Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1875-03-28
A Slight Mistake.

Ny brother and l are twins. There can
be no doubt about that, for our likeness
to each other is so great that it is posi-
lively unpleasant to our friends and our
selves. The celebrated Corsican Brothers
were not more alike than We are; that is,
as far as personal appearance goes; be-
yond that Jim and are utterly dissimilar
For instance: am fond of trade, Jim
hates it; have great dislike to horse
racing, Jim dotes upon what he pleases to
call the Turf" avoid danger to such
an extent that have heard some uhchar-
table people call my caution cowardice;
now, nothing pleases my brother better
than running risks; am quiet and peace
able to fault, while Jim is always up to
mischief and constantly in hot water; in
word, two creatures more alike in fea
lures and unlike in character never ex-
isted
How did it cannot tell, but by some
means, managed to offend big, hulking
fellow, whom recognized as the owner
of butchers shop exactly facing my
establishment. l tried all l could to
soothe the monster, but he glared at me
like an ogre, and made such very strong
remarks that thought it better to keep
silent, hoping thereby to let the storm
blow over. Vain hope the butcher being
unable to speak to me in consequence of
my silence, vented his malice by speak
ing at me. He complained about trades
men opening new shops in opposition TO
the old ones; he declared that he had been
made quite sick by some bad butter he
had seen that day, and hoped, that when
the inspector of weights and measures
visited the neighborhood, that he would
look after some shop-keepers in particu
lar, for he, Mr.. Grote, had watched one
fellow tampering with his weights and
measures all day.
i knew that he meant me, for certainly
had amused myself in the intervals of
serving customers by polishing up my
scales and weights, and as l saw by their
looks that the company knew that the
wretch intended ME, had no help for it
but to reply. ..f .......
.Sir," said in the most conciliatory
manner possible, 81 am exceedingly sorry
that have unwittingly offended you, as
it appears have done, but l cannot fail
to see that your observations are evidently
intended for me-" -.... 81.
aft the cap fits you may wear it,"
yrinned the brute. 81 shan't mention
any names to give any one the chance to
take the law of me; amt so green"
1.-THE cap does not fit" replied, for l
beg leave to say that my butter is excel
lent, my scales just, and that all your ac-
cusations are entirely false"
With howl of rage the brute sprang
from his seat and dashed his pipe into
my face. Luckily, two of his companions
seized him, so that 1 was able to make my
escape from the room; but az l fed l
could hear him vociferating, "Come on,
you coward-let me go-yah! you curl"
and so on until had left the house.
From that moment my life was full of
misery. That hOrrid wretch Grote would
not let me alone; he teased me morning,
noon and night, until became the laugh
ing-stock of the neighborhood, and con-
sequently my trade fell off until ruin
stared me in the face. My neighbors
avoided me as if had the plague, and
some even went 80 far as to join the
butcher in annoying me, so that at last
became frightened to go out, and passed
my evenings in the little Parlor back OF
my shop In making up my Dooks.
One night while was SO engaged, q
ring camc at the bell. Iopene3 the door,
nd man clad in long cloak, tho col
lar turned up SO as to conceal his face,
rushed into the passage, a proceeding |
no sooner remarked than l prepared to
rush out into the street, for cannot bear
burglars; but before could execute my
purpose the fellow caught me by the
shoulder, and in tones that froze my very
blood, whispered in my ear:
Don't be fool, Dick; come in and
shut the door, or shall be seized"
"Jimw stammered; "Why, what's the
matter2"
.sShut the door and come into the par
Tor, then will tell you"
did as he commanded, and then wait
I'd impatiently for the explanation Of this
sudden and mysterious visit.