The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-11-29

sold some common articles, such as
lawns, thread, etc., but 1t did
not occur to him that even hero he
might have over-reached asingle CUSTOM
er. He did not think of getting twelve
and half cents for some Of his six pen
ny prints. Sharping did 1t, but Leeman
was not yet initiated.
AT last an opportunity was afforded
for Arthur to try his newly-discovered
plan of business.
Toward night a middle aged gentle
man entered the store and expressed a
wish to purchase some cloth for pair
of pants He was q stranger, having
but few days before moved into the
village.
IL should like piece that is good all
wool, thick and firm,'' he said as Arthur
led the way to the cloth counter.
The gentleman looked over the goods,
and at length his eye hit upon piece of
dark, mixed doeskin. 1t felt firm and
thick, and it was in truth a handsome
piece.
"How is that2' asked Arthur.
"I think 1t will suit me. II seem to
he firm and good. Not quite SO soft as
clear wool generally is"
cit is an excellent cloth-a few days
wear will soften it," said the young
merchant, trying to appear candid.
"What is it a yard Y'
''Now, the cloth cost Arthur just
thirty seven and half cents per yard,
and he had intended to sell it at forty
two, and had placed his private mark
upon it accordingly. 1t was just half
cotton.
zone dollar" said he.
And the words as he spoke them,
struck startingly upon his own ear.
"You may cut me off three yards"
said the man and Arthur hid his face
as he did the work.
After the cloth was done up the gen.
tleman paid for it-three dollars-it was
nearly two dollars more than it costa
clear profit of nearly two hundred per
cent.
Arthur Leeman had always made 1t a
point to be sociable with those with
whom he traded,
1t was five.dollar bill the gentleman
rendered in payment, and as he passed
it over he remarked:
81 suppose that is the lowest you will
take ?"
SIT is the lowest 1 ought to take"
said Arthur, trying to hide his tremb-
lingness, for he had done something he
knew to lie wrong.
Every WE'LL" said the stranger; / al
ways wish to pay fair living price to
every one with whom I deal, always
trusting" he added with smile, "that
1 shall be treated honestly in return"
He took his change and left the store.
Arthur took down his blotter and
thought to enter the sale he had just
made; but he hesitated. Those pages
were all fair and honest. He dared not
place there the record of the first dis.
honest act he had done! o, how he
wished the customer had not come !
How he wished he could recall the thing
he had done He had tried the expert
ment.
"Why, what's the matter, Arthur ~
asked Mrs. Leeman, as her husband
drew back from the supper table thai
evening; ''you look unhappy"
"I am unhappy, Sarah" family re
piled Arthur; for he had determined tc
tell his wife his bitter experience.
"What is it ?" anxiously uttered the
halffrightened wife, moving to her hus
bands side and placing her arm around
his neck.
"Sit down, sit down, Sarah, and
will tell you"
She did so, still keeping her arm
around his neck, and he told her th'
story of his fall.
"I thought would try to make money
as fast as William Sharping does" b,
said. "Last evening was in hi
store and discovered his secret. If
disclose it to you you will not tell o
! it,"
Sarah promised, and then Arthur re
lated to her all that had passed.
For time she was silent. At length
she raised her lips to her husbands fac
and kissed him.
"Forgive me-" she whispered, "for i
was who did this wrong. Oh, forgiv
me, Arthur. Oh,I would rather live in th
meanest rags of penury and want thar
to live on the wages of my husband
dishonesty shall never be enviou
again. shall never think of barterin,