Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-11-28

These cords are woven SO firm and strong,
That, when Death draws near, nothing else
But sweet voice grooming cradle song.
Josephine Pollard, IN N. Y. Ledger.
HOW JACK WENT TO THE DERBY.
Jack Straw was bent upon going 10
the Derby, but he did not know how e
manage 1t. His employers were serious.
minded men, who steadily set their faces
against horse-racing, and declined to
give any clerk a holiday on Derby Day.
! BY an odd coincidence Jack had been
dangerously i'll, or had been suddenly
summoned to the deathbed of dying
relative for nine successive anniversa-
ries of the popular race festival, so he
instinctively felt that these expedients
were. on the present occasion, out OF
the question. In fact, only last year he
had narrowly escaped being dismissed,
and he knew perfectly well that his
principals had their eye on him. Reck-
less, light-hearted and extravaganza as
he was, there was point at which his
imprudence halted. The prospect OF
losing his employment was sufficiently
serious in these hard times to have so
bering effect even upon him, and con-
sequently he mounted to his accus-
toned seat on city-bound bus on the
eventful morning, though his spirits
went steadily down during the drive al
the sight of the numberless vehicle;
bound in the opposite direction.
Jack had buoyant and sanguine dis
position, and beneath his gloom there
lurked forlorn hope that something
might occur during the day to enable
him to get away Nothing could have
looked more unpromising, however,
than the aspect of the Office when in due
course he arrived there. Though he
was earlier than usual, the principals
and head clerks were all at their desks,
and there was not the slightest sign OF
relaxed discipline. On the contrary,
Judging from certain indications which
met his experienced eye, he perceived
that busy day was in store for him, so
that all chance of slipping away seemed
hopeless. He took his seat with sigh,
but he had hardly done SO when one of
the partners hurried into the outer Of
flee.
(Which of you saw Mr.. Newman,
who called yesterday" he inquired,
anXiously.
IL took his name, sir, and showed
him into your room," said youth.
Should you know him againp" de-
manded the principal.
"No, sir, | don't think l should"
said the lad, after moments hcsita-
ton.
"Did none of YOU notice him? | want
TO send somebody into the country after
him.
81 should know him again anywhere,
sir interposed Jack Straw, rccklessly.
His employer looked doubtfully at
him, and there was a suppressed litter
among the junior clerks, most of whom
were perfectly well aware that Jacl,
had been out when Mr.. Newman called.
care you sureP' demanded the prin-
cipal.
Certain, SIR" said Jack, inspired by
an intense longing to escape from the
office.
well, come i'm here" said his en-
ployer, leading the way into the room
where the partners sat.
Jack followed with foreboding that
he was getting himself into scrape,
but was unable TO resist the opportunity
of Sinking his work. He was i'll at ease
during the whispered conference which
took place between the partners, though
he contrived to appear outwardly calm.
"Mr. Straw said one of them al
last, rather mysteriously, 1--WE paid away
some money to this Mr.. Newman yes
terday, and have just heard by accident
that some one very much resembling
him is living at Chelmsford, ut this adj
dress, under the name of Curtis. We
believe our informant is mistaken, and
we don't like TO take any steps without
being sure of our facts. Now, you know
the Mr.. Newman who called here yes
terday by sightP"
Eyes, SIR" said Jack, rather less con-
iidently.
''Well, we want you to go down To
Chelmsford and see If Mr.. Newman and
Mr.. Curtis are the same person. If so,
we have been swindled, and you had
better telegraph to us to communicate
with the police. You understand"
Surprising he should be out sir, -
said Jack, whose conscience was be-
ginning to prick.
you must wait till he comes in, and
get sight of him. There must be nc
mistake, remember; and you had better
start Immediately.
Jack felt rather embarrassed, and was
half-inclined TO retract his statement.
But he had not the heart TO do so, rs
his principals seemed TO regard the af-
fair as settled. After all, he said to
himself, there was no one in the office
who could identify Mr.. Newman, and
therefore his undertaking perfectly
hopeless mission could do no harm.
Jack started forth with the vague idea
of travelling to Chelmsford by the next
train, as in duty bound, but when he
reached Grace-church street his good
intentions were diverted by tho stream
of vehicles full of holiday folk en- route
for EPSON. IL Immediately occurred to
him that, as he did not know Mr.. New.
man from Adam, he might just as well
| 60 to the Derby rs to Chelmsford He
could return TO town after the principal
race and run down to Chelmsford i'm the
afternoon, so as to be able TO say he
had been there. While these insidious
reflections were passing in his mind he
was boisterously hailed by two young
fellows gorgeously attired in dust coats,
white hats, and gauze wells, who were
driving by in hanson.
'Hullo, Jack! Jump in, Chappy,"
cried his particular friend, Bob Blades,
dashing young lawyers clerk. Hi
Pull up"
The cab drew up at the curb in pro.
vokingly enticing manner, but Jack
stood irresolute. He was rather star.
tied at the idea Of playing truant in such
q barefaced manner.
II can't come, pals. have to go
down into the country" said he.
"Well, so have we," said Bob, readi.
ly.
"Ah! but I'm going on business
replied Jack, struggling with his con-
science.
1--WE amt going for pleasure, are we,
Tomp o mol Not at all. Quite par
ticularly the reverse" rejoined the in