Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-09-20
FOUND IN AN OLD RUIN.
Tho singular Adventures Of Paul
Limace.

ace died, her uncle and aunt, Mons. and
Mad. Colin, adopted the little orphan.
They lived away down in Bourgognc, France,
near the town of ThOissey, on the bank Of
tine Saoue. They were well-to-do people,
owned finely-stocked farm, and had no
children of their own. Paul was the only
relative they knew, so they took great care
of Paul, and saw that he had fine educa-
lion. When he grew up they put him in
care of pioUs cure, who prepared him to
enter a seminary, for he was to become q
priest A very rigid and correct training
had Paul, and he did well with his books
and promised to become n learned cleric.
This went on until he was twenty-one.
He was five feet ten, well built. healthy and
Sood-looking. For some time he had made
up his mind never TO enter the clerical pro-
fesSion, and, as soon as he attained his ma
turity, he told his uncle and his aunt of his
de ermination. They were in dreadful
way over what they considered Paul'S de-
lection from piety, and tried hard to dis
suade him from his purpose. When they
utterly failed they renowned him and told
him to depart and shift for himself
Paul's mother had left 5000 francs, and
he demanded and received what was left of
it-615 francs Then he started to Paris to
make a living. He was innocent rs to tho
ways Of the world. When he reached the
great city he hired room and read the ad-
vertisements in the newspapers He ap-
piled for many situations, but did not sue
coed. Finally he saw an advertisement
which directed those who desired gentecl
employment and good pay to call at q certain
place. Thither went Paul, and found that
the advertisers were Richat * Co., who de-
scribed themselves rs commission agents.
Mons. Richat was short pompous
gentleman, with large display OF shirt
front and cuffs, and a cleRn-shaven face.
He sat in the rear Of the two rooms used
by the firm. Mons. Bichat. the other men,
Der of the firm, was tall young man. with
elegant manners and a lovely mustache
He did the talking and received all corners.
1t struck Paul that it was rather singular
that two gentlemen with names so very
much alike should have come together into
partnership-Richat and Bichat-but still
il made no unfavorab.e impression on his
mind at the outset.
After explaining that Pauls occupation
II they came TO tcrms-would consist in
copying papers ana depositing moneys in
the bank and drawing them therefrom,
Mons. Bichat said:
$50 You see that the position is highly re-
sponsible, and in view Of that fact we shall
pay u liberally-one hundred francs a
month. Observe: at the end of each month :;
that is how we pay. Observe further: to
show your readiness to fall in with our
nsages it viii be needful for You TO deposit
with rs certain sum, which at the end of
three months will be returned to YOU"
Mons Bichat turned to q pile of bank
rotes and counted them. Paul muscd for a
moment and then said:
"IIow mnch would you reauirer
Mons. Bichat went on counting the notes
and took no notice for several seconds. Then
he said:
''Ah, pardon! How much did you say you
could deposit il we employed your'
Paul was just going to reply that he had
named no sum. bIt he Thought that oer-
laps, it would be better 70 allow the gentle
man to believe that he Was mistaken; and
so he replied:
Il think 1 might deposit two hundred
francs.n
"a small sum-" Mons. Bichat said. IA
small sum. Let me speak with nv senior. ~
Mons. Bichat retired into the rear room
and stayed there fully five minutes. When
he returned he begged Paul 10 write from
dictation, which he did. Then he gave him
4 column of figures to add and n sum in in
terest- Once more he retired to the rear
room and did not return for fully fifteen
minutes. On coming back, he said:
'We have agreed TO engage you for three
months at salary OF one hundred francs
month, paid rs before stated. on your de-
posting with US the SUN of three hundred
francs.n
Next day Paul came with the money and
went to work. A man with n very red face
came bouncing into the room about midday
and asked for II. Richat.
''What is that :" asked II. Bichat.
"a note made by Francois Richat is pro
tested, and desire to see tho gentleman"
said the man.
Francois Richati That is very strange
said II. Bichat "Who sent you hither9n
II was tod this was his business place. "
IA mistake, sir. Ny name is Francois
Bichat, and never made a note in my life.n
The man examined the note and Monsieur
Bichat and departed. This incident set
Paul to thinking. Something happened the
next day more singular still In answer to
an advertisement a gentleman came to bor-
row six hundred francs on security. He de-
posted some jewels. and signed q note for
the amount also. Paul drew up the note.
Monsieur Bichet said he would 60 inside for
the money. Presently he returned, holding
paper IN his hand all covered with ink.
You viii have 70 draw and sign another
note" said Monsieur Bichat; my partner,
oy accident upset the Ink over this one.n
faul saw 1t glance that IL was not the
note which he had drawn. a. 1t was on blue