The Confidence-Man Chapter 18 Summary

Inquest Into the True Character of The Herb-Doctor

  • Two men are discussing the herb-doctor. They disagree over whether it was fair that he was exposed as a fake. One thinks he's a clear charlatan, while the other only accuses him of being a fool.
  • Suddenly, the herb-doctor returns, asking for the man collecting money for the Seminole Widow and Orphan Asylum (that's Grey-and-white). The herb-doctor says he always donates half of his sales to charity.
  • There's no response from the crowd. Been there, done that.
  • The herb-doctor keeps offering the money, saying he'll give to anyone connected with another charity, whether they have a certificate to prove it or not, because he trusts them out of the goodness of his heart.
  • People shuffle their feet but don't speak. A woman stands to get the money. The crowd side-eyes her until she sits down.
  • Then the herb-doctor says that anyone in need can just have it.
  • Another woman in clear mourning garb starts weeping, but she doesn't move to get the cash. Eventually, a man with a bandage across his face goes to claim the money.
  • As the man with the bandage heads back to where he was standing, camp-charlatan guy stops him and asks to see the coins. He's surprised that they're real silver.
  • Camp-fool guy is not surprised. Now they disagree over whether this was sincere or whether it was part of another bizarre ploy.
  • A third guy interjects. Giddy for gossip, he says he knows what's up.
  • The crowd asks what's up.
  • New guy says he's a Jesuit roaming the land to confound the public.
  • The other two give the Jesuit a You're a silly old bear smile. Nothing is resolved.