The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1876-11-02
TINE TWO FRIENDS.
BY PAUL PLUME.


tling in Southwark, chose it for the
scene of his residence and labOrs.
Archie, as he was usually called, was
hardy and enterprising fellow, then in
the thirtieth year OF his age.
AS soon as he became comfortably
fixed in his lodgings, he began to cast
his eyes about for store where he might
commence the business of a grocer. In
due time the desired house was found,
and Archie Loeb opened his establish
ment and thrived apace. Year after
year rolled away, and found him early
and late at his counter, while neighbors
all around respected him for his strict
honesty and obliging disposition.
He never was considered very socia-
BILE man, and had few intimate ac-
quaintances. AS soon as he had put up
his shutters for the nj sht he invariably
went over the way to the Farmers
Tavern, and took his accustomed seat
in the corner, where, calling for his ale
and pipe, he passed a couple ot hours of
the night before he went TO his bed. Peo-
ple wondered why he did not marry,
particularly as it was understood he
had no relatives, and was adding prop
erty to property, the result Of his indus
try. But Archie let the good folks
wonder, and kept on the even tenor of
his bachelor ways.
Immediately adjoining Archie's place
of business was Lhe stationery store OF
Peter Benson. Peter had carried on his
trade for upward OF year. without be-
ing on more intimate terms with Archie
Loeb than simple saluUatlon.
Frequently they would both be taking
down their shutters in the morning az
The same time, when one oil them would
say, "Good morning, siry' and the other
would reply, Tine same to yourself,
sIr."
Thus matters went on and these two
men were almost utter strangers to each
other, though living So near that they
could have shaken hands from their win
doWs. Peter was, like Archie, bache-
Ior, and in temperament was something
like him also. When Peters Iabors OF
the day were over, he always went
short distance down the street to the
Eagle Inn "a rival establishment of the
Farmers Tavern and entering the bar
room took one particular seat (it was al
ways reserved Tor him), where he
smoked his pipe, drank his ale, and read
the newspapers until it was time lor
him to seek his home.
1t was in the second year Of their bust
ness that Archie Loeb and Peter Benson
became last friends. There was nothing
romantic III the way this friendship was
contracted; both men we're too practical
tor that.
1t occurred entirely out of a question
of tobacco. The great point in tho
character of both men was constancy, or
what in politics would be called conser-
vatism. Archie once having adopted
the Farmers Tavern for hrs resort,
would as soon thought Of changing the
name his ancestors bequeathed him as
going to another ale-house while Benson
was as closely attached to his corner at
the Eagle Inn as he was to the BULBS
eve time-piece that he carried in the fob
of his trousers.
1t happened. however, that the land
lord of the Farmers Tavern was in.
duced to change the dealer who sup
piled him in smoking tobacco. 1t was
the work OF keen Yankee, who had been
tue city and uuderselling
other dealers. Most of the public
places, finding they could get the same
price from smokers, ana obtain the
lrticle at a reduced rate, saw an in-
creased profit in the transaction, and
)atronized the tobacco trader. EJen
snow, all but the host Of the Eagle Inn.
lie would not listen to a change, prob
IDLY because he disliked New Eng
anders.
Archie, one evening, walked into his
resort, and sat down in his
,eat, calling tor ale and pipe. The first
)uff he gave caused him to stare, NO
me could deceive him in tobacco. This
vas vile stuff; he called the landlord
md requested him to send some of the
obacco he had heretofore supplied to
lin.
every sorry" replied the host, ''bu t
We are out OF the old kind, and have got
new dealer. Is not that tobacco good? |
Ny customers prefer it to that l have
,een using hitherto"
1T is simply detestable," returned |
Archie, who had laid down his pipe in |
vident dlspleasure. SIT is simply de-
estable, sir. Permit me to ask you'll
ou intend to use this article to the ex-
luSion Of the other kind?'
''rhat is my intention,' replied mine
ost, who was Independent and abrupt
q his speech and manner.
Archie made no reply, but walked to
ne counter, paid his trifIng bill, and
18th heavy heart turned his steps from
le Farmers Tavern, never again to
nter it. He walked directly to the Ea.
lie Inn, and entering the door, saw Peter
enson ensconeed in the corner, pipe in
Youth and newspaper in hand.
'iG0od evening"" said Archie.
"Good evening"" returned Peter,
s'Misty Tonight. misty; very misty -
1ntinued Archie.
VERY misty" retarned Peter, turning
is eyes from the newspaper to the new /
)mer. So
Archie dropped into a chair and said ]
the landlord, II will take some ale
I'd pipe"
They were both produced in moment !
Id to Arehie's great delight, he saw the I
GLOW wrapper with the picture OF the
ldian in war costume.
"Ah thaps it, he murmured-thena adj y
'essing The proprietor, he asked, "do
~ intend to supply your customers 7
ith this brand in future, or will YOU.
ie some others, purchase tnat detest.
lie tobacco they are hawking about at :
cap rates. In
~ II have nothing to do with it.n re-
led the landlord. I'm a smoker nv.
II, and know this to be good tobac- a
therefore | am satisfied with it," Il
Archie m irely nodded his head, and
rning 10 Peter BeDson, remarked; =
splendid tobacco, sir-rich favor, Il
81 agree with you, sir" replied Peter. Il
owing cloud Toward the ceiling. z