Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1895-08-08

sitting with my father and n number or
others, discussing one thing and an
other In a pleasant way over suitable
refreshments for such an occasion and
according to the custom of the place,
when the subject of money was
preached. There was in the party an
aged gentleman who wore suspended
from his watch guard gold piece, q
Spanish doubloon, upon which had been
soldered small ring. He disconnected
1t from the chain and passed 1t around
for inspection with considerable appa-
rent pride, commenting upon the rarity
of the piece.
Now 1t happened that I was in pos
session of pendant of identically the
same kind, which had been given me by
Mr.. William Mulkey, of Kansas City.
The courtesy due to an elder, which is
strictly observed among well-bred peo-
pie, particularly noticeable in that part
of Europe, suggested that l should say
nothing about my possession and to
make 1t doubly sure that he retain the
undisputed ownership Of genuine GU
riosity, | quietly removed my own
doubloon and put it into my pocket,
The conversation went on, and after
a time the old gentleman began fumb-
ling about his pockets, searching the
table and looking from one to another
of the party with panied expression
on his face His doubloon was miss
Ing. Everybody at once took hand
In the search, but it could not be found.
Let everybody be searched blurt-
ed out younger member Of the party,
who was apparently fearful lest he
himself might be suspected of secret
ing the curiosity. And begin on this
side Of the table and go round, he con-
tinued, putting a hand carelessly on
my arm.
Il realized at once that l was in a
trying position. You can readily see
for what reason. Metaphorically l
sweat drops Of blood. 1t would not do
that my own doubloon should be
brought to light now, so, Strengthening
myself up, | assumed look of stern
determination. and said:
Gentlemen, sincerely regret the
necessity Of interposing an objection to
that which may be custom among
gentlemen here; but am an American
and cannot submit to such an indignity
at a place where am a guest
My old father looked at me with an
expression of mingled pain and aston
ishment.
My son. said he, would you
Pardon me, father l interrupted;
there can be no discussion of the mat
ter so far as am concerned. And
Immediately retired from the circle,
while CONSERVATION was undisguised on
the face of every one present. l went
straight home, realizing that | had
made doubtful success Of my ruse,
but unable to see what other course I
could have taken. had scarcely seated
myself however, Inundated over the
very peculiar chain of circumstances
which had brought about my embar-
rassment, when two members of the
party dashed up in a carriage and
begged me to return with them at
once, informing me that the missing
charm had been found on the tray
which had been taken from the table
by one of the walters. OF course went |
with them, and perhaps you can mag
inc how greatly was relieved by the
outcome of the affair.
There was a multitude OF apologies
from all, but none more profuse than
from the eXcitable individual who had
suggested the search, and he was made
to feel that he had committed an af-
front to everybody else at the table, as
well as to myself.
81 was not willing to leave them in
the false impression that my extremely |
dignif1ed course was altogether due to |
a sense Of chivalric honor, so, asking
the old gentleman to allow me to see
the recovered gold piece, ! took my own
doubloon from my pocket and made a
full explanation Of the circumstance
that prompted me to object to the hasty
that came from the rather
excitable young man Of the party. And
perhaps you can imagine the sense of
relief which l experienced"
Horse Box for One.
A well-known and popular Irish