Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1891-10-15
NOT FOR THRbH HUN
DRIED THOUSAND.
BY OPIE p. READ.

AT a watering 7 lace IN Virginia ther
arrived one evening puffy man of mid
die age, and his daughter, rather at
tract've girl, although there was self
conscious air about her-an air of sud;
denly acquired wealth. Her father
Objectionable air was not merely elf:
consciousness ; it was vulgar incllna-
ton to brag. His introduction into 80
ciety at the hotel was not sought b,
society It was a clear break on his owr
part. A number Of gentlemen and la
dies were seated near the end of Il shl
ded yeranda. discussing book that had
achieved an almost instant popularity
when the puffy new conner brusquesIy
showed his way forward and in loud
voice blurted out his opinion
l amt read the book, said he, but
I'll bet that it don't amount to much.
There is more humbuggery in this book
business than in most any other way ]
know of. Books II do putty we'll for
women, but IN my opinion a man is
throwing away his time with EN-. !
had IL twin brother that took to books
along back when he was boy, and al.
though he was bright feller--as bright
as ! was-he never amounted to much.
I had to take up a mortgage Oh his
place for him not moren SIX months
ago. That's about what | think oil
books. He leaned back against the
railing of the banisters and surveyed the
party with the satisfaction Of a man who
has carried his point and who Is thor
onghIy prepared for any subsequent at
tack. The ladies, especially the better
ones, smiled the men, with one excep-
ton, laughed. The exception was IA
young lawyer from Nashville. He
looked with the inquiry Of disapproval
at the intruder, and then quietly re.
marked:
1 thought Of writing a book, a
charming romance, but through fear
that | might possibly compel you to
take up another mortgage, | will forgo
the pleasure Of self enjoyable compost.
ton
TIE ihtcrloper, no wise, abashed re
piled lisa good step you're takin, |
reckln, as the writin of the book mi ght
he more lnlerestln' to you than the
readin If it would be to anybody else.
'DouJtless, retorted the young lawyer
you are right, Some dull trade. plot
ter might attempt to spill it out and
brui>c his alleged mind on some un,
looked for sharp corners.
Young fellow, what is your name:'
the intruder asked and the young fell
low meyer afraid to make himself known
answered
i am George Miles, sir.
'Ah, HAN George Miles. Where do
you live?'
Nashville, sir.
All, hah know that town we'll. |
went along with the army some little
dur,n' the war, aud bought up the hides
of cattle that were killed for the soldiers
and made IA pretty good thing out of it
IN the Nashville market. used to
know an old soap boiler there named
Josh Miles. Any kin to him.
The ladies Uttered. and the old man
looked at them In astonshment, know
ing that he had not uttered witt!csm.
l, never heard of your friend Miles,
said the lawyer, although he might
have made II fair article of soap.
PITY you then, reckon, AS all men
were cleaner, for havin knowed old
Josh The men laughed, the ladies
Uttered again, and the old fellow, con
scious this time that he must have SAID
something to the point, bowed bis &C
acknowledgements. Just then his daash-
ter appeared. standing i'll a door
Father she called. 1 am ready
4 am ready, too. he answered., and
withdrew with clumsy haste.
That evening while Miles and several
other men SAT under a tree. smoking
the old fellow came ont with an eior
nous cigar IN his mouth aud 'sauashed
himself down On a bench.
Boys, said he, breaking into the con
versation, 4 III gittin so | ruther like
this here one boss place. | did think
that it would be il little too much fol
ne TO stay out here, aud want keer
! TO come, nuther, but Minnie set hrl
heart on it and away We come. NJ,
name is Beck
! No one said anything, and Mr. Becl
continued
4 reckon I've done AS much hus
i jim in my time as most Of men. wal
pore boy. but Instead Of foolin away
NV tune with books went to work an,
alu t sorry for it. | have noticed in m.
Knockin around, that money Is putt.