Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1891-07-10


not sought by society; it was clear
break on his own part. A number of
gentlemen and ladies were seated near
the end of a shaded veranda, discuss
ing a book that had achieved an almost
instant popularity, when the puffy
newcomer brusquely showed his way
forward and in loud voice blurted out
his opinion:
'T amt read the book" said he, ''but
I'll bet that it don't amount to much.
There is more humbuggery in this here
book business than in most any other
1 know of. Books'n do putty well for
women, but in my opinion a man is
throwing away his time with 'em.
had a twin brother that took to books
along back when he was a boy, and,
although he was a bright feller-as
bright as / was-he never amounted to
much. had to take up a mortgage on
his place for him not morc'n six
months ago. That's about what l
think of books" He leaned back
against the railing of the 'banisters"
and surveyed the party with the salts
faction of man who has carried his
point and who is thoroughly prepared
for any subsequent attack. The ladies,
especially the better-na tured ones
smiled; The men, with one exception,
laughed. The exception was young
lawyer from Nashville. lie looked
with the inquiry of disapproval at the
intruder, and then quietly remarked:
81 had thought of writing a book,
charming romance. but through fear
THAT | might possibly compel you to
take up another mortgage, will fore
go the pleasure of self-enjoyable com
position.
The interloper, no wise abashed, re-
piled: Its good step you're talIin',
/ reckon, as the writin' of the book
might be more interestin to you than
the readin' of it would be to anybody
else"
Doubtless rctorted the young law
yer, ''you are right Some dull trade
plodder might attempt to spill it out
and bruise his alleged mind on un-
looked-for, sharp corners"
Young feller, what is your name?"
the intruder asked; and the young fell
low. never afraid to make himself
known, answered:
II am George Miles, sir"
''Ah, hah! George Miles. Where do
you live?''
Nashville, sir"
''Ah, hah! l know that town putty
well. l went along with the army
some little durin' the war, and bought
up the hides of the cattle that were
killed for the soldiers, and made a
pretty good thing out of it in the Nash
vile market. | used to know an old
soap boiler there named Josh Miles.
Any kin to him?"
The ladies Uttered. and the old fellow
looked at them in astonishment, not
knowing thathe had uttered WITH
cism.
81 never heard of your friend Miles,"
said the lawyer, although he might
have made fair article of soap"
''Pity for you then, l reckon, as all
men were cleaner for havin' knowed
old Josh" The zen laughed, the
ladies Uttered again, and the old fell
low, conscious this time that he must
have said something to the point,
bowed his acknowledgment. Just then
his daughter appeared, standing in
door. Father" she called, "I am
ready"
81 am ready, too" he answered, and
withdrew with clumsy haste.
That evening, while Miles and SOW
eral other men sa. under tree, snok
ing, the old fellow came out with an
enormous cigar in his mouth and
'squa shed" himself down on bench.
Boys" said he, breaking into the
conversation, I'm gittin' SO 1 ruther
like this here one-hoss place. ! did
think that it would be little too much
for me to stay out here, and | want
keen to come nuther, but Minnie set
he r heart on it and away we come.
My name is Beck"
No one said anything, and Mr.. Beck
continued: Il reckon I've done about
as much hus'lin' in my time as the most
of men. was pore boy, but instead
of foolin' away my time with books !
went to work and amt sorry for it. l
have noticed, in my knockin' round,
that money is pretty nigh the boss. 1t
may not be happiness in itself, but
without it there ain t very much enjoy
ment Larnin' may command the re-
spect of the few, but money employs
the services of the many, and to chal-
lenge the complete respect of men you
must make 'em serve YOU"
81 don't know but you are right"
said one of the men.
''Of course I'm right, and what is the
use of peop.e shuttin' their eyes against
the fact, or ruther pretendin' that they
do? l know that there's sort of re-
spectability, or mout say aristocracy,
that money sometimes amt got, but
just wait awhile and money'n git it all
right"
What business are you IMP" some
one asked.
well, | amt in any business now
have retired, you might say. / made
my money in different sorts of specula-
ton and have got it well invested,
drawin' a fust-rate interest live in
Georgia and am putty much at home
char, I 41Il