The Forrest City times., 1894-12-21

Thfy0unS ludn scchscu oo " bv these remarks, and did not conceal the self-conscious expression of his face as he took the volume and turned over the leaves.
 "What does it cost?" he inquired.
 "Well. the price marked on 1t is fifty cents. but you know it's the last Tn the lot and getting mighty rare. But I'll let you have it for seventy-hve cents, seeing tomorrow is Christmas"
 We'll, the young man bought the book and probably had his moneys worth, as he seemed deeply interested in it's contents from that time forward.
 The volunteer next attacked me, and had no serious difficulty of swindling me out of twenty-five cents on five cent package of cough-drops, which he declared would cure any disorder of the human system in miraculously short time.
 The seat in front of mine was occu- pied by typical priest. Now, l never saw but two types of travelling priests one the German and the other Irish. This one was unmistakably Irish quite willing and ready for tourna- ment of wit-and match for the ire pressible drummer. His sharp thrusts at the salesman were applauded by the little coterie of friends across the aisle. It seemed to me that the cunning Rube was purposely laying himself open to give pointers to the priest. However that may be, he managed to leave his reverence poorer by silver dollar, but in an excellent humor with himself and all the world.
 The industrious salesman had by this time proceeded beyond the range of hearing. but was steadily gaining in popularity, and as he progressed shouts of mirth greeted him. Almost every one entered into the spirit of the enter prise, and his stock was considerably diminished before he had passed out to enter the next car, for 1t was the smokera and if he had successfully broken the ice in our car he was just the man to reap harvest amongst the democratic and anarchistic smokers. The original and only train boy was an interesting sight. His despondency had evaporated. He no longer put me in mind of a sick chicken on a rainy day, unable to find comfortable shel- ter; his dependency had taken wings. He no longer dropped, but sat erect in his seat. His dough-colored face took on mahogany tint. The dull eyes were sparkling with a new light. Hope had given him back his manhood and courage. He could appear before his humble family in the character of a protector and provider. He could re- spond to the welcome home as every true man loves to respond with some new comfort for those he loves. He would come home with good tidings for Christmas; for the jolly Samaritan had sold enough in our ear to insure his hopes.
 But here comes Rube, returning from his labers with an empty bssket and but two volumes of the disreputable literature which forms the bulk of SUD- ply for the trainboy-"The Mistakes of Moses" and Nance" There is a smile lurking beneath his mustache-I can detect it by the dimples in each cheek and there is sunshine in his eyes. Six feet of you, Rubc, and every inch of you man! l would like to shake hands with you, old fellow, for there is a big heart humping under your vest: a heart in proportion to your great body. No doubt you are q sinner, Rube i've are all sinners, for that mattcr). but you are saint on this Christmas eve. People disposed to be critical may deplorc your lack of dignity and the | cynical may say you have made an ass of yourself; but that will not trouble you, old fellow Your face is aplow with a brightness brought from heav- enly places, that ridiculous cap on vour head IS a crown of glory to you. Rube. You have preached for me an eloquent sermon, lesson of uses. You have shown me that sentimental emotion is of no value or account. Benevolent wishes are moral vaporings unless they find their ultimate in doings The gifts you possess you have cheerfully laid on the altar of charity, all unconscious of having done anything for your .own glory, delighting only in the joy you have bestowed upon your neighbor-a Merry Christmas, Rube, and Happy New Year!-Frank Beard, in Rams Horn.