The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-06-11
M((li .s:1gIe'
A LUCKY EVENT.
1t Turned the Fortunes of q Poor
Young Bailiff.

What have to record happened many
wears ago A series of reverses had re-
duced me to a level in society much be-
low that in which / was born. That it
was mainly my own fault l well know
now, But, at the time. / got myself
into bitter, don't care state of mind.
/ stunned home and friends: / isolated
mvself. and proudly determined 20 hold
aloof to the end. Bit by bit | went
down hill. Ny slender stock of money
disappeared, my wardrobe books, we'll
nigh everything followed. / became
sha bby!
Then came series of horribly hard
times, dearth of food, lack of occupa-
ton or aim / think | was very near
the end when / received an offer of a
place in an auctioneer's Office. My soul
rebeled, my heart sickened at the pros
pect of becoming a clerk: but it was OF
no use fighting against destiny. / beat
down my pride and accepted.
Behold me then an assistant in the
Office of Messrs. - & Co., at a salary
of twenty-five shillings d week. My
duties were various and progressive
correspondence and general Office work
at first; inventories and sale clerking
as | acquired more experience: and
lastly, the sole charge of one of the
many departments, my salary raising
to thirty shillings week. 1t was at
this time, and while | was receiving
this munificent screw" that the
luckiest event of my life occurred.
/ had a large amount of outdoor work
to do, and among others had one very
unpleasant task allotted me-the levy
ing of distraints That it was useful to
me, affording a means of gaining ex-
perience of, andinsight into, life, than
which none could have been better, /
do not deny. 1t led me among all
classes. from the highest to the lowest;
it taught nae how much lies beneath
the surface, how the seemingly wealthy
are often on the very verge of poverty;
it read me many bitter and heartfelt
lesson; but the occupation was always
utterly, miserably distasteful TO nae.
To plunge unawares upon man,
whether poor or rich, to upset the
quietude of the home and peace of the
family, to have to appear hard and
callous when my heart was nearly
bursting with sympathy, was bitter
ness itself. ! felt the work beneath
me. and for him who feels that there is
no hope.
''Ewant to see you before you 60"
said'one of the partners to me as | was
arranging some papers on my desk pre-
paratory to closing for the day. ''You
will have to levy a distress on your way
home-you live in Pimlico, dent you?'
Yes, SIR l said, with suppressed
calrse atithe prospective job.
We'll, you can manage it if you leave
here at five sharp-there'll be plenty of
time"
went to him at five and received in
structions. / was to levy for arrears of
rent upon gentleman viii call him
Mr.. Leveson-who had a bachelor suite
in one of the numerous mansions in
Victoria street, Westminster.
Il need scarcely caution you, Mr..
Williams" (the,Game | went UNDER, ito
be very careful. This is a special job
the first we have received from man
who is likely to be a very good client in
the future. Carry it through to thee
best of your ability-be firm, but do all
you can to suit the convenience of Mr.
Leveson. Take decent man with YOU
johnson is about the mark, / should
say"
Is.hunted up Johnson. He was, of
course, in the public house at the cor
ner; but he was sober and l knew,
thoroughly, trustworthy. Put him in
possession and nothing could remove
him; he would stick like death, and
this is more than can be said of all men
in his line of business.
We-that is, Johnson and reached /
the mansion in Victoria street wherein
resided Mr.. Leveson. He occupied
suite on the first floor.
Remain here" | said to Johnson. "If /
you are required I viii open the door I
and all you
1t is not the practice on good jobs to /
take the man in when the demand is 1
made. There is a chance of being paid /
out on the spot. and in that case it is !
better to depart with the appearance |
Of onlyshaying called for the rent |
leaving the fact of the proposed levy |
out of the question. 1t makes better /
impression and. too, it does not give a I
hint to the tenant of W hat ne may ex-
pect when next it is your unplea saut /
duty to cali in person.
] knocked at the outer door
is MIR. Leveson in?" inquired OF the 1
man who opened, inserting my foot at
the same time, SO that in the event of /
any suspicious being aroused l should /
be certain of gaining an entry.
No precaution was necessary. how /
ever was admitted to Mr. Leveson
on presentation of the firms card
Il have avery unpleasant duty topper (
form" | said, as he'rose and bowed: so. I
perhaps, it is best to come To the point .
at once"
Certainly, he replied
There is now | said. referring to /
any papers, "three-quarters of years /
rent due-one hundred and fifty pounds /
sterling. Are You prepared to pay that /
sum on the spot?"
No" eo
Then l must levy distress There .
is no other course open to me"
Before he could say q word went /
out OF the room, opened the front door
and called in my man.
Here is your warrant l said to
him. We must proceed at once upon /
the inventory" Then, turning to the /
astonished Mr.. Leveson: Il deeply re- /
greet the duty that is imposed upon me, /
but | must obey the firms orders
he dad not answer for a long time
We meanwhile proceeded with the in 1
ventoTy. He sat watching us, appar- /
emily In deem thought