Page:Castlemon--Joe Wayring at Home.djvu/17

 things that I did not then know the name or use of, that I became confused while I looked at them.

"Hallo, there! Have you waked up at last?" cried a voice, breaking in upon my meditations.

A short investigation showed that the voice came from the case that stood next on my right. I did not know, of course, what sort of a rod he was, or whether or not he would prove to be an agreeable acquaintance; but wishing to be civil, I replied that I had waked up, and that, if he could tell me, I should be glad to know where I was and how I came there.

"Why, you are in a one-horse country town, a thousand miles from nowhere, and you have always been here," was the answer, given as I thought in a tone of contempt. "I have traveled. I came all the way from New York."

"Who are you?" I ventured to ask; for my new acquaintance spoke in so dignified and lofty a tone, that I stood somewhat in awe of him.

"I am a split bamboo," said he; and then I saw very clearly that he was disposed to throw on airs, and to lord it over those who were not