The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-01-21
HIGGINS CONVERT.
BY LUKE SHARP.

Hiram Higgins was a very good fel- low and he quite acceptably filled the office of clerk in dingy den in the city. He was a great theorist, was Hiram, and although he was a model clerk and very deferential to old Skinner, the head of the firm, he did not think that this world was at all we'll man. aged. He was Socialist and one of the chief spokesmen at their meetings. He even spoke at the outdoor gatherings on the London streets on Sundays and his one object in life was the making of converts to his theories. He some- times held animated discussions on Socialism in the third class compart- ments in which he came and went to his place of daily drudgery, when he could find listeners.
 One evening on his way home he got into the usual argument and quite demolished all that was brought up against his theory. He thought the wealth of this country should be di- vided up. Why should any man come to the office in the city at ten and leave at four and have 10000 pounds year while he worked hard at his desk from nine to six for only 2 pounds week? He had old Skinner in his mind, although he mentioned no names. On one listener only did he seem to make any impression. He was evidently one of the unem- ployed who was in hard luck. His clothing was ragged and bad, and it was quite plain that he was ready for the great divide whenever Mir. Hig- gins or any one else could bring it along. He interrupted Higgins talk with such remarks as "Ear, 'Ear,'' "Bloomin' right ye are, ""Never spoke truer word than that" "Sarve lem bloomin' we'll" "Right, says l." etc., etc.
 One by one Higgins auditors got out at their different stations, until Higgins and his convert were left alone.
 "Pm werry much oblig'd to ye, ] am," he remarked, "tur the way ye laid into them blokes. get off at the next stop. I'd like to hear the end O that argument, I would. Perhaps ye wouldn't come with pore man to his diggins and have sup O bitter? like to 'ear ye talk, do."
 "Well, said Hiram, much flattered "I wouldn't mind a pint of bitter with a friend. Although we have only known each other less than hali an hour, yet think we may call each other friends. All the world should be friends"
 Right ye are, ma mate, and 'ere we are."
 They got out and walked together in the direction the convert indicated Higgins gave himself entirely up tc his guidance, while he himself talked unceasingly and found his travelling companion a good listener.
 N,"And arn't ye ashamed to be seen a walking along the streets with 8 seedy bloke like me. mate? An you a nice dressed gentleman"
 "Fm no gentleman, my friend" said Higgins, "and am proud toss be seen with you. I work hard for what get, and little enough it is can tell you"
 "Too bloomin' little, says I, replied the convert; "hnt think on pore bloAe like me, 'oo carn't find no work to do." Y%
 "It's hard," sighed Hiram, every hard"
 "But it does me good, it does, to 'ear a gent like you argity."
 "Pm glad to hear you say that. ] like to meet inquiring minds. And, by the way, Pm going to speak at the open air meeting next Sunday ir Hammersmith. Iwould like to have you come"
 "pn come. I like open air meet ings, I does."
 The two had walked along through 8 maze of disreputable lanes and nar- row streets until they were near the river. Here they turned into "nc thoroughfare" and from that into 6 court and then up dark stairway.
 "Mind yer feet" said the convert as he led the way, "this 'ere blooming stairs bad, 1t is."
 They entered a small dark room near the top and Higgins could se< that the one dusky window looked over the river.
 aPn strike glim," said the con- vert, and he lit . bit of sputtering candle that showed dimly ono broken backed chair and rough table, on which stood an empty beer mug and