The £1,000,000 bank-note, and other new stories — John Shaqi
The £1,000,000 bank-note, and other new storiesTwain, Mark
General
The £1,000,000 bank-note, and other new stories
Twain, Mark
American essays -- 19th century; American fiction -- 19th century; Humorous stories, American
‘Beside the shore of the brook sat a young man, about eighteen or
twenty, who seemed to be reading some favourite book, and who had a
remarkably noble countenance—eyes which betrayed more than a common
mind. This, of course, made the youth a welcome guest, and gained him
friends in whatever condition of life he might be placed. The traveller
observed that he was a well-built figure which showed strength and grace
in every movement. He accordingly addressed him in quite a gentlemanly
manner, and inquired of him the way to the village. After he had
received the desired information, and was about taking his leave, the
youth said, “Are you not Major Elfonzo, the great musician[4]—the
champion of a noble cause—the modern Achilles, who gained so many
victories in the Florida War?” “I bear that name,” said the Major, “and
those titles, trusting at the same time that the ministers of grace will
carry me triumphantly through all my laudable undertakings, and if,”
continued the Major, “you, sir, are the patroniser of noble deeds, I
should like to make you my confidant, and learn your address.” The youth
looked somewhat amazed, bowed low, mused for a moment, and began: “My
name is Roswell. I have been recently admitted to the bar, and can only
give a faint outline of my future success in that honourable profession;
but I trust, sir, like the Eagle, I shall look down from lofty rocks
upon the dwellings of man, and shall ever be ready to give you any
assistance in my official capacity, and whatever this muscular arm of
mine can do, whenever it shall be called from its buried greatness.” The
Major grasped him by the hand, and exclaimed: “O! thou exalted spirit of
inspiration—thou flame of burning prosperity, may the Heaven-directed
blaze be the glare of thy soul, and battle down every rampart that seems
to impede your progress!”’
Footnote 4:
Further on it will be seen that he is a country expert on the fiddle,
and has a three-township fame.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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