Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-10-29
THE SPENT BALL.
By q S. KNEEDLER.

my hand rudely upon his shoulder Spok
sharply: my God, man, what do yo1
mean by this imposture? What is Their
in your life you fear that men may fine
out? Not for my sake tell it, but for th
sake of the woman you profess to love.
II have told you the truth, he saiC
slowly, and then with gathering fore,
went on: 81 have no past. There IS ;
tradition of one who spurned the Saviour
and who was hidden to go on forever
Perhaps am he; but if so, that early sill
is mercifully hidden from my knowl
edge. live only in the present-in to
day-this moment. 1t is with wonder
that l see children about me in tht
streets, for 1 never was child. Iht
faces of the people meet are strange tC
me, yet never knew any others. Some
times at night I look into the window:
of homes as 1 pass and see pleasant
groups gathered under the lamplight
But l never knew such home of my
own. You talk about your kindred aud
your friends to whom you will some time
return; but 1 have neither kindred MOI
friends. You keep always asking Inc
about my past, my past, but tell you ]
have no past. And then l feel that you
doubt me, and that you suspect that per-
haps have committed some grave crime
for which 1 fear the knowledge may
come to you. You have read the story
of the man without country. 1 am a
man without past"
"But surely
"Say, you fellows" broke in familiar
voice, and Jones hurried up the hill to-
ward US. GIVE been looking for you all
over town, and just met Harmon, who
said he saw you come out this way.
You're wanted at the Office instanter.
The stockholders held a meeting last
night and raised old Ned about the ex-
penses of the paper, roasted the business
manager for calling for assessments on
the stock so often and ordered a general
cutting down. I've just been let out and
the old man wants to see you for the
same agreeable purpose, doubtless. It's
getting cool up this way anyhow, and I'm
off tonight for New Orleans. Ia, ia, I'll
see you this evening""
Brigham and 1 walked back to the
Office in silence. l was too busy trying
to reconcile my companions strange con-
fession with my reason to think much of
the "old man" or my fate at the Office 1
had no chick to care for and was heart
free, so the possibility of discharge gave
me no uDeasiness. A bird of passage
anyway, had no care for the morrow.
The old Bohemianism asserted itself ut
the very possibility of change. But it
was different with Brigham. He was
certainly not so well equipped as 1 was
10 lpOk out for number 0ne-and besides
he was in love. The chances of his
marrying Emily Percival might be in
Neutrality-suspicious. were-but l could
understand what his emotions must be
at the possibility of being driven away
at this time. In fact 1 remembered how
but that has nothing to do with this
story.
When we reached the Office the man
aging editor was waiting for US, and he
said with an abruptness which was per-
haps assumed for the occasion:
''Boys, there has been a general order
for the doubling up of work, Three
men are to be let out, and the choice has
fallen on Jones, Brigham and Hallam.
I'm sorry, but you know how it is, and
that will save me making long story
of it."
"But, Mr.. Blake" 1 said, "you mrsb
take into account another thing. 1 am
going to resign-inteuded to mention il
to you last night, but got wind of this,
and thought probably my resignation
would be called for anyhow, so 1 waited
The fact is am getting tired of Mem
phis, and had decided to go on down to-
ward New Orleans, with the probability
Of visiting some friends in Vicksburg on
the way. So as that will solve the ques-
lion for one man, want to ask you to
book Brigham for my place. He likes
the town, and can do the work better
han could
81 will not take your place." said
Brigham, rising. 81 see your intent,
and I, thank you for it, but 1
could not stay under those circum-
stances"
''But you must, my dear boy" 1 said.
THE thing is no new resolve with me.
Was decided on last night, assure you.
want you to stay. All towns are alike
@ me and 1 am at home anywhere.
Memphis has really become a great bore
% me, and 1 long for the Bayou Cook
oysters and the pompano of Farbacher's
IN Royal street"
He was stubborn, and for a long time
leld to his purpose to go too. 1t was
ike handling a shy horse with hard
mouth and a straight bit, but at last he
to do as had proposed:
That evening he called on Emily Per-
;ival and came back in high spirits. 1
vas in bed and asleep when he entered
he room, but woke up when he lighted
he lamp and sat down on the edge of
he couch.
Il couldn't help waking you, Gilman"
lie said; Il wanted to tell you Emily |
owes me-"
took his hand. 81 do congratulate
Tou, old fellow, with all my heart. She
s woman who would make any man |
lappy-a woman with heart that wealth
las never hardened. Life is all before
7ou, and it will be your own fault if it
you"
eyes" he said joyously; 81 have no
,ast, but the future is mine. 1t is a
glorious night, and 1 think 1 should
mother if staid cooped up here. I'll go
own on the bluffs and take little stroll
'efore turning in"
When awoke the next morning, with