Morris tribune., 1882-10-26
POSTMASTER sKIFF.
By CHARLES HEHER CLARK.

ShlI store. Mr.. SIKH was the poSt-naS-
: er, and in the front part of his store, at
one side he had enclosed, with parti-
ton composed of numbered and glass
fronted pigeon holes, little space in
which he united the mail bags, sorted
the letters, refilled the bags with fresh
matter, and dealt out letters and papers,
morning and evening to an eager public.
The town was small, and the postal
business was small and Mr.. Skif' salary
was very small indeed. But as he con-
Quoted the post-ottice in conjunction
with his business as dealer in groceries,
dry-goods and general supplies, the sal
airy and his income from the rents of
boxes were easily earned, and he was
contented with his position as post
master.
Mr.. Skiff usually attended the hand
hing of the mail without assistance; but
sometimes when there were many GUS
toners in the store at the time OF the ar
rival Of the mail, he would summon his
wife to take care of the post office; and,
occasionally, when he and his wife were
both engaged, or when they were absent
in the evening, Jim Riley, Mr.. Skiffs
only clerk, conducted the business of
the office.
But Mr.. SkiF rarely went away, ex-
cept when there was religious meeting
at the church, or when his duties as
deacon summoned him to the perform
ance of functions which he was accus-
toned to regard as even more important
than those that devolved upon him as a
merchant and postmaster. For Mr..
Skiff although impulsive by nature and
given to making hasty judgments, was
one of those men who have discovered
that the secret of peace and contentment
and joy, is to be found, and only to be
found, in obeying the requirments ofthe
spiritual life.
Upon certain evening in June, Mr..
Skltt was more than commonly busy.
Jim Riley, thr clerk, had gone away to
begin his brief summer vacation. The
mail was large and there were several
customers in the store. Mr.. Skiff waited
upon the latter, while Mrs. Skiff, being
summoned, came in and undertook the
task of distributing the letters and pa
pers to the boxes.
An hour or two passed before either
of them found Il moments leisure, and
then, the applicants for letters having all
gone from the post-office window, Mrs.
Skiff walked out into the store and stood
by her husband. who was engaged in
making a calculation upon a piece of
brown wrapping paper with led pencil.
After the exchange of few words be-
tween them, Mrs. Skiff said,-
''9ou,re not going down the street to-
night, are you, john"
"No," replied Mr.. Skiff. Do you want
anything"
Not particularly. I owe Mrs. Flick
five dollars on my dress, and | thought
Il will pass her house in the morning.
Won't that be soon enough?"
"Oh, yesl Here is the money. Give it
to her, please, and take a receipt in full. D."
Mr.. Skif thrust the note into his pock-
et-beek, and as he did so, he smiled and
said
Where on earth do you get so much
money? You are perfect mine of
wealth."
Mrs. Sl1if laughed and putting her
hand on her husbands arm, she an
swered,-
II save it. You ought to know by this
time what a good and economical house
keeper | am
You are the very best in the world!"
said Mr.. Skitf; and then, after looking
around to make sure no one was pres
ent. he kissed her.
Mrs Skif went back to the dwelling
house, and the postmaster proceeded to
lock his money in the safe and to close
the store.
Next morning, while Mr.. Skiff was
sorting the mail, newly arrived, a man
whom he knew as Mr.. Walters, a repre-
sentative of the post-office department,
came in behind the boxes and greeted
him cordially.
Mr.. Skiff continued to handle the let
ters, while Mr.. Walters sat down upon a
chair and, picking up a newspaper, be-
gan to gance over its columns.
Anything new?" asked Mr.. Skiff.
"No, oh no!' said Mr.. Walters. "Noth-
ing of importance in hand just now. I
am going over to Birdsboro's to adjust a
little matter in the office there. Jones
has his accounts in tangle and am to
help him straighten them out. l was
passing through here and l just thought
I would stop in to see you. How is Mrs.
Skiff?"
Quite well; thank you. Won't you
stay to dinner?"
II don't know. When does the train
leave for Birdsboro?"
mot till six this evening. You might
as well stay"
"Maybe / will. But can't take din
ner with you, for have an errand over
the river which I might as well do while
I am here. By the way can you break
. twenty-dollar bill for me?" want to
hire buggy, and have nothing small
er than twenty"
Certainly" said Mr.. Skif, going to
the money-drawer.
'tGive me five-dollar bills, if you can,' u
said Mr.. Walters.
There were but three fve-dollar bills
In the drawer, so Mr.. Skitf took one from
his pocket-book and handed them to his
visitor. 1t was the note given him by
his wife the preceding night.
Mr.. Walters examined all of them
quickly, but carefully, as they were put
into his hands. Then he looked very
grave and sat for few moments silent
Rising, he approached Mr.. Skiff, ano
presenting one of the five-dollar notes
he said,-
do you see that mark upon this bill?'
eyes," said Mr.. Skiff.
81 put it therew
"When?" asked Mr. Skiff, without any
appearance of concern. "Just now?"
"At Hulmeville, day before yester
day?"
Mr.. Skiff looked at him with startled
air.
CAT Hulmeville! You marked the
note! Then howl don't understand
how"
"Skifl" said Mr.. Walters, sternly
there have been many complaints te
the DEPARTMENT. of late of thefts ofmoney
sent through the mail along this route
was commissioned to find the thief
You were the last man l should have
suspected. But after failing in all other
offices tried yours. That bank note
was put into decoy letter and sent here