The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-06-09
Foy aae .irksnsatp Iy9.eht. PAUL GORDANTE'S LESSON.
EY RUFUS K. VII SON.

Could Paul Gordante have known the misfortune that was to befall him scarcely m hour later perhaps he would not have walked as launtily down the stepseof the Porter house and out into the main street of lohnspor,. the lumber me,ropo- lis of Pennsylvania, on that pleasant September morning i've years ago. IL was "Wednesday. market day in all eastern Pennsylvania towns. and though no, yc, eight o'clock, the pavemen,s were throngcd with men and women with baskets on their arms, who now hurriedly eibowed their way through the crowd and then paused suddenly to haggle over the price of some article exposed for sale. But though every one seemed intent only on thelr own business, many paused and curiously eyed Mir. Paul Gordante. as the young man with a slightly topiloftical air passed among the throng and carefully picked his way over the stree, crossings still muddy from recent rains. He was dressed with the utmost neatness. almost with foppishness a high hat sat rakishly on his head his shoes were polished to the las, degree of brightness large ring glit,ered from one of the fingers of his left hand. and in the other he carried small walking stick, which he now and then twirled through the air in a certain dandyish manner. Pauslng before bookstore something seemed to catch his eye and he entered. From the papers and maga- zines on the counters he selected those whioh pleased him most. and nodding to the clerk said carelessly:
 lust charge these"
 The person addressed did as he was bidden but a troubled look came into his face as he wrote down the several items. and he at last said:
 Mir. Gordante, your bill is getting quite large. Can't you settle i, soon:"
 Yes, sir. of course can. If you don't think me good for few dollars, why, will trade elsewhere
 And then before the astonished clerk could reply he was gone. An angry look was on his face as he again resumed his walk still the small yexations of life seemed to trouble him but little. and he had not gone far beforq the frown had entirely disappeared and he began to whistle softly and sing sna,ches of song, but so low that none save himself could hear. When he had gone about a mile he turned sharply and entered the lumber district of the city which extends for several miles along the river banks. A few moments later he paused a, the office of one of the largest mills. where he was book-keeper. He found all the mem bers of the firm with one exception assembled within: but as this was no unusual circumstance he nodded to each one, went to closet and hung up his coat and hat, and swinging himself upon q high stool was about ts commence the work of the day, when he was inter- rup,ed by the elder member of the firm who, after a slight cough as to clear his throat, said:
 Mir. Cordante, one moment. please.
 Thinking that what he was to hear had something to do with the business of the firm the young man turned from his desk pen in hand, and said:
 What is it. sir.s
 Mir. Gordante," with another sligh, cough, i've have decided, owing to mat. ters of which you are probably as well aware as we, that we will not need yeu any longer. As soon as you can securs employment elsewhere we shall expec' you to resign your position with us"