Wichita eagle., 1888-04-22
JIM POULDER'S MISTAKE.

A pleasant, balmy day in May. The win
dows Of the railway car were open There
was breeze stirring; and though cloud OF
dust was blown in it was also blown out,
with the exception of tired portion which
stopped to rest on the clothes Of tie passen-
gers or burrowed for its own safety in their
ears and nostrifs There were only two va
cant seats in the car, and at Pankeap station
two persons came in to fill them One Oh
these was an old man-on a second looz ne
was probably not over 50-with iron gray
hair. partly covered by a slouched hat, and
clad in a new suit Of gray stuff that seemed
to have been made for some one else. with
him was a young and very pretty girl, whose
dress was Of ordinary stuff. but well fitting,
and who was well gloved and well shod
The observer would have set down the two
for well 70 do farmer and his daughter who
were travelling for business or pleasure. The
man looked around. The two vacant seats
were on opposite sides OF the car. In one OF
them sat young, well dressed and apparently
self satisfied gentleman, and the space by his
side was occupied by a handbag OF crocodile
leather and spring overcoat In the other
was another young man not quite so extrava-
gantly dressed, though neatly clad, and not
so handsome as the first, though he had an
open and intelligent countenance. The far
mer looked around, and, motioning his
daughter to the vacant seat, said: There's a
place for you, Lucy" Theq, turning 70 the
young man with the sachel, he asked: Seat
engagedP
The young man looked up, curled his lip
supercihously, and said: Man to MI IT be
here presently, l dare say"
~Ah!" said the farmer, coolly removing the
gripsack and overcoat and placing them on
the young mans lap; 'then III occupy it until
he comes" And he seated himself accord
ingly, while the young man glared at him.
The one on the other side looked amused,
and then, rising, said: you had better ex-
change seats with me, sir, and then the young
lady and yourself will be together
Thank you" was the farmers reply, and
the exchange was quietly effected.
The two young men were evidently ac-
quainted, for the courteous one said TO the
other in a low voice: Jim Poulder, you made
q mistake there
Il never make mistakes, Frank Boiling,
replied the other. Il dare say you'll make
your fortune some of these days by being
polite TO the granger population; but my for
tune is already made"
The first speaker said nothing more, but,
drawing a newspaper from his pocket, opened
it and ran his eye over its columns.
Poulder yawned little, and at last said:
This Is too dull for yours faithfully, Nmes
Poulder III go into the smoking car and
take Whit Have sniftert' he inquired,
producing pocket flask
mo, thank you" replied Boiling. THAT
&c Htar fo-
Here goes alone, then. That's as fine
brandy as ever crossed the ocean. Day-dayi
Keep an eye on my traps, will you' and don't
give up my seat to every country yokel who
asks it,
The elegant young gentleman shook him
self and made his way forward to the car
especially provided for funigation-
When he had gone the old man leaned over
the arm Of his seat and addressed Boiling.
Excuse me, sir, but didn't your friend
who has left say that his name was James
PoulderT"
That's his name, sir" replied the young
man; "but he is not exactly a friend Of mine,
though we live in the same place, and know
him very well"
May inquire where he is fromP
Eyes, sir; Careysburg.'
"Son Of Peter B. Poulder, the great pork
packer there, isn't he!"
yes, sir
His father should deal with him 1t would
be quite il MS lire"
~Oh, papa!7 said a sweet, reproachful
voice SIS those near who heard the colloquy
Uttered.
1T is a fact, Lucy rejoined the farmer.
The old man, who was evidently intelligent,
entered into a general conversation with the
younger, and soon showed that he was quite
well informed Boiling was glad Of a confer
ence so entertaining especially when, as his
eyes were bent III that direction, be saw the
young lady was an interested and, he hoped,
a pleased listener. There was something very
sweet in the expression of her countenance-
an inexpressibIe impress of modesty and limo
cence on her features They chatted away,
and the elder, so dexterously that the younger
never perceived it, drew out of the other his
position, prospects and intentions.
Boiling was frank by nature, and the Ques-
tons Of his interlocuto-, who was as ingeni-
Gus as the other was ingenious, were craftlly
put The sharp granger soon learned that
Frank Boiling had been engaged for some
time in the study Of law: but that bis father
having met with reverses. and having two
younger daughters to educate, the young man
determined TO make his burden less, and had
set out TO support himself, abandoning his
law studies and taking a situation as sales
man az s country store in Grifton, a thriving
town about five miles from the main line.
Il get but beggarly pay, OF course" said
Frank, gayly. Il am only raw hand; but
have a promise that, when am better guam
fed, my wages will be increased
You are rather a singular person, said
the farmer, blufIly. Most young men would
have talked OF their salary
Il rather prefer the old style Of English,
said Boiling. Il am 10 be hireling; and the
compensation of a hireling Is called wages.
But wages or salary-the terms are inditfsr-
ent 70 me-
Ny place is within a mile Of Grifeon,
said the old man. 1 have notion that
knew your father once Wasn't he a. Har.
ward in his timer
YES, sir; and 50 was L We are alumni o.
the same school"
Il wonder if he remembers his old chuu
there-one George Carter-Gsorge St, Leger
Carter. as they have it on the rolls"
~Yes, sir; Tvs heard him sneak Of hin
often, though the two have drifted apart
since then Judge Carter, YOU mean Hs
lives al Griftoa. Do you know bim7
Uni wees! After fashion
@Papal1 whispered the young girl, but
Boling's quick ear caught her words, 4 know
the judge better than you do"
BE quiet, PuSs, viii your replied be-
father IL the same tone.
Il am told, resumed the young man, tina
he left the bench, and though quite wealthy
has gone back 10 the bar. l have letter fol
him which my father, recalling their youth
full friendship insisted on giving me; but
sLan NOT rreSaut IL