The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-10-20


 clare his passion until he had the means of supporting her in the same style in which she was then living. However, when he was admitted to the firm he told her of his love, and was accepted, both by Minnie and her father. He was absent on business when Mir. Osborne's losses came. and did not return until after that gen,leman's death. The first intimauon he had of it was when he called a, the house on his return, and found everything changed-strange faces and strange furniture, and he could ges no information as 10 the whereabouts of Minnie and the rest of the family. He had sought Tn vain for some tidings of them. and had arrived al the conclusion tha, they had left the city. He had not gwen up all hope, and was only waiting favorable opportunity. when business would permit, 10 make long search for the object of his love.
 Minnie, whose handsome face. perfect form. elegant and graceful carriage had attracted the attention of more than one gentleman, who had asked for her hand. had remained true to her first and only -eye. though she thought he was gone rom her forever. The landlord of the miserable ienemen, house in which she lived had pressed his attentions upon her 2; she. without acting rude, had done everything in her power 10 repel him. She had hard struggle 10 pay her rent promptly, and all the little articles of 'ewelry, excepting the ring mentioned. had gone towards paying him. as she did no; wish 10 SC, herself into his power. and she HOW thought II would be better 70 pawn the ring than to get behind m iae rent.
 Occupied with her thoughts she had now arrived q, her door. Up three flights back she went, and found her mother even worse than she had Jeff her. and moaning on account of hunger Little amie said that il was Christmas eve, and he hoped Santa Claus would now bring them lots of good things to ca, and something warm to wear.
 With an almost breaking heart Minnie got the room into something like order. though to be sure there was very little in the way of furniture in 1t, and after send ing Maud ol, for a loaf of bread. took a mouthful or two herself and divided the remainder between the others. She then wen. down stars, meeting the landlord in the entry way. She had not the eour- age 10 ask hlm 10 take half the rent. bu, hurriedly gave | all ,o him and ran out upon the street 10 ayaid conversing with hlm.
 With heavy hear, and tears in her eyes she entered one of the many pawn brokers shops on Salem stree, and offered her rins. The Jews gave her no, half oi what she had expected to get for It. bul she could not refuse. so with a las, look q; the dear ring she left the place and huuled toward the market.
 Tuning down Blackstone street, busy with thoughts of Frank Johnson. and the nigh, when he had placed the ring on her finger. she did not notice that she was followed by d rough-looking man. wha, when 'lsi n the shadow between ,we saslighys, sei,ed her by the arm and said:
 Good evening. miss. You had bet ter take i,:le walk with me"
 Minn.e uttered !i;,ie scream and e<- claimed
 "Kelesse me. instantly. or will call the poliee :"
 The man laughed and said
 What vii. De dong al this time Do you thiak the cops are round on such a nigh, as .his: You can bet your life they amt. So, come along my beatty. trying 10 forte her along.
 M,nnie screamed outright. as she dId SO. a young man rushed up anu seizing the rough by the throat. drew him away from the trembling girl and threw him to the pavement
 ,'alte lt,le crowd had gathered. with the peculiar characteristics of the \orth- end inhabitants, whose curiosity IS not aroused by | struggle between man and woman. bu; ai the prospect of d fght between TWO men they are all alive and risn, on the spot. The young man. however. dld not notice them. and as the rough had siunk away feeling of his sore bones, he turned to Minnie saying
 Will you allow me to escort you 10 your home"
 Thank you. sir replied Minnie /" bn; was rus, going so marke; when that man spoke 70 me. How can thank you sufficiently for your timely ac, ~
 by saying nothing more abou, it. sad he young man. and if-why. grea, heavens !, IS Minnie. Minnie, don, you know me. am Frank-your Frank.
 foor Minnie grew faint and allowed herself 10 be drawn close to his side for a moment. Then, trying to push him away. she sad:
 '' Yes. Frank. do know yoa now. Bat, Frank, you seem 10 forget the change ID our positions. l am only a poor sales woman new. and
 Say not another word about that. my darling. care not wha, you arc, so long as have found you again. shall never le; you 90. aow.'
 They walked on toward the market. and ssans told of his fruitless search for her. anu koa he had intended 70 prose cute |, even more thoroughly; how he had prayed for their meeting once more, and How ,hs; meeting had come.
 Minnie. who loved him as dearly as he lid her Cof,ff r 0f rasfs, h iS ear-aS. ri. .2