The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-04-25

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could be no mistake, and yet this valise
seemed only about half as heavy as it
ought. 1t may appear strange that l
had not noticed it before; but, in my
hurry to the station, doubt if [ should
have noticed had it been empty.
To solve the mystery, 1 opened it,
and the contents certainly were not
mine. Perhaps some of the fellows in
the house had played trick upon me.
l found some toilet articles, some apples,
book, and, at the bottom, roll which
appeared to be my papers, but which
proved to be a lecture in manuscript
upor "Grecian Art" with the name
Chester Sylvanus Richardson at the end.
Who the dickens he was was q mystery,
and how came by his valise a still
greater problem. After more study
over it, it flashed upon me that l must
have gone into one of the other houses
in the block. This eased my mind
little, though / still felt anxious about
my papers. There was nothing I could
do but exercise patience, and so began
reading the lecture. Although some
what beyond my requirements, found
it interesting and instructive.
Toward four o clock in the afternoon
we arrived at the manufacturing town
of S., whose inhabitants were of the
wide-awake, notwithstanding class
so often found in thriving New England
villages. AS it was impossible to tran
sact my business in full without my
papers, and was weary with the slow
progress l had made, formed O sudden
resolution to stop over night in S,
telegraph for my valise, and 90 to New
York some time the next day, when it
arrived.
The snow about the town was fairly
beaten down, considering the lierceness
of the orm and the short time since it
had begun to abate. After getting out
of the cars l did not hurry, but leisurely
passed along the platform in the rear
of the other passengers. AS l was
about stepping off the platform to the
sidewalk, to my surprise, two gentle
men, of nice appearance. seemed about
to accost me; but. as they were total
strangers to me, |, of course, supposed
myself mistaken and passed on. In a
moment they were by my side, and one
of them said, very politely: excuse
me, Professor; | thought it was sure,
but did not feel sure until l saw your
initials upon your valise. l am sorry
you have had such arough journey; but
/ can assure good audience, despite
the storm"
was so dumbfounded that / could
not resist his efforts as he and his
friend escorted me to carriage, placed
me in it, and then entered themselves.
Before | had chance to speak, the old.
er gentleman said: 81 trust, Professor,
you will at once feel at home with us
! You have many warm friends in town,
though you are stranger, personally
to US"
YES" broke in the other man. 81
am Mr.. Alderman, Chairman of the
Lecture Committee, and my friend here
: is Judge Lincoln, who would Insist you
should make your headquarters at his
house."
saw what their mistake was; but how
to get myself out of the matter caused
me to fall into reverie, during which
, my companions politely ceased to tall
to me. A few minutes thought, and
T determined to perform the part so un
: expectedly thrust upon me, and Civ,
+, the lecture as best | could. Thankin!
, the gentlemen, and fearing the con
/, versation might drift into channel
!, where could not sustain it creditably
l begged permission to remain quiet, a
9 my journey had been very fatiguing.
= We speedily arrived at handsom
9 residence, into which gladly entered
! l was ushered into warm, pleasan
/, sitting-room, and, when left alone, m,
y conscience began to smite me. ha(
= not long to reproach myself when
y heard the sound of woman's voice
/, and the Judges wife entered an,
. cordially babe me welcome. In con
= versing with her l discovered l was
4 very learned and eloquent Professor
4 and that the public was very eager t
- hear me. / trembled at my audacity
but | could only carry out the characte
! had so rashly assumed. The lady in
u formed me that her son, who was yer
- intimate with me Chen | shuddered
= was away (here breathed easier), bu
=. | should meet her daughter, Lily. TIL
Il lady left, and, after brief quiet, whic
:, seemed hours to me, l heard voices
, the hall. There was evidently an in
# tention to speak in a low tone; bu
~ nevertheless, heard all that was sal
; distinctly as the door was slightly ala
ID "What is this wonderful prodigy {
"a learning like, mammal Is he solemn
d faced man, with sleek hair, spectacle
ID and erudition written on every feature
,e Have l drawn correct picture man
MAJ"
v ooh! no, indeed" was the answe
ut "He is much unlike what Charlcy's lie
D. tiers had led me to expect He is real
c. a fine-looking man, very gentlemanl
If and very pleasing to converse witt
n but must say l should never suppo.
re he was such a learned man as he Vi
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