The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-07-07

him as he paced the floor, with bent head and knitted brows.
 suddenly he stopped short, his eyes parking with mischieyous satisfaction q, an idea which had suddenly occurred ;o him. He took up his palette, and sci 10 work upon the picture again, adroitly altering and retouehIng.
 In an incredibly short space of time il underwent startling metamorphosis. While carefully preserving the likeness, he had altered the face by exaggerating the characteristics. giving cunning leer 10 the deeply-set eyes, a grimmeT curve to the lips. and scowl to the heavy brows. \ stubby beard appeared on the chin. and the attitude became dropping and deeTepit.
 Then the notay's accessories vanished. the background becoming the wall of eel, @I,h barred window. while the table. with liter of papers and parch- men;s, was transformed into rough bench. beneath winch nishi be discened ss pitcher and < loai.
 \ hen ibis w.s a1hieeed to his s4tis- faction. tae afsist signed h.s work and summeds on the frame d conspicuous ,Aoei. with the inscription, IatPr saned for Debt
 Then ne seut t7r d { tt. aad dfote - Meichoit 5. the eil-knaan p8atafe de4i- CT 5 in the kac de j.. Aianaclaiuc whose windows offer sua constant dt.racuon to the loteis of all.
 have something to snow you. began Wiertz. have lusl mashed ihls study winch l ihink ls faniy sue essfI Could you md room for II n your window
 md roem for Il: should think so :" exclaimed the iealcr enthusiastic ally. Ny dear fellow. !, 5 irs;-ra,e. 1 have seen nothing oi yours more striking and original and ;ha, is saying much. What priec do you put upon |,
 :, l have not yet deeided.' replied the painter. Give < good place in the window. ard if purchaser presents him. self lei me know.
 The picture was immediately installed in the place of honor. and soon attracted d curious group. All day Melohoir's win dow was surrounded and next morning the papers noticed the wonderful picture and sent fresh crowds to gaze al il.
 Among the res, was friend of Maitre Van Spa h, who could hardly believe his eyes on recognizing the worthy notary in this questionable shape" He hastened at oneeto inform him of the liberty which had been taken with his person: and not long afterward the old lawyer burs, into the shop, startling it's proprietor, who at once recognized the original of the famous picture.
 M. Melchoir." began the intruder, .l have been made the victim of shameful practical joke by one of your clients. IL IS my portrait. SIT, that hangs in your window; II is l. sir-l. Ma,re Van Spach -who am held up to ridiculc in that infa- nous dub pillorled for all the world 10 see IS an inprisone! bankrupt. II the thing is not < once removed. l shall apply to the police
 Al 'his threat the p!cture dealer merely smiled. !" must refer you io the artist. monsieur" he returned. eoolly. The p.e,izA belongs to him. and cannot re- moveh wiihog; his permission
 Te Wiertl's house wen, MAigre Nan Spaoh, in j white heat oi rage and In- disnallon. oa entering the studio he found the Pain,er lounsins n an ann chair, smoking his afternoon cigar.
 .Ah, k | ynu. " ti,rc was his bland greeting. To wha, fortunate cirtum- stance am l indebted for this visit: Tray take seat. Do you smoke: Aou will ind those cigars excellent
 Monsieur. interrupted the notary. cutting short these eouHcsies with scant ceremony. let us come to the point. There is al this moment Tn Melchoir's window q oarica,ure which makes me the laughing stock of the town insist helpH taken lt do you understand: :"
 " No, quite. replied the other imper- turbably. l; Is true there is picture of mine al Melchoir's. but really don, see how il makes roH ridiculous.H
 . You don't see: Iiu; the picture is my portrait. sit my portrait cried his visitor. tapping his cane upon the floor.
 Your pa,,Iaits' echoed the other. with look of surprise.
 "o ot course Il IS, as any one can see at a glance. Nou -
 " But excuse nc, the banter inter- rup;ed. you said yesterday iha, Il did not resemble you in the least See here Is your letter to tha, effect.
 an spach colofed and bit his bps. He ie!, ,ha; he was caught
 Such being the case" continued NIer't- and the work heing returned an my hands. have a peetect nigh, to dis pose ot l; to the best advantage.
 The notary took turn across the room to recover his oompoSure
 Come. he sad, al length. forcing smile, let Us try to arrange this ridicu- lous affair amicably. will give you 5000 francs at once. and take the horrible thing ou, ot the window w---"
 Stay moment interrupted his com panion as he licked the ashes from his osar, and carelesSly changed his posi- ton. '' You must be aware that the pie ture in is present shape is ten times more valuable than portrait. Is i, not a work ot imagination and invention? And may own that l consider i, one of my most successful canvases. | could no, think of parting with il for less than iS.- GOO francs"
 The notary gasped. Fifteen thous- tran