Wilmington journal., 1875-02-26
KNEW HER BUSINESS.
Nr. MaxOn Gets EIected-HOw Es =
wife Found it OHt.

James Maxon is duly initiated and
valiant knight of Pythlas, residing on
Fou. tn street. The other night he
left home, telling MIS-. Maxon that he
was going to the lodge. About half
past eight o'clock two well dressed
men rang the door bell, and Wi en-
Mrs. Maxon appeared they intro
duced themselves IS scompanlon knights
of Pythias. They said the lodge lad
just he'd an election, and that Mr..
Maxon bad been unanimously called
to the Chancellor's chair-the highest
position in the lodge. They had been
duly appointed. III accordance with
the custom which Is peculiar To the
Order, to Inform her of the distln
guished honor that had been confer
red on her husband, and To solicit er
consent to his acceptance OF the ntfica,
another stipulation peculiar only To
the knights of Pythias. Mr.. Maxon,
they said. according to their rules,
would hold the office for three years,
and would receive an annual salary of
$l,l63, this being the txact amount
according to the tribute levied on each
Knight by the superior council. Mrs.
Maxon was overioyed. and thanked
the courteous gen1lemen-who lad
meanwhile seated themselves in the
parlor-and gave her iroest consent to
the acceptance of the nigh and lucra
tive Office conferred upon her worthy
husband. The visitors rose to leave,
and, as they were atcnt 10 withdraw
with all the thoughtful etiquette OF
thorough gentlemen, one of them sud
denly remarked: "Oh 10y the way,
Il fnrpnT To Ivn
you this note; Mr.. Maxon especially
delivery" i hurrisdly written note
was handed Mrs. Nj, and excusing
herself, she retired to the ligi:tar par
Tor aud read:
Dear Wife:-I have been selected
lodge to act as Chancellor, fattering
office worth nearly 1900 year. Il
is always customary for the newly
elected Chancellor 20 furnish refresh
ments for the knights. J have Only
IS " it'll me. Please send me at least
$50, for | must do the thing mp we'll
Send S100 if you have 1t handy, or
borrow it of the neiRhbors. It Will ali
come back whenI get my first months
salary-$10O. Your loving husband.
JAMES MAXoN.
Mrs Maxon's eyes opeued aud she
thought a moment. Then she went
to a wardrobe. plunged her hand into
the pocket Of her silk dress, pulled
ont a pretty Russia purse, and from
its snugiy tucked up corner took
bill. It looked nice and fresh and had
i'll big figures upon it, ''SlG0," Going
to the door she inquired OF the waiting
Cynrf1ay,on,, GIHil1 f.,t
10 h1m ?" The kind looking fellow
who handed her the note processing
not to know what was III it, spoke up,
"Oh, certainly, certainly, I'll see that
he gets it safely. Glad to accOmmO-
date you. madam"
Said Mrs Maxon, 81 have only
500 bill, and james wants but fifty,
aud besides that l don't want to send
the whole of it. Will you get 1t
changed for me, please"
The two gentlemen consulted il mo-
ment and then said ooh, We have
change" and straightway made up
fifty dollars and gave 1T To Mrs. N il
exchange for the bill, and Wishing he
a very good night retired with all the
elegant grace and maniiness character
istic Of the noble Pythian Knights.
In about twenty minutes Mr.. Ma30n
came home. why" said his wife,
H.I Ito lght you we're entertaining your
knighrly associates. | didn't expect
you before midnight, considering the
amount OF money you wanted for your
feast"
"What do you mean?" inquired Mr..
Maxon. II don't understand you"
"Wby didn't you send me this 2"
said Mrs. Nj , as size handed him the
note. Fright after you left two very
clever gentlemen called and said YOU
had been elected to some very high
ohice-Chancelior, I ttink--and I, Of
Maxon, who had glanced over the
note and discovered it, complexion
calculated, ''YOu gave It to ihcm?
Why it's a diabolical swindle. Did
You give them any money? How
much %
'SWhy, gave them hundred dollar |
bill and they gave me fifty dollars III
change. Here it is"
Mr.. Maxon in a despairipg way took |
the money and carelessly glanced it |
over at first, then more eagerly scan
ming each bill carefully. "Well, we'll,
said he, "th's is double outrage |
Why all this money is counterfeit ex-
cept two five dollar notes But where
in the name of common sense did YOU
ever get 800 bill. You didn't Dor
row shat of the neighbors did you ?"
"No," said Mrs. Maxon, who ap-
oearsd to her husband to be strangely
''I took that $10O note
you gave me about year ago. Don't
you remember? You told me to look
,ut and not to spend it. .
why that's counterfeitr' said her
husband.
ST kne,Ei it was. Did you suppose
iidn't see through their stupid game,
Ar. Maxon? Your wife isn't fool if
he is woman. Give mo those