Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1897-04-01

that were the envy Of all the old cron-
les who called to cheer and be cheered
while they hilariously recalled the days
when blood ran swifter. It was the
handsome son-n-law who carried home
the choicest wines, the finest cigars
and the dainty articles Of food which
the old wine merchant selected with
such unerring taste. When he went
down to the business part of the city
1t was In carriage, and it awaited his
pleasure to return On occasions he
drew small sums from the bank, but
1t was for his own use and his children
protested that he should depend upon
them alone.
But Pierre Dalou, favored of fortune
as he was, had to meet the common
fate OF mortals. He knew NJ and met
the inevitable with a philosophy that
had manifested itself throughout his
life. He pleasantly smiled when the
verdict Of the doctors was given and
even chuckled and rubbed his hands
WYNN AI bOii ulo NlAlulGh III llO OF
time who was the custodian of his sill
yer treasure box. The funeral was at
tended by majority of the population.
The long line OF carriages told story
OF popularity that no words could ex-
press, and the approving things said Of
Pierre Dalou must have Influenced the
recording angel.
In due time the fat grocer, solemn,
dignlfled, important and dressed In his
best, came with the silver box. A
neighbor was called in to witness the
proceedings, and the guardian OF the
treasure opened II. The daughter and
her husband showed no eagerness,
though confident that riches were at
hand. Gingerly lifting the first docu-
ment, the fat grocer adjusted his
glasses and slowly read it, From be-
ginning to end 1t was made up OF good
advice; the very best of good advice,
as pure and rich and wholesome as
the mustiest bottle Of choice wine that
Pierre had ever opened. Even at this
time Of eager anxiety 1t was listened to
and silently approved. Then there fol-
lowed number of love letters that
Pierre had received in the gladstone
days of his counting time. These, too,
were appreciated.
But here the fat grocer turned
misty gray. His hands trembled, and
so did his voice. There was nothing
more in the silver box. It had guarded
no wealth save Of sentiment. The
neighbor hurried from the house. The
fat grocer CROPPED his way out and
walked unsteadily home, where he soon
put the story In circulation by telling
his discreet wife. The neighbor lay
upon a lounge at home for time and
then held his legs and feet aIoft that
he might laugh with the least discom-
fort He had never before come so
near to losing his breath as he realized
how that incorrigible joker, Dalou, had
managed to leave his best and great
estjoke as legacy. The dear old bon
vivante had always lived up to his
means and the mystery of the silver
box won him the respect and attention
of rich man after he had ceased to
realize upon his wines.
OF course, the children were dlsap-
pointed, and for the first hour they said
things that did not come from their
hearts, But the ruddy German soon
Joined in the general laugh, and the
daughter showed the same philosophy
that had sustained Pierre Dalou. They
are prosperous and happy, but even to
this day they do not relish reference
to the silver box Of fortune which net
ted them only good advice and love
letters.