The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-04-23
SHARPERS OUTWITTED.

Club. He looked forth with disgust up
on the dense fog in which London was
enveloped, and then gazed with delight
upon n ticket for Calais which he held
in his hand.
Mr.. Joe Beckley had an exceedingly
rural air. Large and brawny and griz-
zly, his brown face covered with SC rub
by beard, his joints all clumsily devel-
oped, he looked like backwoodsman
Being bachelor, also, his toilet lacked
that adjustment which wifely touch
or suggestion imparts, and intensified
his rural air.
But that DR.. Beckley possessed intel
ligence was proven by his wide-awake
eyes, and by the fact that he had brought
no baggage to Europe, except the little
satchel now depending by strap from
his masculine shoulders.
The Hon. Felix Plimpot, NJ. P, step
ped out on the porch with him.
" Bon Voyage, Mr.. Beckley. When
you get back to America, pray forward
us your articles in the Spdyde & Hoe
whenever Inty uppedI'
"Good-by, Mr.. Plimpot. The best
time I've had in England had on your
demesne, sir and when the land ques-
ton comes up in Parliament again l
hope you'll send me copy of your
speech"
With pleasure, sir"
The two shook hands heartily, and
Mr.. Joe Beckley departed.
Ere he had gone half a block, a seedy
gentleman in gray approached and slap
ped him familiary on the shoulder
How do we do, Barry?" When did
We get in from Ploverton ?"
You are mistaken in your man, SIR"
said Mr.. Beckley.
"What Amt this Barry Baxter ?"
. No, sir. My name is Beckley."
g beg pardon. I mistook you for
Baxter. Same build-same whiskers.
Where are you from, sir"
g am an American
Possible? l have brother in Amer
lea. What part are you FROM"
Near Springfield, Mass"
"Ah, yes, my brother has been there.
Stopping in town with your family,
sir ?"
"With my family" replied Mr.. Joe
Beckley, a sly twinkle creeping into his
eyes. eyes. My wife and the twins
are stopping at the Merry-Go Inn''
"Ahl Well, sir, if you see my brother
when you get back, please give him my
love-" and the seedy man in gray walk
ed away.
Mr.. Beckley looked after him in some
surprise, then turned and went on.
Half square beyond voice hailed
him :
'Cab, sir?"
&" No; I'll walk replied Mr. Beck
ley.
The cabman dashed on, and, just as
Mr.. Beckley turned back his head some
body stumbled out of the fog against
him. 1t was tall, spare man in cleri-
cal garb and necktie, with a sanctimo-
nious air.
" Pray excuse me,' he exclaimed.
" What! Is this Mr.. Beckley 1t GER
tainly is How do you do, sir? How
do you dol ?"
And the spare man shook hands cor
daily with him.
" Really, you have the better of me, -
said Mr.. Joe Beckley, perplexed, Il
don't recollect your name.'
Cowper, sir, Cowperl We met in
Massachusetts some months ago, you
remember
" Oh, did weY" Where was it-at
the Horticultural meeting ?" inquired
Mr.. Beckley.
He could have sworn he had never
met the man before.
''Yes, that was the time. How is
Mrs. Beckley, sir? And how are the
twins getting on should like to see
them all. Are they in London ?'
a light broke over Mr.. Beckley's face.
All his uncertainty vanished.
They are with me, Cowper, at the
Merry-Go Inn," he said.
"Ah! Glad to hear it. You are going
that way? shall be pleased to accom-
pany you. When did you come over?'
" Last month";" responded Mr.. Joe
Beckley. And the two walked on ap.
parently full of good feeling.
" 1 am proud to welcome you to oul
country. And what do you think OF
Hengland, Mr.. Beckley."
Well, l think it superior to America
in some respects, but l wouldn't care to