The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-08-21

ing environs of Paris, and had as a
next-door neighbor an old dealer in
tapestry. who had retired from bust
ness with u moderate fortune, and who
had settled his three children comfort
ably IN life.
This old neighbor was named Victor
Lamotts, and j. all the Inhabitants OF
this world We're as sterling in charac-
ter and straightforward in their af-
fairs. life would be more pleasant and
peaceful than it is at present. Law
yers, notaries, process sher-
ifs officers and all that band of men
, who invite trouble would find their
occupations considerably diminished
and earth would be-what j believe II
was intended that it should be-a
happy dwelling place. Peaceable and
gentle, Victor Lamotte exercised a
good influence over his fellow-men in
our commerce. and more than one
trifling disagreement which might
have grown out OF a violent difference
of opinion into a protracted law suit
and proceeded stubbornly into a su-
perior court was sent by his gentle
ministrations and kindly advice into
the we'll of oblivion and covered by
reconciliation.
But, in spite of the esteem and
friendship with which he was sur
rounded, envious people were not lack
ing to say unkind things. and some of
them at last talked so boldly that many
to whom our neighbor had endeared
himself by his blameless life could not
but hear the gossip, and the pith of it
all was a story not at all creditable to
the retired tradesman.
They said that his fortune was the
result of a lucky find in an old writing
desk which he had bought for a few
francs Of dealer in second hand fur
niture, and that one day in carefully
examining his purchase he came across
a secret drawer containing a/hundred
thousand francs in bank notes, which
had been hidden there by an old miser
who was afraid of thieves; that the
miser had died suddenly intestate, and
he had not cOnfided to any heir where
the treasure was concealed.
3 This was the story that strangely
got about was repeated on all sides
and was finally accepted as gospel
truth by even those who entertained
the friendliest, kindliest feelings for
NJ. Lamotte. Perhaps many who re-
lated the incident keenly regretted
they had not purchased the old writ.
ing desk and it's rich contents them
selves. Human nature incines that
way sometimes.
Somehow l did not quite believe this
pretty little story-I could not tell eX-
'actly why--but NJ. Lamotte gave me
the idea that he had acquired his mod
'est fortune by industry, thrift and
energy of character.
One evening when we were enjoying
a bottle of extra dry cit was the old
gentleman's birthday, the subject of
luck, good and bad, came up in con-
versation, and ! ventured to remark
that I was not a profound believer in
luck of any kind. but had a high opin
ion of talent work and of always en-
bracing favorable opportunities when
they presented themselves.
You are quite right" concurred the
old tapestry merchant. "I am decided
ly of your Opinion-work and oppOr-
tunitv."
Then you do not owe any portion OF
your fortune to mere luck?" l re-
marked inquiringly.
mot in the least. l suppose. like
everybody else, you have heard the
story of the miser's writing desk and
the fortune concealed therein?"
1t was delicate, personal question
but | at once replied:
Yes, many times"
We'll, it's sheer invention. Who
started it | have never been able tC
discover. Not that it makes any very
great difference, but it is perfectly
wonderful how a story will travel from
lip to lip, unchallenged and unsuppOrt-
ed, and yet have no foundation. That
is one of the little eternal mysteries OF
daily life"
We'll, dear NJ. Lamotte," | said
draining my glass, II did not swallow
the escritoire legend by any means
Old misers and writing desks contain.
ing one hundred thousand francs are
attractive features in tales for the
multitude, but such incidents rarely
happen in real, everyday life."
And yet ! may say 7 enjoyed once
In my life piece of excellent good for
tune in quite another way" remarkeC
my friend, and perhaps an account
of it may interest you. Would yo,
like to hear it?"
Most decidedly" ] saw the old deal
er was in the mood for talking, and
was equally in the mood for listening
We encored the extra dry, and lit fresl
cigars.
We'll to begin at thC beginning, [,
give you an outline of my life. NJ,
father was a clever upholsterer an,
cabinet maker. who understood boil
branches of the trade and earned
about ten francs a day. As | was tn
only son, and as my mother was
prudent woman. we lived on the in
come in comfort.
But when my father had reached tn
age of 80, and ! had attained 10 years
he was stricken by n lingering Illness
which rendered him unfit for labor
so that with all economy we could no
continue 10 live as we had done, an
our savings We're nearly exhausted
was al work. but though industrious
] had not my fathers dexterity, an
the most l could earn was FIVE franc
day. My mother and | felt it ou
duty to quit our comfortable lodging
and take an, humble cottage at a mere
ly nominal rental. This was the sub
iect we discussed by my fathers sic
bed, and very sad We all were at IN
prospect Of the change.
II looked forward TO the time whe
j should have the ability and III
knowledge to gain for my parents III
comforts TO which they had been az
customed. ] would tell my motht
oftentimes of this proud aim Of min
though again and again she assure
me that she did not regret the rigi
S------------ S------
h wAAAS No Money in Advan,
EN DA az. to Restore Weak Me