The Grinder Papers — page 52: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE GRINDER PAPERS. 47 Then, -I regret to say it, but it can’t be helped, that woman used an immoral expression. In fact, she swore, and says she: ‘The old gal hain’t a notion where she is, I'll bet tenpence.” ? says I. ‘*Meanin’ me, ma’am,’ ‘*Of course,” says she. ‘Tf them’s York manners, give me Hottentots,” says I. ‘They know better than to call strange ladies o/d gals. Ill get out-and walk the rest, sooner than ride along with such com- pany. Pull the check,” says I, ‘‘some o’ you men,” and I tried the door, but it was shut tight. ‘‘ Let me out, driver,” I hollered, and somebody on the ruff called back : “‘Hold your noise in there.” “Tl write to the Herald,” says 1, ‘‘and to the Zridune, and to the rest of the papers. Can’t you stop when I say so? I'll b pay your fare as soon as I see you,” and I banged the door with my umbrella. The man in the ragged clothes spoke up then, and says he; “Taint no use, old lady. If you hev got in by mistake, youve got to stay. They’re used to noises and poundings, They won't stop until they’re ready.” | ‘‘Land o’ Goshen!” says I, ‘‘ what du you mean—ain’t this a Broadway stage?” ‘It's the Black Maria,” says he. “Well,” says I, ‘‘’'d name my stage arter white folks ef I run one. But that’s all taste. Where does this here go?” ‘(To the Tombs,” says he. ‘‘We’re all going there,” and he covered his miserable lookin’ face in his hands. J jest sot and stared, and-tried to think why they should take Gomicboo cS Eo