Yankee Inquisitiveness — 564
One of the last stories of Yankee inquisitiveness makes the victim give his tormentor a direct cut, in telling him he wished to be asked no further questions. The inquisitor fell back a moment to take breath, and change his tactics. The half-suppressed smile on the faces of the other passengers soon aroused him to further exertions; and, summoning up more resolution, he then began again. “Stranger, perhaps you are not aware how mighty hard it is for a Yankee to control his curiosity. You’ll please excuse me, but I really would like to know your name and residence, and the business you follow. I expect you ain’t ashamed of either of ’em, so now won’t you just obleedge me?” This appeal brought out the traveller, who, rising up to the extremest height allowed by the coach, and throwing back his shoulders, replied: “My name is General Andrew Washington. I reside in the State of Mississipi. I am a gentleman of leisure, and, I am glad to be able to say, of extensive means. I have heard much of New York, and I am on my way to see it; and, if I like it as well as I am led to expect, I intend to—buy it.” Then was heard a shout of stentorian laughter throughout the stage-coach, and this was the last of that conversation.