Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1889-04-19

probabilities are that he is a goody~goody
divinity student, and you know Harry is
something of a Robert Elsmere and has
peculiar views on religion.
But, my dear, you are taking it for
granted that the advertiser is a divinity
student In all probability he is a very
different sort OF person. He states he has
the best Of references. Suppose you
write him note and request him to call?"
In a few days after the insertion Of the
adverti- ement MIR. James Barclay called
at the newspaper Office and received but
two replies. One of them read as follows:
If the good young man viii apply at
the Penitentiary, he may find field for his
edlfying conduct, as the present Chaplain
is oil on vacation"
Guess that won't sink, I" said Mr.. James
Barclay, with a grim smile. 1t looks
like put-up job; there IS a strong re-
semblance in some Of these strokes to
Tom Temples handwriting; but let us
see what we've got here.
The other answer was a dainty missive
in feminine hand, requesting the adver-
tiser to call at a certain residence on
Michigan avenue. 1t was exceedingly
brief, though courteous.
Turning to the clerk with some degree
of anxiety, he demanded to know if there
were no other replies, and left with an in
credulOus look that would make any one
but an advertising clerk feel uncomforta-
bic.
On this little missive, therefore, hung
the truth of a theory and an expensive
supper. But Mr.. Barclay was a man of
resolve, and after a careful toilet was soon
at the residence on Michigan avenue.
lingo, this is sumptuous!" he ejacula-
ted, as his wandering eye took in the ele-
CANT surroundings. If 1 get accOmmOda-
tions here, I'll be inclined to think the
best home I've yet seen is humbUg to
this place.
His reveries were cut short by the ap-
pearance of two ladies, who smiled when
their unexpected visitor explained the OBJ
ject of his call.
The younger, Miss Susan Bedford, was
a lady of convictions. She had conceived
the idea that the writer of such an adj
Vertisement must surely be a divinity stu
dent, and thus she regarded him.
Mr.. Barclay, she said, reading his
card, and then proceeding straightway to
open the campaign. My mother and 1,
the other evening, we're discussing the adj
visibility of having some company IN the
house for the benefit Of my brother, who
met with a severe accident some time ago,
and has been confined to the house. We
saw your advertisement, and Were prompt
ed to answer it, but must fOrewarn you
that my brother has led very active COM
mercial life, has peculiar views on relig-
ion, and dislikes to discuss theological
subjects"
Shade Of Henry Ward Beecher! I
wouldn't be surprised if she took me for a
local preacher, thought Mr.. Barclay,
but if the interesting invalid who is to
be imp owed by my edifying conduct Is
practical business man I'll soon undeceiYe
them.
Madam, he replied, while dimpled
smile ran over his rosy, jOviaI face, saw
ing hard sinners is not my line, though
I'm in the hardware trade I'm COM
mercial traveller, and, as they say In our
circles, pretty we'll posted on current
He gave hearty laugh-such one as
had not been heard in that house for many
a day.
much TO the surprise of the ladies, called
out:
I'll bet cool thousand that's Jim Bar
clay's laugh. Come up, you burned old
son of gun; I'm glad to see you'll"
Why, is that you, Harry BedfOrd?"
cried the astOnished Jim. We'll, I de-
clare Thought you had sold out of your
fathers business and gone to Europe!
Well, am delighted to see you. I've
got a whole budget of stories to tell you.
You'll die laughing to hear how Pete
Welsh got mashed on widow in Duluth
but excuse me, ladies, for being so rude.
must beg of you to pardon me if join
Il don't think, my dear, there is much
of the divinity student about that gentle
man, said the mother.
NO, I don't think he mOrtifes the flesh,
but he will be just the person to put lit
tie life and animation into Harry. And I
hope" she added, that he may be our
guest.
Mr.. James Barclay was duly assimiIated
into the bosom of the Bedford family,
proved his theory, won his supper, found
a good home, cheered up the spirits of the
young merchant, led the young lady in
due course of time to the altar, and was
eventually admitted as partner into his
brother-in-Iaw's fourishing business.
He says that if there was any way by
advertising to take chance at making the
hereafter secure, he would be the first to
try it.