The Forrest City times., 1891-04-24
THE PRESUMPTIvE HEIR.

It is not every man who can be Nicholas Tongs-it is not every man who could be, if he wanted to be: and 1t is not every man who would want to be, if he could be. This may seem an antithetical paradox, which might al- so be denominated 8 parergy-we use these high-hown terms because we are dealing with a high-hown subject; as will be seen by attention to this mar rative of Nicholas Tongs, native of the town of Vission Vale so named because it's founder had seen exactly such beautiful place in dream, be- fore he discovered it, and built the first house there.
 We will only add, before we begin, or rather before we end with the beginning, that if anybody should in- dulge hehope to be Nicholas Tongs, his path in life would doubtless be overshadowed, bethorned, bevenom- ed, and betangled with the vexatious weeds of disappointment. A combina- tion of peculiar providence had con- spired to make Nicholas Tongs what he was-an original individual-so that 1t would be beyond the bounds of reasonable expectation to hope to find pair offs uch Tongses. Moreover, at the age of thirty, having been poor and almost shiftless fellow all his life, the news came to him that an immensely wealthy relative had died, and left him all his fortune.
 At this period of his humble exist ence, Nicholas Tongs was nothing more than single man who did whitewash- ing, and went about doing all sorts of general utility jobs for n living. But thoughfvery mans occasionalservant, his spirit was not crushed.
 When he heard he was the presump- tive heir of vast approaching wealth, he instantly straightend up his back, looked grave, kicked over his white wash pail, burnt his brushes threw the lime into the road, washed his face, combed his hair and sat down to make plans Tor tho future; and his first resolve was thenceiorth he would become very naughty, reserved, and dignifed in his department.
 s'The fact Is, reflected he. angry with himself, Il have been to meek and obliging. and commanded but little re- spect from the world, who, for the most part, arc such mean and con- temptible jackasses, that they are apt to value a man at the price which he seems to set upon himself; and so, modcsty IS q millstone, and good na- ture Is imposed upon while gassy bladdcrs of men soar by their own frivolous imitation, and are looked up to, where they shine like gold, but only glitter by their puffiness l am going to be rich. will teach the servilc world that can become my fortune. will make a!lpeople keep their proper distance, and as must make be- ginning, will do so at once. before I come into possession of my property"
 Nicholas Tongs forthwith blackcd his boots, took a bath, had hss hair curled, put on his best attire, scented himself to n fearful degree of sweetness, and practised attitudes, strides, ges- lures, naughty tones, and faces before n cracked glass; and, in order to break himself and his acqualntances into his new style of behavior, he stalked proudly and slowly. with gloves in one hand and tlourishing large rcd silk handkerchief in the other; making little bows to such as happened to know and greet him in the usual un- ceremonious way.
 All stared at his altered gait, dress, and manner; and his frowns and tao iturnity created the suspicion that he was i'll, or out of work, with the excep- ton of one intimate friend, James litter. who having by chance learnt the secret of his great expectations, sought him out to see what effect his good fortune would have upon him.
 "Why, Nick, how do you do?" said litter. extending his hand cordially; but Nicholas nodded stifily and offer ed only one finger.
 Whats the matter with your hand --blistered it whitewashingy"
 'Sirl' said Nicholas, haughtily.
 "Where are you going, all dressed up, Nick' Funeral, lsuppose, you look % solemn"
 s'No, sir"
 ''Then you must be sick, Nick"
 ''I am sick of being called Nick, James. desire you to call me Nicho- las, hereafter.
 "James. you used to call me Jim"
 "Jim is vulgar; so isNick. wishto be addressed as Nicholas, James. Those who call me Nick I shall not speak to"
 Something has happened. surely"
 Nicholas coughed. Something had happened; but he felt 1t beneath his dignity to be in haste to tell what.
 "Something must have gone wrong You are very much changed. Worried in mind. for you neglect your personal appearance; you have not washed yourface this morning"
 ''Sirl"
 "You've got some dirt on your up- per lip--or perhaps you are going to have \ moustache--or have you been looking up the chimney, to see which way the wind blew?''
 James, this familiarity don't be- come you. If am growing q nous taShe, let me tell you that I can ai. ford 1t; and If have been looking to see which way the wind blew. assure you that Hound it blew in the right direction"
 "Nick, your heads turned. You never talked in this way before. I know that jobs arc scarce, and you