s before, found most of his
acquaintances had left the city on account of the hot weather, and his
experience had been one of uninterrupted dullness. Second person
singular rejoiced in the appellation of John Spout. His genealogy was
obscure, but so far as he could learn, he was descended in a direct line
from his great grandfather on his mother's side. If his ancestry had
ever done anything which would entitle their names to a place in
history, it was very certain that historians had failed to do their
duty: for he had never found the name of Spout recorded in connection
with great deeds, from the robbing of a hen roost down to cowhiding a
Congressman. He was by profession an apothecary, and was laying off for
a few weeks' relaxation. Mr. Spout concluded his personal narrative by
suggesting the following proposition:

_Whereas_, We have demolished a smash, and annihilated a cobler;

_Resolved_, That we now proceed to devastate a couple of segars.

[Illustration]

Mr. Spout adopted the resolution unanimously, and by a further singular
coincidence, they lighted their segars, and left the place for a
promenade. A brisk rain beginning to fall, they sheltered themselves
under an awning. A pair of gold spectacles containing a tall, sharp
featured man, adorned with an unshaven face and a brigandish hat,
approached them, and asked Mr. Spout for a light. Mr. Spout acquiesced.
The party in attempting to return the cigar, accidentally touched the
lighted end to Mr. Spout's hand, and not only burned his hand slightly,
but knocked the cigar out of the fingers of third party; whereupon, Mr.
Spout extemporized a moderate swear. Third party apologized, and offered
a cigar to Spout and Van Dam from his own cigar-case, which they
accepted; and he hoped that in their future acquaintance, should they
feel disposed to continue it, he would not again involuntarily burn
their fingers. He announced himself to be Mr. Remington Dropper, a two
years' importation from Cincinnati, and a book-keeper in the heavy
hardware house of Steel, Banger & Co., down town.

"Mr. Dropper," said Spout, "I am happy to have made your acquaintance.
My name is Spout--John Spout--chemist and apothecary, with Pound &
Mixem, No. 34, opposite the whisky-shop. Allow me to make you acquainted
with my old and valued friend Mr.---- Mr.---- what the devil did you say
your name is?" said he, addressing Van Dam, aside.

"Myndert Van Dam," suggested the gentleman speaking