The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-12-12

death nj some past time. | felt an al
most Irresistible desire to inquire into
his past history, and especially as to the
accident mentioned, but before / could
make up my mind to approach so pain
| full n subject, my attention was diverted
to the conversation of the two passen-
gers opposite to us, a tete-a-tete which,
singularly enough, led to solution of
the very problem over which / had been
puzsling myself.
The old fellow had evidently broken
out afresh, but instead of ranting, had
quietly merged his indignation into
general conversation with his friend con-
cerning economy, and the ever-recur-
ring necessity of new suit of clothes.
Armadel had also become interested, and
seemed very much amused at the earn
est manner and emphatic CALCULATIONS of
the miner. AS soon as he paused, Ar
madel looked over encouragingly, and,
by an occasional facial assent to the
miners views, gradually ingratiated
himself into their notice, and finally
ventured to enter into the conversation.
THE trouble" said he, sis that we
are so careless at times that it would
take remarkably stout quality Of
goods to withstand it. Would you be-
lieve % he continued, 81 have worn
tins nose for over ten years, and, as you
see, it gives no signs of wearing out
yet.
He laughed and replied, 90, that is
very different matter altogether"
No." said Armadel, q am not
Joking. Look closely and you will see
that the greater part of my nose is arti-
fetal in short, nothing more nor less
than India rubber.
SO, upon looking more closely we
saw that he really spoke the truth, as
the junction was very distinct, the In
dia rubber being held in position by
some artificial means.
IF you would like to hear the history
of that accident | am at your service.
The circumstances are rather singular,
and will probably interest you," said
he turning to me.
We all gave our consent. He settled
himself into a comfortable position, and
after some little pause begah the nara
tive of his misfortune. At first / was
somewhat inclined to smile ut his seem
ingly disinterested manner of treating
the matter but, as his story advanced,
he gradually became more earnest, and
quite absorbed our attention, as well as
that of our fellow-passengers. He
commenced thus
"Ten years ago ] was residing in
Paris, that is for month or two, for [
never stay longer in any place. One
evening, few days before my intended
departure, weary with the almost inter
minable round of dissipation in which
| had been indulging for some time, and
thinking of no other plan at the time
by which l could relieve the monotony,
| started on stroll, not caring whittier
| went, nor feeling any apprehension as
to the probable whereabouts of it's ter
mination. My journey for some time
was down one of the principle boule-
wards, where the usual scene of fashion
and pleasure met my eye on every side.
! felt keen delight in my perfect isola-
ton from the world Here / was in a
large city, knowing but few persons,
and very little probability of my meet
! ing any of them i'll SO crowded a tho
roughfare.
4" SO, perfectly lost within myself, /
wandered on for about an hour, until at
last | began TO tire of the ncver-hagging
! hustle and noise which beset me on
every side, and without thinking for a
| moment, turned off into side street,
/ leading | knew not whittier. But was
IN forit, and determined to explore it to
! the end. At first the shops on either
side presented brilliant appearance,
with their tastefully arranged show
windows and dazzling mirrors, but as
my footsteps advanced, these signs of
refinement and splendor began to di-
minish, and the further i went the more
dingy and tumble-down appearance did
everything present. A bright idea
struck me it would be great thing to
lose myself ; and, utterly needless, /
turned corner after corner, until L was
lost to my entire satisfaction.
"The sun had now gone down, and
here and there the street lamps were
being lighted, which, if anything, added
more somber and lonely appearance
to everything around me.
But few persons were stirring in the
street, and they seemed TO be very much
absorbed in the all-important matter OF
getting home.
Now and then passed a wine shop,
within which / supposed few of their
regular customers were congregated.
but as it was then quite early, none OF
them had yet drank sufficiently to make
them particularly hilarious. Still on
and on / went, noticing but little, but
apparently observed by no one.
So completely had L become alb
sorbed in my own thoughts, that | did
not notice IA gutter which ran across the
sidewalk, and as very probable conse.
quence, stumbled, and was only saved
from falling by the friendly interven.
ton of lamp-post. Immediately re-
covered myself and was about moving
on when l was accosted by man stand
ing in barber shop
An ! good evening, sir you have
nearly met with an accident.
Yes / returned 'but it vii
teach me to be more careful, for to-
night, at any rate.
All you are an Englishman,
SAL he you are very much out o.
your latitude. Cannot do something
for you 2 he continued, with signif
cant scrape with his hand over his cheel
and knowing wink.
XO,, have the honor them of cor,