The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1893-03-10
AN EXCHANGE OF SOULS,
well, what are you thinking of ?"

The shoemaker, kneel1ng to measure
The foot of Charles Vane, looked up as
the gentleman asked this question, and
turned red to his ears.
We'll, sir, he said, Il was thinking
promiscuous like" And he went on
measuring.
You've got high instep," he said,
after a pause, "Ain't it singular how
providence favors some and makes
others rs flat as turtles. [ suppose
youd like heel this height, sir; you're,
should say, six foot.
six feet one.
'Lor' !! an I amt quite five.
The little shoemaker stood up rs he
spoke and pocketed his measure. But
the young man still looked at him with
puzzled air.
What were you thinking of, Glint?"
be said again. Il never saw your jolly
/ face so solemn.
We'll, sir, said the shoemaker, "since
you want to know, if you'll excuse the
liberty, | was a-wishing was you
"Why?"
well, sir, you are rich, you know,
and can do as you like all day; and you
are six foot one, and good lookin' to
match"
And have wished often that were
! you.
You are making game of me, sir -
"No-I mean it. I have often said
were I young Clint over there, hard at
work all day, enjoying coarse fare.
taking pleasure in cheap pastimes,
luxuriatlng in his Sundays and holidays,
what would l not give 1 have too
many leisures, I have surfeit of all
things. 1t isn't good for man.
I'D like to try it, sir.
"And should like to try the daily
toil-the happy rest-the sharp appetite
the spirit that sends you whistling to
your work. I'd change with you
| Clint"
"Ahem p muttered somebody behind
them.
The shoemaker and the gentleman
both turned. In the doorway stood
crooked little old man in black, with
weazen, yellow face. He bowed and
! entered.
Il overheard your wish just now"
said the little man. Il overheard also
that wish of your shoemaker yonder,
and am here in consequence
Il can, if I choose, crafty this wish
Of yours at once 1t is O whim of mine
to do so. Come now, were you in
earnest e.
II was, said the gentleman.
"Of course, was. said the cobbler.
The little man in black drew from
his pocket parchment.
append your signature" he said.
This compact will accomplish all that
you desire, but, remember, it is ire
vocable unless within the year both de-
sire it to be broken at the same instant"
The old gentleman is mad, thought
Charles. III sign to humor him.
Its l don't know who," said the
shoemaker, "but I'll sign for all that. I"
Done said the old gentleman.
And now, remember you have now
changed souls, but you have faces,
voices, apparent knowledge. Watch
the clock ten minutes, and pocketing
the parchment walked out of the room.
Five minutes-eight-ten. Asort OF
convulsion shook each of those men.
An agony impossible to describe, was
repeated twice in each breast, and for
ten minutes more neither knew any,
thing.
"A pretty shoemaker you. asleep on
your bench. l say, are masters shoes
done?''
Mr.. Charles Vane heard these words
and opened his eyes. He seemed to re-
member, absurdly enough, to have
mended pair of shoes for Mr.. Brown.
He put forth his hand and drew them
from beneath the table.
"a shillun, said he.
The boy took the boots and placed o
filthy 10-cent stamp and greasy two
cent piece on his palm.
Charles Vane dropped both with dis
gust The boy grinned.
Amt over your spree yet ?" he said,
and went away leering.
Charles Vane arose and looked about
the room. 1t was the cobblers shop.
Pah how it smelled of wax and gin !
He looked in the glass. There was
the cobbler's face and five brief feet of
stature He glanced over the way and
saw himself stepping into little natty
turnout.
The old man spoke the truth" he
said Il am about to taste humble
happiness.
1t was not sweet at the first bite
He was conscious of a queer feeling
never experienced before. After awhile
he began to believe it was hunger.
He began to remember, also, that he
had had no breakfast except piece Of
bread and an onion. He looked around
for bell to ring for lunch. There
was no bell.
DO shoemakers starve?' he asked
mentally. Just then the door opened.
Come till yez mate p yelled the ser.
want of the house. "Missus sez ye're
maxim the other boarders wait" and
down went the last and boot with
alacrity.
Led by some queer instinct, the new
shoemaker stumbled kitchenward, and
saw at table nine men, three women
and girl.
Charles Vane remembered having en-
We'd Clint his interchange of kisses
with this damsel at the shop door OF
moonlight nights, and to have written
q poem on humble love.
Alas he now knew that the brassy
ring with glass stone upon the dam
sells finger was his engagement ring.