before supper, and enquired what he would
have for supper? What you will landlord, says he. After supper,
and a hearty bowl to put all over, he went to bed. On the morrow,
he rose very early, and called for the boy to make ready his horse
in all haste, for he was designed to mount and go directly. Soon
after, he went into the stable where the boy was, calling for his
horse, when he mounted with all the speed he could, and gave the
boy a piece of money, saying, here my boy, this is for taking care
of my horse; I have paid for all I have ordered in the house, and
off he goes. About mid-day he alighted again at an inn to refresh
himself and his horse, and there he chanced to be in company with
his other landlord where he was the night before, and charged him
with the double reckoning: so he addressed himself to him in the
following manner.--Sir, says he, I do believe I was in your house
yesternight; O yes Sir, says he, I mind of you pretty well. And
where was you last night? Last night, says George, I was in one of
the finest inns, and the civilest landlord I ever had in my life:
they brought all things that I stood in need of unto me, without
calling for them; and when I came off this morning, they charged me
nothing, and I paid nothing but sixpence to the boy for dressing my
horse.--Blood and wounds! said the old fellow, then I’ll go there
this night. Ay, says George, do; and mind this, when they ask you
what you will have for yourself and your horse, answer nothing but
What you will, Sir. George smiling within himself, to think how he
had got the one extortioner to take amends of the other. So this
innkeeper set off on his journey, and rode so late that night that
he might reach the cheap inn, that most of the people were gone to
bed before he arrived. As soon as he dismounted from his horse,
the boy enquired at him, What shall I give your horse, master? To
which he answered, What you will, boy. The boy hearing this, runs
away, (leaving him and his horse to stand at the door,) up stairs
to his master’s room, crying, master, master, What-you-will is come
again:--O the rogue, cries he, where is he?--I’ll cane him--I’ll
what you will him by and by. Then to him he runs with his cane,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account