The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-06-13
friend of pas. He had known me since a

for this city about week ago. | never did
have any extraordinary fancy for leaning
over the bulwark of ship and gazing in
dreamy sort of way upon the blue ocean
waves beneath, so | took the train and
came overland.
We had yet some two hundred miles to
traverse. and had just wearly laid aside
my copy of Robert ElSmere, when my at
tentiOn was attracted by very portly, and
apparently well-tO-dO gentleman who
passed me ever and anon with an inquiring
glance. as much as to say: Il am sure l
know him-yet. can it be?' Presently
however. something seemed to dawn upon
his mind. for his brow cleared, and before l
could collect my senses (th!s is not meant
as a pun. Walt he had grasped my palm
in most cordial manner, and exclaimed:
Il am sure. | mistake not. Every line
ament of the SOftsnaps is in your features.
my dear sir! And though it is some years
since made London my home. l cannot
be deceived-yOu are Alfred-nO. Herbert
SOftsnap are you nOt?'
Il am SOftsnap, SIR" replied to him.
''but my christian name is not Alfred, nor
either Herbert. l am Arthur Softsnap.
Son of Oliver SOftsnap.''
why to be sure-Arthur-sO it is; con-
found my memory-son Of my intimate and
highly esteemed friend Of former years,
Oliver SOftSnap."
WE'LL dear Walt, as it turned out. the
gentleman had known me since child. and
had trundled me on his knee many time
while l was yet wee little chubby-faced
babe. as he expressed it. l was somewhat
ashamed ana even alarmed, tnat l could
neither recollect nor place him, for what
would Sir Oliver say. were he to learn that
l had offended his intimate friend of former
voarS nv NOT ropOOnizipu hip,C Hin, too
who had trundled me on his.knee time and
time again and frequently patted my little
cheek in bOyhOOd days! But Col. Redschild
that is his name-yOu OF course must
know him; he is a cousin of Baron c. Reds
child. Well, as was saying, the Colonel
very graciOusly ignored my defect in mem-
DRY. He said it was only natural in youth
to forget, and then he smilingly added.
Ibid not even l. who pride myself upon
my excellent memory of faces and events.
hesitate in doubt ere addressing you?"
To cut long story short, before many
minutes we were warm friends. That is
to say, the Colonel's was not friendship
as it exists between you and me. His was
rather fatherly. protective sort of friend
ship. He would take me under his wing.
and in parenthesis can truthfully remark
that he did, and see that [ was not imposed
upon by those willy Americans.
From remarks he let drop now and again
and from tmid queries put to him. dis
covered that he enjoys the pleasure of being
a millionaire several times over, besides that
of being president and chief stOckhOlder of
the Great Scott Gold & Silver Mining
Company. a concern that controls the out
put of don't recollect how many tons of
ore daily. He also is proprietor of several
very fine tracts of land. He pointed out
one or two of them to me-. from the window
of the railway carriage as the train sped
along. To tell you the truth, l felt small
and insignificant at his side. l was awed
beyond measure by his imposing manner.
and the serene tone in which he spoke of
his immense riches.
must cut short this letter. Suffice it to
say that reached this city sound and we'll
last evening. l remain as ever.
Yours truly. Arthur SOftsnap.
P. S. The Colonel did not wish it men.
toned, but in confidence. l will tell you,
that [ am very much elated over the chance
that favored me on our journey down to
render the Colonel valuable service. He
had some gold bullion or something of that
nature from his mine that he was express
ing down. Well, the long and the short of
it is, he was required to make payment
with the alternative of having his bullion
set Off the train. He was exceedingly
wrought up about the matter, and more so,
when his check was refused in payment.
Take my check, Arthur, my boy. and
pay the scOundrel. Unfortunately l have
not cash enough at hand" he said to ME. |
was very glad of the opportunity to raise
myself in the COlOnePs estimation so will
ingly paid the amount required, ESQ. But
1spurned to accept the check. His word
was sufficient for me-
True to his word the Colonel called on