The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1875-03-05
4 SLIGHT MISTAKE.

My brother and I are twins. There
can be no mistake about that, for our
likeness to each other is SO great that it
is positively unpleasant to our friends
and ourselves. The celebrated Corsican
brothers were not more alike than we are;
that is, as fur as personal appearance
goes: beyond that, Jim and I are utterly
dissimilar. For instance: am fond Of
trade; Jim hates it. ! have great dis.
like for horse-racing; Jim dotes upon
what he pleases to call "the turf" I
avoid danger to such an extent that I
have heard some uncharitable people call
my caution cowardice. Now nothing
pleases my brother better than running
risks. am quiet and peaceable to a
fault, while Jim is always up to mischief
and constantly in hot water. In word,
two creatures more alike in features and
unlike III character never existed.
How did it cannot tell, but, by some
means, managed to offend big, hulk
ing fellow, whom I recognized as the
owner Of butchers shop exactly facing
my establishment. l tried all 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 be.
ing unable to speak to mo, 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; declared that he had been
made quite sick by some bad butter he
had seen that day, and hoped, when the
Inspector of Weights and Measures Wis.,
tied the neighborhood, that he would
look after some shopkeepers in particu-
lar. for he, Mr.. Grote, had watched one
fellow tampcring with his weights and
scales all day.
know he meant me, for I certainly
had amused myself in tho intervals Of
serving my customers by polishing up
my scales and weights, and as I saw by
their looks that the company knew that
the wretch intended me, had no help for
it but to reply.
"Sir," said /, in the most conciliatory
manner possible, II am exceedingly sorry
that should have unwittingly offended
you, rs it appears have done, but can
not fail to see that your observations are
evidently intended for me- o..
IF the cap fits you may wear it,
grinned the brute. II shan't mention
names, to give any one the opportunity
Of getting the law Of me; l amt SO
green"
"The cap does not fit," I replied, ''for
] beg to say that my butter is excellent,
my scales just, and that all your accuse.
tions are entirelv false
With howl Of rage the brute sprang
frsm his seat and dashed his pipe in my
face. Luckily, two Of his companions
seized him, so that I was able to make nv
escape from the room; but as 1 fed I
could hear him vociferating, "Come on,
you coward-lct me go-you cur!'' 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 leased me |
noon, and night, until I became
the laughing.stock Of the neighoorhood,
and consequently my trade fell off until |
ruin seemed to stare me in the face. Nv
neighbors avoided me as if I had the |
plague, and some even went so far as to
DIN the butcher in annoying me, so that
1t last became frightened to 20 out, and
passed my evenings in the little parlor
behind my shop, making up my books.
One night whilst was so engaged. A
ring came at the bell. l opened the
door. and man clad in long cloak, the
collar Of which was turned up so ~ t.
conceal his face, rushed into the passage,
: proceeding l no sooner remarked than
Immediately 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
zones that froxe my very blood, whisper
I'd in my ear: $3.50.
Don't be ! fool, Dick come in and
shut the door, or Ishall be seized.''
"Jim! stsmmered; "Why, what is
he matter?s~ a*.*;s@2 ~ ~. 4:
''Shut tho door aud come into the par.
OF, then l will tell you.'
! did % he commanded, and then wait.
ID inpetiently for the explanation of this
udden snd mysterions visit.
:Phew !" said Jim, IS he threw off his
loak, "I've had narrow escape +
'''But how have you had an escapel
nd from what have you escaped ~ ''.-@I B
Dick an ruined p' cried nv brother.
hroWh himself into chair. II backed
be- wroag horse for the st. sLeesr, and
'ave lost all ~ money" .s Ill ...s.s
..;isEStt:fft j 1ssss, sTF1 33: