Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1894-09-07
NOTES ON A CUFF.

When Mr.. Adolphus Fita- Brown stepped
bne Monday into a convenient omnibus
which happened to pass his door, he had
not the slightest idea that he was abso-
lutely incapable Of meeting the modest re-
auirements of the conductor. The con-
ductor was waiting in stony silence to be
paid. Adolphus began to stammer some
thing when good natured looking indi-
Eidual observed his discontinue and said
heartily:
"What's the troubled Ali see how
1T is-you've left your money behind.
Well, I'm good for your fare anyhow"
And with that this modern good Samari-
tan took out twopence and paid the fare.
Adolphus thanked the stranger ELUSIVE
ny and insisted on taking the name and
address of his benefaotor. Though the lat
tier declared that 1t was not worth while
bothering about such a trifle, he was too
polite to resist the earnest solicitations Of
Mr.. Fitz-B Brown, upon whose cuff the fol-
lowing note was eventually made:
I'm. Fortescue, 100 North Bank, ST.
IJohn's Wood"
Adolphus used to have a habit Of writ
ling memoranda on his shirt cuff. He has
relinguished that habit latterly.
Now, Adolphus was an author, and the
business which took him by omnibus to
the city was business connected with q
Forthcoming publication. Arrived at his
publishers, he was politely informed that
the member of the firm whom he desired
to see had been compelled to go suddenly
to Birmingham. Would Mr.. Fitz- Brown
kindly call at on Wednesday If he could
make it convenient Certainly he could
and would And down went another note
ON his cuff.
Walking thence to his bankers, hard by,
he paid in checks to the amount Of some
ESQ and drew out e5 for petty cash. AS
he was about to leave the premises fault
lessly attired gentleman happened to
emerge from an inner room and reminded
him that his account was overdrawn to
the extent of e100.
"Of course that shall be put right at
once" he said. I'm any event you shall
have at least EOS on Thursday without
fail"
He registered the VOW in his usual way,
and rattling his 'petty cash" in his pock-
et he repaired to Birch's for some lunch
con. At that deservedly popular resort he
encountered his old friend Stubbins, a
man whom he had not seen for years,
who informed him that his Oldest daugh-
ter was to be married on the following
Saturday. After basin Of turtle soup
and large glass of punch he determined
that the young lady ought to receive a
present. What should 1t beP A diamond
ring, Of course. And he straightway
booked the order, as 1t were-on himself.
Then he went home and began to reread
the manuscript Of the novel which he had
been about to submit to his publishers
that very day.
''How lucky" he exclaimed, THAT the
man was away in Birmingham now
perceive that my heroine has too many
children. I must get rid of one or two.
Let me see. Edith has a fortune of 91OO,
900, and two boys and three girls among
whom the money must he equally divided,
and they must all be wealthy"
He had barely time to make hurried
note when the maid came in with two
Letters. The first was from Major Steg-
gall to ask the great author to come and
shoot on the 9th inst. at his country seat
or must see about my gun" soliloquized
Adolphus), and the second conveyed the
intelligence that the celebrated detective,
LMr. Shlskey hume6, had acceded to his
long standing request to show him over
an opium den and that he would await
him on Tower hill at 9:16 on the follow
ing Monday.
Adolphus was writing on his by this
time much soiled cuff when his wife call
ed out that 1t was high time he went to
dress for dinner.
A week had passed, gentle reader. The
time is Ola, and on Tower hill our hero
stands waiting for the appearance of Mr..
Shiskey Humea Adolphus felt cold, but
Ihe was destined soon to feel warmer fol
suddenly a well known voice smote upon
his ear. 1t was the same voice that had
hidden him dress for dinner only seven
days ago.
"What, you here, Edith" said the as.
btonished novelist. "What can this mean2"
ut MEANS" replied his wife as she led
her husband away, "that have under
Providence been the means Of preventing
q great crime. I am, know, too late to
prevent great wrong"
Explain yourself, Edith, expostulated
LAdolphus II am here on business-to
collect material for o new work"
Lido not doubt" reulied his wife bitter