The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1893-08-17


Streeter was n young author who
had published several books. and vino
was getting along as we'll rs could he
expected, until suddenly he met
check. The check was only IL check as
far as his own self-estcem was con
cerncd for it did not in the least re-
tard the sale of his latest book, but
rather appeared to increase it. The
check was unexpected, for where he
had looked for cnress he had received
blow. The blow was So we'll placed
and SO vigorous, that at first it stunned
him. Then he became unreasonably
angry. He resolved to strike back.
The review of his book in the Argus
was vigorously severe, and perhaps
what maddened him more than any.
thing else was the fact that, in spite of
his self-esteem, he realized the truth
of the criticism. Ii his books had been
less successful, or il he had been newer
rs an author, he might possibly have
set himself out to profit by the keen
thrusts given him by the Argus. He
might have remembered that although
Tennyson struck back Mt Chri,topher
Forth, calling him rusty, crusty and
musty, yet the poet eliminated from
later editions all blemishes which
musty Christophe' had pointed out.
Streeter res we TO strike bacF, with
something more tangible tl,"s .rcas-
tic verse. He quite admitted, { en- 10
himself, that critic had every right
20 criticise-that was what he was for
but he claimed that n man who pre-
tended to be an authors friend, and
who praised his books to his face, had
no right to go behind his back and pen
q criticism SO scathing rs that which
appeared in the Argus, for Streeter
knew that Alfred Dawson had written
the criticism in the Argus, and Davi-
son had pretended to be his friend ;
and had pretended, as we'll, that he
had great admiration for Streeter' :
books.
As Streeter walked down the Boule-
ward des ltaliens, he saw, seated in
front OF cafe, the man whom he hoped
10 meet; and, furthermore, he was
pleased to see that the man had fri2ud
with him. The recognition OF author
and critic was mutual.
Halo, Streeter!" cried Dawson; {;
'whcn did you come over?"
IL left London yesterday, answered
Streeter.
Then sit down and have something
with us" said Dawson, cordially
"Streeter this is my friend Harmon.
He is an exile and resident in Paris,
and, consequently, likes to meet his
countrymen. What will you have to
drink, Streeter?"
Bring me glass OF seltzer," said
Streeter 10 the garcon who stood ready
to take the order.
When the waiter returned with n
glass of seltzer Streeter pulled out his
purse.
''No, MOI" cried Dawson; "you are
not going TO pay for this-you are
drinking with me"
II pay for my own drinks" said
Streeter, surily.
"Not while invite you TO drink
with me !" protested the critic ~ pay
for this seltzer."
Very we'll; take it, then!" said
btreeter, picking up the glass and dash
ing the contents in the face of Dawson.
Dawson took out his handkerchief
What you mean by that, Street.
err" he asked, as the color mounted to
his brow.
Streeter took ont his card and pen.
ciled q word or two on the pasteboard.
There" he said, "is my Paris cd.
dress. II you do not know what
mean by that, ask your friend here he
will inform you.
And with that the novelist arose,
bowed 10 the two, and departed.
When he returned 10 his hotel, after
q stroll along the brilliantly lighted
boulsyards, he found waiting for him
Dir. Harmon and a Frenchman.
81 had no idea you would come so
Soon, sAid Streeter, otherwise /
would not have kept you waiting"
at does not matter" replied Har-
mon; "ge have not waited long. AZ.
fairs Of this kind require prompt ac-
tion. An Insult lasts bat twenty-four
hours, and my friend and principal has
no desire 10 put you 10 the inconyeni-
encs of repeating your action Of this
evening. We are taking it for granted
that you have friend prepared 10 act