The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-19

Portable home by then. l think, dear, you
will like the life"
gave a groan and stopped writing the
usual fortnightly lie. l was down on my
luck; even now 1 shudder whenever
think of those mail days; l was in the
cafe less because had money for a meal
then that it was a quiet spot at that hour,
and the enterprising proprietor provided
writing materials free. A man was writ
ing at the next table, else the place was
empty. had seen him before often; he
was rather elderly wore a profuslon Of
jewelry, and seemed to live in clover. How
envied him whilst eating the poor food
I could afford, and resented his glances.
He was a Jew, and his manner was not
offensive, but poverty begets sensitIveness
That morning, too, 1 was dreadfully
down, and everything seemed an aggra-
walton of my misery. Between ruin and
myself there lay twelve pounds, and ten
must be sent home in my letter.
But for two at home l would have speed
lily made an end of it. had one good square
meal, and then blown my brains out, but
/ had others dependent upon me; my life
was not my own.
Another lie," I said, as I sealed up the
letter. "Well! one more or less won't
matter"
And my thoughts wandered far away
1t was summer in England. 1 could see
the shadow of the lines cast upon the
lawn In the old home. Meg would be
pouring out tea and Tommy rolling on the
grass. Bah! some things do not bear
thinking of! Here I was interrupted by
my neighbor, who drawing a chair to
my table, said: t
Excuse me, you are looking for en-
ployment?"
Looking for employment My God!
what had done for the last three months
but hunt vainly for work? l was broken
down, a ''Waster," if you will; want OF
food and hope will make a FOOL OF any
man. 1 declare at that first hint OF pet-
ter things l could have-well, no matter.
Then he said he wanted a man for some |
work who would take his chance II trou-
BILE came and hold his tongue. tor my !
self 1 was nearly desperate, and If tins
post meant money, ready to snap my llI-
gers at any danger that signifled comfort
to Others and asked eagerly what he Of
fered.
Forty pounds a month and travelling
expenses" he answered.
Forty poundsr' 1t was like being plung-
ed into heaven, after good taste OF the
other place to give it flavor. jumped
at his offer, but 1 was to hear no more
then. 49,
Come to my home, here's my card, he
said, land look, I'll advance you TINS
This" was a ten pound note, and be-
gan to think it queer.
You are very conhding, Mr.. -ah-Ja-
cobs Suppose l decamped."
He laughed. after taking my retaining
faa n a
you will find, something always has to be
risked." After that he departed, giving
no clue as to what this mysterious "busl-
ness might be. For me, sat on, Devil
dered STILL holding the mans pasteboard.
That was tangible, at any rate, and told
me that Jacobs was a doctor l knew his
drug store a poor-looking place, but in
that country store or clothes We're nothing
to judge a man by.
Some of the wealthiest in the city wore
garments a scarecroW would have scorn-
ed, whilst on the other hand, poor devils
like myself were bound 10 look decent.
Still l was half inclined to think the affair
a hoax, only that the note was right
enough. 1 opened Megs letter, put good
part of DIR. Jacobs gift, and the rest of
the money in, recklessly destroying the
stamp; then l posted it, treated myself to
a dinner and bought some cigars, luxury
/ had not enjoyed for long enough. 1
o'clock, then strolled up the street and had
a look at my new friends diggings. A
poor place enough, but that counted for
nothing at the mines. What astonished
me was he doctored the natives; two or
three of them came out as l was waiting
with that peculiar hue upon them which
makes a sick niger the most miserable
looking creature on the face of Gods
earth However, there / was, and the
quarter striking, I entered the drug store
The doctor, who was smoking, looked up.
80 you haven't thought better of it,"
he said.
There was certainly a personality about
the man, a reserve force, that made my
belief in him, which had sunk to zero,
spring up anew.
mo, I haven't" I answered slowly. |
tBut I'd like to know what the post you |
offer is, and in what its danger consists?' |
$50 you shall, my dear fellow" he re- |
piled. Here, light up, won't you. and |
we'll-stop a bit, though, here's a Gus
TONER"
The door opened and another native |
came in. Seeing me, he was about to de- |
part, when the doctor called out: "All |
friends here Jim. You'll find your dose in |
the next room" And as the man left he |
turned to me. ''These fellows feel the |
hard work In the mines fearfully. A good |
many come to me to put them to rights" |
ut seems to give them an attack of |
NAL de mer," l said, as unmistakable |
sounds came from the room beyond.
He nodded. ut has precisely that eff |
feet" he answered, rather drily, 1 |
thought.
Presently Jim lurched out, a dreadful |
Whit of coarse brandy coming with him.
and smiled engagingly at the doctor.
"Hine berry goot Baas Jim ally right |
now" and departed.
Jacobs gave a whistle and a Jew boy
appeared.
Keep store, Barney; I'm engaged. Now,
Mr.. Burton?"
followed him and caught glimpses of |
other doors, the house was larger than
thought, but we were soon seated smok- !
ing.
Il suppose, as you are here, you have
made up your mind?" he said II am
only a subordinate, but / am authorized
by the firm to offer you the appointment.
unless you are deferred by the danger"
''I'll take any honorable post that brings
tn the sum you mentioned, and be glad"
] cried. "As for the dangerl Great Scott
DO you suppose l care for that?"
No / should think you We're ready for
anything. Don't be angry man; but it is
On hon, ,1s, L -rr.-