The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-12-20
DEVOTED FRIENDS.
CHAPTER I.

heIC so cloSeIy together Dy tnS 1neeh- lacings of friendship that they were rarely ever seen apart from each other. They were employed in the same depart ment of the Arkansaw state government; :; they occupied the same room, read the same books, and, at the restaurant, as Archer once declared, always ate of the same table-cloth. However, they did not deserve credit for the last mentioned evil dence of friendship, for the fact that they ate so long off the same table-cloth was mainly due to the restaurant keeper, who, aside from his never violated cus- tom of setting poor table, seemed to indulge the idea that one cloth should be used even until it had shown the rude imprints of long service. Both Archer and Ployer were much given to study. The war having come on just in time to spoil the chances of professional course at college, the two young men, after the giant struggle had ceased. found them selves almost on a financial level with the demonstrative old southern governor, who, when asked if he could not aid in the construction of a railway, replied, "You, gentlemen, may not believe it, but haven't a blamed cent" Archer's parents were dead; Ployer's father, mother and sister lived short distance from town, in an old red brick house, where the two friends often spent much of their leisure time. Young Plover was especially devoted to his sister, tall young woman who wore short hair. She possessed soft, winning voice, but her eyes were cat-like; she was easy of man. ner, but her words of greeting echoed with the hollowness of insincerity. Vain and envious, spiteful and jealous, the keen perception of young Archer told him that nature had not granted to her that rich generosity with which her brother had been endowed.
 Ella," Plover one day said to his sis ter, "what do you think of my friend p
 "Mr. Archer?"
 "Yes, you know always speak of him as my friend"
 "Oh, like him because he is your friend"
 And for no other season, EllaP'
 "Yoa mustn't ask me that, Lu."
 "Well, but want to know, sis."
 "Are you afraid that will marry him?'
 Afraid Why would give anything if you should. He is a noble fellow, and is quite worthy oi you. In fact, he is the only man would like to see you marry. Tell me, now, don't you love him?"
 "Lu, you must be crazy. Do you sup pose that l am going to tell you that l love man before find out that the man loves me? Tell me, Lu, did he ever say anything about mel"
 "Oh, it is hardly time yet, for you have been home but a short time. Doyou know that cannot bear the idea of your being governess any longerf couldn't stand it, that's all"
 "You are getting of the subject, Bud. Are you sure you never heard him say anything about met'
 "Quite sure. have never asked him, and he is not the man ;o tell me unless should"
 "I tell you one thing I've noticed Every time he comes home with you no won't saYit.
 "Yes, you must What were you going to say 2"
 "No, it is better to leave it unsaid. It would sound sel6sh."
 Remember, girl, that you are talking to your brother. What were you going to say?"
 "That while down here he always goes over to Gladrow's."
 "What of thatp"
 "He goes to see Eva Gladrow. That's what there is of it."
 "l think not. have never heard him speak of her"
 But have you asked him2 You said just now that he was not a man to tell you such things unless you should ask him. declare, the friendship existing between you two men is peculiar. You never con6de your secrets to each other"
 "Because we have none, doubtless"
 "No, it is because you don't know how to be friends. You make pretense of thinking much of each other, but just know it wouldn't take anything hardly to make you fight"
 "If he should insult me would fight him, of course; but understanding each other so well there is no likelihood of a quarrel. Believe I'll take stroll Want to go, pet;"
 "No. Say, Lu, sometime wish you | would ask him n