The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-08-16
LOST HIS MERKNEss.

matoI IlCAWGu uGtcx uS9&tAkSoy Wo<h called upon, to give chapter from his large book of experience. The following delivered the other night upon occasion of family reunion, records the turning point of the majors life:
 had been working for years, in close companionship with such ill-fortune that had not saved enough money to buy an ordinary suit of clothes. was industri- ous and faithful, but despite what l thought to be most ardent and persistent effort, failed to fll even small measure say a half-pint cup-of success. It was impossible for me to keep situation more than a few months at a time. How often have heard such kind ex- pressions as these: William, let me sec you moment in the office. don't want to hurt your feelings, and ] trust you regard me your friend l doubt not but you have done the best you could, but, my son, you are somewhat unquali- fed for the position. dislike to dis charge you, but you know that our busi- ness makes demands against which our personal friendship cannot afford to stand"
 Thus, went from place to place. No one pointed out to me any special quality which lacked, but every one for whom I worked, seemed, after few months, to lose sight of my commendable features, and to settle upon the broken nose, so to speak, of my incapacity. had learned two trades, but in these l was out stripped by young fellows whom thought to be inferior to me.
 One day, after receiving my not unex- pected dismissal from large mercantile establishment, packed my small wad of clothes and started out on tramp. Hav- ing decided to forever abandon my trades, knew not what field would claim my future efforts, and with heart far from being buoyant, set out on my lonely tour. After walking many weary miles and enduring many bangs of hun- ger, applied for work in a large whole sale and commission house. The pro- prietor, MT. Loomis, spoke to me kindly, and in his voice thought that could detect that pitiful interest so familiar but so destructive to my hopes. was en- gagged, but from the first was op- pressed by the feeling that could not continue long in the position. One day, Lily Loomis, daughter of the proprietor, came into the store. l was thrilled by her beauty, and when with an air of happy gracefulness she turned t6 me and asked question, my heart beat tattoo of such emotion that was confident she must have heard the wild rush of my blood. l loved her. By George, worshiped her. She had just left school--a bright bird flown from cage. She talked to me upon every occasion, and her father, l thought, scowled upon me. This was egotism, for, in fact, he could not asso- ciate that bright creature with me.
 One morning when Mir. Loomis came to the store, he called me and said Mir. Lickwell, let me see you in the office"
 My time had come. but as often as had heard words of soft dismissal, never before had they sounded so like death- knell to my hopes. My heart sank, and with face which must have betrayed my despair, entered the office.
 "Mr. Lickwell, you have been with us five months p
 "Yes, sir"
 A very short time, indeed, but during which, we have become much attached to you"
 My heart gave wild bound-a great leap into the heaven of hope.
 Friendship, though, cannot stand in the way of business"
 My heart dropped into the hell of despair.
 "lt is our duty to select men best fitted to assist in the advancement of our in- terests. would like to keep you, for you are faithful, and, l think, have dis charged your duties willingly and to the best of your ability, but we are compelled to dispense with your services"
 l stood and gazed at the man. His face was placid and kindly in expression. The meekness which had always felt fed from me.
 @Sirw exclaimed, "l demand of you a reason for my dismissal It is well enough for you to intimate that am in- capable, but must lnow in what partic- ular. am tired of having my jaws boxed by tender hands. Even the milk of human kindness, constantly dripping upon . man, will wear him away"