The Arkansaw traveler., 1889-03-30

Flnally, the gentleman ct the piano, noticing the crowd which his playing had attracted, hnishsd tho piece he was on, with . flourish, and, with some what annoyed air, hastily left the store. few of his auditors, those perhaps, who had nothing much else to do, still fingered, and among them was the countryman.
 Presently the proprietor the store came forward with quick, business like air, and an expression on his face which seemed to say, "Here, if you peo pie don't want to buy piano, your room will be better appreciated than your company Those remaining quickly took the hint and rather hastily withdrew, all but the countryman. He had some- what timidly approached the piano and with one hand began to gently touch note here and there on the key board
 Don't touch that piano." said the proprietor rather sharply
 "Beg pardon" answered the fellow somewhat confused, "but was thinking of buying an instru- ment and thought I'd just like to try this, as liked its tone"
 "Ah," replied the music man, "thats different: pray take seat. Here, I'll bring you some music"
 So saying he stepped to the back part of the store and soon returned with one of Beethoven's Sym- phonies, which he placed open on the instrument It now dawned on the clerks and spectator or two standing by, that the dealer was intending to have some fun with the countryman. A quiet exchange of winks and smiles followed and all waited for the fun to begin.
 "COme now," said the dealer in his blandest tones, "pay us something. That piece just put before you is very Inc try that"
 "Well," said the fellow with rather hesitatinR drawl, "Fm little out of practice, besides my hands are not in very good trim"
 70, go on," came from several.
 "Yes," said the proprietor, with strong touch of sarcasm in his one "Id like to have your opin- ion of that instrument. could probably use 1t as an advertisement"
 The countryman was apparently, unconscious of their raillery. He his fingers rapidly over the keys of the instrument, paused and glanced at the music before him and then began playing. few passages convinced all that heard that an artist was at the piano. As the music proceeded, and the delightful melody rolled forth from the touch of the inspired player look of shame faced awe and wonder came the faces of his listeners When he ceased playing, the music dealer went up to him and said:
 My friend, owe you an apology. You are welcome to come here any time and try any instru- ment you like. have not heard such playing for many day"
 The countryman was even more embarrassed. He thanked the dealer and turning to leave the store, when he called him back saying: "Come with me into my office. l must have talk with you"
 have never learned the fellows history, or how it was that & man of his musical talent was evil dently working as as a day laborer, but this I do know that he is now in the employ of that music house at good salary, and moves among class of people who appreciate his talents. In the garb he now wears he looks too, the cultured man that he is; but when I first saw him, his apparel did much deceive even those who, in their judgment of oth- CTS, fancied themselves among the shrewdest. 50 it is. appearapces are often deceptive.-Ed. E.