Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1895-09-27

OUT MS slate ana pencil, put he dropped
asleep over the first example. Indeed,
he was Obliged to creep into bed the
moment supper ended, so dead tired
was he
SO matters went on for six weeks.
At quarter Of seven in the morning
the "head OF the firm went to his
business; at five in the afternoon he
came home. His hours were 80 regu.
lar that when, one day, the clock SAID
twenty minutes after five Mrs. Ham
was somewhat perturbed, as no John
had appeared. Half-past five, and no
sign Of the missing boy. The Roman
Catholic bell rang out the Angelus at
six, but John had not come. His
mother grew troubled. She could not
sally forth and go for her lad, since she
knew not in what quarter of the city
his mysterious work lay.
The streets were white with snow
which had fallen the previous night
The wind howled mournfully down
the chimney. Mrs. Ham put the chill
dren to bed and then sat by the win
dow, straining her anxious eyes.
Suddenly she caught the sound of
feet CROPPING their way up the outer
staircase. She few to the door, press
ing her hand against her heart, In a
vain effort to still its startled beating.
| The light of the kerosene lamp fell on
a boy about her sons age.
Johnny" she gasped.
Don't be frightened, please said
the unknown lad. Johns all right;
at least, he will be soon. He wants
you; comet
In her excitement the mother caught
up a shawl threw it over her head,
and, turning the key on her sleeping
children, followed the messenger into
! the snowy street.
1t is true indeed that John had been
nearly discouraged; yet work he must
have or starve. Despair was simply
too expensive luxury for him to af-
ford.
So when, after weeks of hope de-
ferred which made his heart sick, a
man with hooked nose and weasel
like eyes spied him, and actually asked
if he were in search of '.job," John
blindly snatched at the offer.
The man led him into back room,
dipgy with cobwebs which festooned
the low rafters and the one narrow
window Here, on shelves, stood a
dozen rows of black, square bottles.
The man nodded to him, putting fore
finger to the side of his nose, and wink
ing knowingly with his right eye.
Ever hear tell of Rabbit, bow?
Benjamin Butcher Rabbit? And his
famous Benefccnt Balsamic Bitters?
Ever hear tell of them, eh?"
John shook his head.
II want to known cried the hook
nosed man, 'Wen, to be sure! The
depths of mortal ignorance is pro-
digious. Benjamin Butcher Rabbit
that's me; and disappointing with
his grimy finger-"these is the Benefi-
cent Balsamic Bitters. Now, there
may be other folks laying in heather
darkness besides you. What say is:
'Enlighten EN- How? Advertise.
That is my motto Advertise The
human race is saved when the virtues
of Beneficent Balsamic Bitters is real
lied. And how do advertise? Be-
hold!' E$E
I The man opened dark closet, from
| the depths Of which he brought two
huge wooden placards, connected at
the upper corners by padded leathern
straps. On the boards, in large black
and yellow letters, John read: gti
I big Boom!
Buy Benjamin Butcher Rabbits
Benefcent Balsamic Bitters!!n
Under the words was rude paint
ing, intended to represent an angel
4 blowing trumpet. From the haring
mouth of the instrument came scroll,
on which were written the names OF
the, diseases land they were legion}
which the Balsamic Bitters were war
ranted to cure.
"a neat and genteel business re-
marked Mr. Babbitt, bla dly. Just
tuck your head through these straps,
and with a breastplate and backpiece
which protects you from the inclem-
ency OF the weather, you saunter at
your ease through the city, thus OBJ
tanning healthful exercise and at the
same time spreading the knowledge of
my bitters among those who are lam
gushing for this very tonic. Shall we
strike bargain, eh?"
John recoiled as the man came for
ward with the Gathering boards
4 ''Oh, couldn't carry them," he ex-
claimed.
But benjamin Butcher Rabbit held
him fast
Come, now!" he coaxed. You're
just the right highith. III give you
seventy-five cents day."
He did not add that boys services
were cheaper than mans, and that
broad-shouldered young fellow like
John was not often to be had for the
) asking.
"Seventy-fve cents day." repeated
Babbitt
John hesitated. o. He did need the
money so desperately.
First payment in advance in
simulated the man, swapping his weasel
eyes,
John set his teeth and pulled his hat
down over his forehead, "Hoist the
boards on my shoulders he said,
grimly.
Words can hardly tell how the boys
pride suffered as he walked along the
! street, ticketed in this disgrace full
fashion. Whenever anyone stopped to
read the advertisement the blood
surged into Johns face, and he felt as
If he must sink through the nearest
grating. Once or twice he was greeted