The Somerset reporter., 1890-02-06
SELECTED.
A DANGEROUS REINFORCEMENT.

A DANGEROUS RErREhcHMEhT.
1t was the beginning of the year, and
Mr.. Archibald Wise had made up his
mind that he must economist somew here.
After debating the matter for some time
he concluded to give up taking regularly
daily paper Mrs. Wise ventured a re-
monstrance:
why not give up some personal ex-
pense," she said, 'instead of hitting upon
something which will affect the entire
family? Cigars, for instance; | have
often thought it would be positive bene-
fit could you do without them"
Mr.. Wise was kind husband and
father, but like many another man, once
he had resolved upon certain thing he
was not easily turned aside.
"Tho family" he began in reply, 'con-
sists only of you and me, my dear, so far
as the use of paper Is concerned. Our
children, all under fourteen years of age,
are not exactly eager for news, take it Z;
and as to my getting along without cigars,
| could far more easily go without my
coffee in the morning or tea at night.
You cannot imagine the solace contained
in cigar to a tired or perplexed business
man"
But Mrs. Wise still demonstrated you
are mistaken" she said, ''in thinking that
the children do not need the daily paper.
Indirectly they do, find great deal of
instruction in our paper with which 20
teach the children. | really hope you
will reconsider before actually stopping
it."
81 shall buy paper quite often, re-
| plied Mr.. Wise. "Of course man must
know something of what is going on in
the world about him, but | think daily
of numerous pages quite unnecessary,
and | must be allowed to exercise my
judgment in the matter
1t is an old saying that the remark,
.'allow me to Judge" puts an end to
almost any discussion. Accordingly
Mrs Wise said no more, but 1t depressed
her to feel that the friendly visit of her
| favorte daily MUST De diisoonsssnas
At first Mr.. Wise carried home little
thin substitute for the old favorite nearly
every night, but by degrees even that
came less and less frequently. When he
boosted to his wife that he really got the
news almost as completely as ever by
watching the bulletin and hearing men
talk, she replied rather dryly that men did
have considerable advantage over women
in the matter of getting news without
paying for it. They could stand and gaze
at pleasure at great scrolls pasted on the
side of newspaper buildings and CLEAN a
good deal from other men. Yes, 1t was a
real sharp way to economize without los
ing much, cheap and perfectly nice, she
supposed
Although Mrs Wises manner was
tranquil as q summer sea, yet her words
rutiled and irrtated her husband; and If
the truth were known, it was not all
quite smooth sailing for Mr.. Wise. He
did not actually enjoy sitting In the sta
ton or horse cars, empty handed. among
groups of men, all of whom except him
self had open papers in their hands; so he
resorted to the expedient of carrying a
folded paper in the breast pocket of his
coat, that it might appear as if he had
paper which presumably had already been
perused.
One evening as he was hurrying toward
the station. a little ragged gamin, with
papers under his arm squinted up into his
face and cried
"Mister, want to read all about the
clision?"
What collision?" asked Mr.. Wise.
"Oh, you buy the paper and find out"
said the urchin, his phiz in the air and his
II have paper" said Mr.. Wise, glanc-
ing toward his breast pocket.
"Bet you amt seen bout the c'lision,
persisted the boy; otis a special in my
paper better have one, sonny
But Mr.. Wise haughtily eschewed all
counsel from such a source, and hurried
on.
On the train he seated himself between
acquaintan. es, who looked up from their
papers to exchange greetings.
Dad news this evening" said one.
Eyes; quite a collision replied Mr.
Wise.
"Ah, l hadn't seen that said his
friend; "where do you find ii:
Il haven't read particulars" said Mr.
Wise, feeling the uncertainty of his posi-
ton.
"Will you allow me to see your paper p
asked the gentleman on his other side.
He was an agent for lifein>urance COM
panies, and added, "lm making list of
accidents lately, with motive"
Mr.. Wise realized the danger of taking
subterfuge In further deception.
II haven't the account in my paper he
said. II heard the matter mentioned,
hut can't tell any thing about It, Thought
| might hear more from you,' he added
blandly. Another moment he adroitly
changed the subject.
Next day in going to and fro, Mr.. Wise
scanned the bulletins in search of the
'bad news" alluded to by his friend, also
for an account of the collision mentioned
by the boy but he succeeded in obtaining
information on neither point.
| On his way home he encountered the
gamin again, who asked, with his agra
waiting squint;
"Read about the c'lision yet, mister?'
"How care you tell falsehoods - help
sell papers'" inquired Mr.. Wise, sternly.
Read there fur yerself,' said the
youngster, pointing to parag graph in his
single remaining paper.
Mr.. Wise took the paper and read
"Boylston street runs Into Washington
street.
without word Mr.. Wise paid for the
paper and strobe on.
Arrived at home, his wife asked If he
attended the annual meeting that after
noon of the stockholders of the X Y. 4
u. Railroad Company. 1t occurred a
week sooner, she explained, but Mrs.
Chester said it was advertised in the lead
ing daily papers.
| Mr.. Wise's face fell. He was not a
stakeholder in the wealthy concern, but it
| hau been lntlmateu 10 1iiu tnat NJ the
close of the meeting some appointments
would probably be made, one Of which
might affect him favorably were he on the
SPOT to press his claim.
| He ate his supper In gloomy silence,
then went to call on Mr.. Chester, one of
the stockholders of the railroad company.
To his keen disgust and disappointment
he learned that his absence had been tax
en- for indifference and the appointments
had all been made.
"But l received circular stating that
the meeting would not take place until
next week." said Mr.. Wise.
"Yes," replied Mr.. Chester, 80 of
course did I. but circumstances were
making 1t necessary that the meeting
should take place to. day It Was we'll i'd.
vertised In the papers," added Mr.. Ches-
ter.
"Strange l didn't see It," almost
growled MIR. Wise as he turned from the
door.
Mrs. Wise sincerely hoped this circum-
stance would convince her husband Of the
poor economy Of trying to get along
without . daily paper, but she soon dis
covered It had only served TO make his
resolves the more d0gged.
| About that time Mrs Wise became en-