The Swamp Doctor's Adventures in The South-West: Containing the Whole of The Louisiana Swamp Doctor; Streaks of Squatter Life; and Far-Western Scenes; In a Series of Forty-Two Humorous Southern and Western Sketches, Descriptive of Incidents and CharacterRobb, John S.
General
The Swamp Doctor's Adventures in The South-West: Containing the Whole of The Louisiana Swamp Doctor; Streaks of Squatter Life; and Far-Western Scenes; In a Series of Forty-Two Humorous Southern and Western Sketches, Descriptive of Incidents and Character
Robb, John S.
Southwest, Old -- Social life and customs
“And why not, mother?” inquired John. “It is the material which passes
current for gentility. If half mankind, who now move through good
society unquestioned, were placed in my old dusty suit, the world would
never discover their claims to the title--no, no! After all, your fine
suit is the world's standard of a fine gentleman--it will gain the owner
consideration among mixed assemblies--credit in the mart of trade--a
high place in the synagogue, and moreover, it is a general ticket,
entitling its possessor to the world's civility!”
“Well, bless me!” exclaimed the old woman, “if they don't make a change
in your talk--you're gittin' right toploftical.”
After many thanks on our hero's part, and much admiration on the part
of his friends, he received permission to wander forth and see his old
friend of the road, to whose dwelling he was correctly directed by the
shoe dealer. A kiss from his adopted mother, a five dollar bill from the
old man, for pocket money, and out sallied John, his person erect, and
step buoyant with good fortune--sickness had almost fled before his
revived hopes.
The aged pair stood in the store door gazing on his manly form, as he
receded from them, and a feeling of pride glowed in their hearts, the
nearest akin to a parent's, that nature will permit. They knew that
no one could rightfully dispute their claim to him, and proud in their
pre-emption right, they retired into their dwelling with newly awakened
pleasure. Arrived at his travelling acquaintance's mansion, he looked at
the name of “Charles C. Briggs, Attorney at Law,” upon the door plate,
and a glance at the exterior of the building, assured him that the
dweller therein was one of the prosperous class of his profession.
Knocking at the office door in the basement, he was bid enter, and on
doing so found seated at a desk, surrounded with piles of legal lore,
the same old gentleman who had so kindly bid him farewell at Wheeling.
The recognition was mutual, and the old mail's manner truly cordial.
“So, you found me out,” said the attorney.
“Yes,” replied John, “but a precious long tramp I've had to reach you.”
His friend insisted upon his seating himself, and relating an outline
of his adventures, at which he laughed most heartily, and when John had
finished, he clapped him on the back, saying--“You are a lucky dog--in
your first journey you have gathered more lessons of wisdom, than many
meet with in a life time, and your mind may turn them into vast profit.”
“Well, I'd like to realise something out of them,” quietly remarked our
hero, “for I have expended all my capital in learning them.”.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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