Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-01-01
STRANGE CONDOLENCES.
A Lost Scarab Recovered and Two Old
 Friends Exchange Boots.

A Lost Scarab Recovered and Two Old
 Friends Exchange Boots.
 Talking about coincidences," said young man to a group in a hotel lobby the other evening, 'treminds me ot something rather remarkable in that line which happened to me the other day. You have noticed, per haps," he continued, "that several Washing ton young gentlemen wear Egyptian scarabs as watch charms, similar to this one on my chain. Well, met one of these young men the other day on the avenue, and, ill course of conversation, noticing this little antique, he said: Do you know have lost my scarab, and am mighty sorry, for it, too It was genuine antique, and I can't replace it. l thought at first that would recover it, as 1 lost it in the sleeping car coming from New York to Washington, but all my efforts were fruitless, and so I have given it up. Now here comes the strange part of it, continued the speaker. "The very next day l stopped on the avenue to have @ moments chat with mutual friend, a we'll known official at the capitol Noticing my charm, be said: What is this little trinketT explained, and he con tinued, Well, do you know, found one like that the other day, and I thought at first it was e mystical society badge of some kind, and slipped it in my pocket and never thought anything more about it. l found it under rather peculiar circumstances I went to New York the other night, and was the last passenger to leave the sleeper ill Jersey City. I made hurried toilet, but something hurs my foot, so that had 1o take off ny shoe, and the little stone dropped out. I couldn't imagine where it came from, and was going to throw it away, but, noticing the carved inscription, changed my mind, and slipped it in my pocket"
 ''I think I know the owner," said, land 41& GvaIa toyly yfv1Op through the telephone to each other, and the former was rejoiced to hear of the recovery of his lost scarab Now, although they were we'll acquainted, nothing would ever have come of it all if both hadn't noticed my charm and told of the loss and find"
 'fNow, that's equal to coincidence that l knew of several years ago." said the colonel, and it was right here in this hotel office. ] had an appointment one evening to meet an army captain who had just arrived that morning from New York. He was pretty high liver, and was liable to take little too much. He acknowledged to me that he had had what he called jag on' the night be- fore. He was full before he left New York, and got fuller with some friends before he turned in on the sleeper. In tie morning he was somewhat unsteady, but dressed hnr- riediy and came up town. He was very busy during the day, and although he walked q good deal he hadn't noticed until dinner that he had been wearing another fellows boots, and they were at least size too large for him. He had just explained all this to me in answer 10 a question as to how he was, when I saw him look steadily at gentleman who had stopped ill the middle of the office to light cigar. All of sudden he jumped up, hurried across, and, skipping the other man on the shoulder, exclaimed: Why, B., old boy. how are you9 l haven't seen you for ten years It appeared they were pld friends, who had drifted apart in the chang ing army life. He brought his newly found friend oyer and introduced him. In the course of conversation the latter said: "A funny and rather disagTeeable thing hap pened to me last night, and l am suffering from it still. 1 came over from New York on the night train. While getting dressed this morning l called the porter and said: These aren't my boots.' 'Dey is de enlist ones lief, boss; all de udder gents is gone an dey mus be yourn.' There was nothing to be done but wear them Although too small, managed to get them on, and have worn them all day. They seem to be shrinking every hour. though, and hurt like the devil"
 ''It was study to watch the face os my friend, the captain. He looked from the boots to the mans face while he was telling the story, and when it was finished he ex- claimed: Well, I'll be d-d if you aren't wearing my bootsr Explanations and drinks were in order. "--Washington Star.