Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-06-27

needs be, volunteering to give his serv-
ices for nothing at the start.
When he reached the post office he
took his place in the long line Of ex-
pectant men patiently taking their
turn OF inquiry at the little window.
1t might be ten minutes before his
chance would come, so he spent the
time In scanning the features OF the
men near him, specializing on their lots
In life, for they were, Of course, all like
himself, strangers, and probably nine
out Of every ten men who had come to
this Mecca OF the destitute to seek en-
ployment.
His attention was especially attracted
to the person Immediately in front Of
him-a tall, broad-shouldered, hand
some young man. with face express
sive Of intense anxiety.
"Algernon Granvile?' the stranger
asked when his turn came.
The clerk hastily ran over pile Of
letters and shook his head.
"Are you sure?"
Nothing for you. Pass on was the
curt response.
Grey was sure he saw the young
mans face flush and then grow deathly
pale as he strobe away.
For himself there were four letterA
each bearing the address in large black
letters Of Chicago daily paper. He
chuckled to himself us he received
them, his only apprehension being that
he had been precipitant in offering his
services In such a broadcast manner,
which might lead TO the embarrass-
ment Of more than one accepting his
proposition. Putting the precious mis-.
sives In his pocket TO be enjoyed at leis-
ure In hts lodgings he strolled away
with much self-satisfaction pausing for
a moment to gaze with wonder into the
shop-windows OF Clark street, where
the second-class tradesmen were driv-
Ing roaring business notwithstanding
the city ordinances which prescribe
fines innumcrable for oil violators Of
the Sabbath day.
He had crossed two blocks on his way
TO his lodging when his attention was
attracted to secondhand basement
clothes store, in which, to his surprise,
hishandsome neighbor at the post office
was standing In the midst Of some dirty
Jewish statesmen, engaged In violent
alteration, everyone Of the shopmen
speaking at once, and the young gen.
tlcman Indignantly protesting In loud
and angry tones.
Without moments reflection Grey
sprang down the steps 10 the young
mans side.
Can serve You in any way?' was
the impctuous offer What Is the mat
ter?'
Nothing You thought 1t was a
row, did you? Good fellowl It's only
way these enterprising gentlemen
have Of doing business
"0h, indeed" Grey replied, blushing
ut his impatient interference. II ON
very sorry intruied."
Never mention It. And now" said
the stranger, turning to the store peo-
pie, "if yon will not give me ten dollars
for an overcoat for which paid fifty
not month ago, give me the garment
back"
A babel Of polyglotic depreciation
followed.
Surely" said Grey, ''you are not
thinking Of selling that handsome over
coatp"
mot for four dollars, which Is all the
brGgars offer"
"uet your coat and come along With
me; have something to propose; you
must you shall" And, notwithstand-
Ing the opposition of the Jews, who, in
their agony nj losing a customer, Of
fcred nine, ten, elevcn-and then, with
q scream like the cry of lost spirit,
twelve dollars-they escaped to the
sidewalk.
"I4ct me be your friend" Grey said,
grasping the arm Of his new acquaint-
anec. Il am sure the dilemma that
compels a gentleman to sell his coat in
II strange city can be easily explained,
and you will confcra favor on me by
Letting you act the role Of u trans
Atlantic Brother Chcerible to dis
trcssed yet deserving young man. The
twin Is at home, suppose, waiting to
take me to his heart and fortunes"
NAY, lam as great a stranger in
the city rs YOURSELF am implying
that you are stranger-and-'
"A thousand pardons,n the young
man interrupted, grasping Greys hand:
You are royal good fellow and de-
serve Il frank explanation. | am .
peripatetic Englishman out Of luck.
Ny necessities are mere passing
shadow, but 1t is the COMPOUNDED need
Of ready cash that is driving me to my
wits end. There never was such land
us this for spending money and during
Il samper through the west have got
intn din mlties. Leaving INV hagVavo