The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-04-13

familiar way. Before him rose the dismal
walls OF the Ministry of the Interior, and in
corner Of the huge pOrticO, half in the
shade, stood man who looked sharply into
Schelm's face. The man was a picture of
misery: his shabby costume his lean bag
gard face. all spoke but too clearly. When
lie saw that Schelm looked at him atten-
lively he exclaimed with a smile of delight:
To be surel Schelm in his own perSoni
a strange meeting!'
contempt.
u do not know you'll" he said dryly
You dc not know me?" continued the
unknown.
We'll it is some years since you saw me
last l am your school friend and your
only friend. Don't you recognize me? l
am Miller of Millertownl Come into my
arms, comradei"
The meeting was not pleasant for the
great man; he attempted to break off the
conversation.
Miller, however, willed differently; he
almost forced his friend to come under the
shelter OF the balcony. where he himself
had sought protection, and said to him:
Are you in such frightful hurry? l
understand how, in the position which you
seem to occupy, a meeting with an old com
rade may not be very pleasant, but console
yourself; my misery Is as great as your i'll
luck You need only look at me, my coat,
my hat, my boots; | am thoroughly demon
4
still the same man you were of old. l was
glad just now to notice that you were not
happy. AT the sight of your unhappiness
my heart warmed up. Surely you must still
be the same as of old"
Schelm did not conceal his ANNOYANCE. but
submitted to his fate and did not leave his
Ola friend. He asked him, with an air of
bitter haughtiness:
Quick"
20 Drpss vour hand door friand ond 70
tell you how l have Jared since we separ-
ated, and then, perhaps, TO take leave of
you Tor another ten years. All, my friend,
tate has not been kind to me. l had
small patrimony which l soon squandered.
l could not bear the position of an Office
holder; resigned and plunged into the
whirlpool of life. That lasted Eve years.
AT last l awoke one morning from this
dream, without money, not q friend, no
prosp ect Tor the future. For five years |
have knocked at all doors, tried every pro-
teSslon and can do nothing to earn a living.
All TINS time l wanted to work honestly
and falrly; my feelings reYolted against all
That was contrary to honor and conscience.
Ihls disposition closed every career against
me. 1 was driven away every where as
being good for nothing. For three days l
nave been living on crusts. To-day ! am
ready TO do anything. If any one were to
ask me to steal verify believe | could do
IL; II were asked TO libel and SANDER any
one could do it; if they wanted ME to
commit murder l would be able to do even
that. Hunger is POWERFUL
Schelm had listened attentiyely to the
words of his old schoomate. When he
paused he shrugged his shoulders and said
bTualiy:
What is all this to me9"
on are Just as kind, see, as you used
To be-, replied Miller. 81 thought | would
please you by telling You my history. felt
certain comfort in seeing you, whom ex
peeted to find rich and happy, looking any-
thing but happy. Your disordered dress,
your melancholy facial this encourages
me to offer you my hand"
Who told you | was poor and I'M
happy 2, interrupted Schelm. son the con-
tTary, hold high Office and have a salary
OF 1000 rg6les- Perhaps you like to hear
that news?"
is it possible?" cried Miller, that's
very different l am sure. Pardon me- but
be SO KIND as to lend me % rubIes."
Schelm drew back step quite surprised.
Wenty-hVe ruDlesI What for?
mat L viii tell you at once. Tonight
takes place the annual law supper, at which
all appear who have studied law together
on are no doubt invited as well as l. But
you nave perhaps never been present, while
90 not neglec. single meeting. 1t is the
only place where i can appear without ac-
ceptluS IL as aims, and where always meet
Klhdteu and sympathlZing hearts, Every
one OF my places or emplOyments I owe In
these annual suppers, to my former felIor1
students. Tonight l shall attend for the
last time, continued Miller, leaning on his
schoomate's arm, but | must have ~
Tubles to pay my score and to hire a decent
costume. Can you lend me that amount?';
Scheim withdrew from the hands of his
colleague and said in hard, icy cold tone
Mr. Miller, 1 observe in life the prinei-
pie that everybody lives and cares for him
self alone. / only show faycr to those who
can return me favors. But how could YOU
prove your gratitude? That would be sim
ply impossible. You could not even return
the borrowed money. You are simply a
beggar and l do not like beggars. Good
by! Hereafter leave me alone and do not
refer to our former acquaintance"
Ihus the head Of division left his friend
perfectly dumfounded and entered the Of
ice.
"A very, nice man, indeed" murmured
MilieI; must try Vladimir. | must alb
solntely attend this supper once more"
Trembling with cold and wading through
the deep mud, Miller went away.
In the meantime Schelm, in still worse
temper than before, ran upstairs. IT had
just struck and few clerks were again
AT work The old soldier slept once more on
his bench. Schelm hurried down the pas
sage. drew a key from his pocket and opened
the door of his office.
There was no life in ii, the fire in the
CRATE had gone out and it was bitter cold
in the vast department. Schelm looked all