IN NEW YORK. 301 



wharves ; but glances more eager meet theirs from the crowd 

 of human hyenas and vultures which line the docks ready to 

 pounce upon their prey as soon as it is within reach. Hardl}^ 

 is the vessel made fast before the anxious seekers for whom 

 they may devour, despite the efforts made by officers to pre- 

 vent them, are mounting the deck, and with insidious smile and 

 lying tongue plying their vocations. The hotel runners are the 

 first to greet you, and these keep up a sort of guerilla warfare 

 until you emerge from the wharf on to the street. Kunning 

 the gauntlet of these worthies you are next set upon by a 

 fierce and noisy array of cab drivers. These assail you from 

 all sides with whip and tongue, and you may thank your 

 lucky stars if you pass this ordeal without being impressed into 

 one of their flaming chariots, in which you are carried one 

 square, all for the sum of four York shillings. The feelings 

 of one of these sons of Jehu were so outraged by my not ac- 

 cepting a ride in his phaeton, along with some deprecatory 

 remarks I made, that he off'ered to " lick me for a quarter," 

 which coin not being to spare I was let off. Passing these 

 characters you next come on to a legion of young porters who, 

 for fees as small as themselves, agree to carry your luggage 

 to any part of the city. These, the light infantry of the army 

 of sharpers, are very tenacious, and grabbing your gripsack 

 will only leave you on threats of summary punishment. 



Passing successfully these inner defenses of the city you at last 

 reach your hotel. Now, you think, " I liave passed the troubles 

 incident to the invasion of an enemy's country, and ' I will take 

 mine ease in mine inn !'" 



Innocent man that you are, don't you know that the steps 

 of the returned Californian are dogged by persistent mercena- 

 ries from the time he sets foot on the soil of Gotham till he 

 leaves it, lightened in purse and spirits ! Hug no delusive 

 fancies. Hardl}^ have you emerged from the bath-room and 

 barber-shop before you are met by a gentlemanly-looking 



