Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1892-02-18
A GOLDEN ALLY.

Mr.. Samuel Slickens walked down the
main street of Aberdeen one morning
with downcast mien. Perhaps he was
studying the probable durability of his
shoes, for his mind was occupied with
ways and means.
tits said that the stomach influences
the brain. If so, little wonder was there
in his case that his thoughts were seri-
Gus. lie had had no breakfast his regi-
men the day before had comprised few
greasy potato chips.
"Ihere ought to be some one who
would go at least soup ticket on me,
he murmured; but even as he did, long
line of forbidding faces answered, "No
one"
And yet there were few young men on
the street of finer appearance than
Samuel Slckens, few indeed of more
harmless and amiable disposition. He
was one of those unfortunates of whom
his friends say, with shrug, "He is his
own worst enemy, and find this pre-
cedent for their own treatment of him
1t had not been always thus, however
When he first came to Aberdeen, after
graduating from the law-school. he was
regarded as the possessor of M bou lol
possibilities. He was an orpl an. He
had inherited a snug fortune, hicl fame
had made snugger; he had bright eve,
winsome smile, an engaging manner.
Who was there so apt of anecdote, so
quick at repartee, so tuneful of voice, as
he? To know Sam Slickens was Il dis
tinction, to visit at his rooms an event
One, two, three, four, the years had
glided away, and at the beginning of
each Sam had regretfully said. II wish |
were as well off as | was twelve months
ago." and then had thought no more
about it. But Fortunatus without his
purse is Fortunatus no longer, so now
his friends agreed that it was wonder
that he had kept going so long Perhaps
it was, but no such foreboding had
troubled them over his dinners and
cigars.
This walk down street on this partic-
ular morning was chiefly induced by
habit, for his extensive law offices were
now confined to his hat; his elegant
apartments for week and more had been
within one one of the citys parks. 1t was
lonely walk, too, interrupted by no
hearty greeting or vigorous slap upon
the back. For some reasons his friends
preferred the other side of the street,
and their gaze was concentrated upon the
architectural beauties of the buildings
that lined it
81 swear!" resolved Sam, "I'll call
upon Campbell. He's n crank, so he's
sure to differ from all the others"
Now, Lionel Campbell was an unpleas-
ant enigma to the average citizen, who
could not understand exclusiveness to-
wards his affable self His wealth re-
quired millions to calculate, and engross
his entire attention. Since he minded
his business, and barely vouchsafed a
surly nod to the gilded youth whom he
might meet, he was popularity voted "the
meanest man." His father had left his
son the gross results of lifetime of
thrift and energy, less the pittance which
bare existence had cost him. People said
that in Lionel his subtlety and avarice
were intensified. In reality they knew
little about him, for he had led the life
of recluse, and returned with interest
the dislike which he engendered.
Sam entered tho vast general office,
filled with clerks busted with the affairs
of the Campbell estate, and difiidently
gave his name to an usher.
"Ill take it in" this functionary said
obviously, "but it's no use | reckon
They yonder be waiting to see him; >
and he designated with his finger portly
group, among whom Sam recognized q
railway magnet, an insurance president