The National tribune., 1899-08-24

book and forgets to return it IS NOT A
THIEF.
''These books were bought to lend with
that distinct understanding.
A GENEROUS EDITOR.
This notice, as we understood it, meant
that the owner expected the prompt return
of his books, and in good condition, too
If we borrowed them, it would be impossible
not TO lend them to others; or. if not quite
that, it would be cruel. We could not rea-
sonably expect to return them in good con-
dition, either, for many would want to read
them, and no matter how careful each man
might be the many would perceptibly soil
them. We imagined that the owner was
peculiar about his books, at least. There
were many vacant places on the shelves,
fully hundred volumes were missing,
evidently borrowed, and we did not doubt
that if we could only see the owner, we too
could borrow; craft fellowship would plead
for US, for printers are generally very good
to each other. Should we run the risk of
taking a book in his absence?
Eddy's first selection had no inner label
or notice. Evidently one had been there,
for the surface of the cover was marked, but
it had been scraped off. He took down a
second book. 1t had a notice different from
the others. 1t read:
do not bother me, please. am busy"
These words formed the first line, and
i IL,
the first word in large type in line by
itself:
"YOU
"Can borrow this book, or any other book
or paper on these shelves or on either of the
tables.
NO one can borrow any bookgor paper in
the other case"
Does that alter it in any way?" Eddy
asked, showing the notice to me.
Il think not" 1 answered. at is ap-
parent that the owner is willing to lend his
books to any one. 1t is also apparent that
promptly return them thief, notwith-
standing his assertion to the contrary. We
cannot be sure that we can return them, for
some one might steal them from us, and
then, if he is one OF the bitter haters of
everything Northern, he could kick up con-
siderable OF a rumpus about the Lincoln
hirelings' who used their parole of honor to
force their way into his Office during his
absence and steal his books and it might
make trouble for Capt. Mcdowell, too. |
hardly think he is such a man, but he may
be-, wish he would come, though; if he
looked at all likely I'd ask him."
1t was getting late Almost time for us
to return to camp, but we determined to re-
main in the Office as long as we could, in the
hope that something favorable would turn
up. We also determined TO leave our cards
in a way that would prove that we were
and set up" our name, rank, company and
regiment, place of residence, and the an
nouncement that we were temporary guests
Of the Confederacy at the new cotton house.
CoLORED PRESSMAN APPEARS.
any one connected with the office, when a
fine looking young colored man, more than
| half white, entered, and was surprised to see
us, evidently.
Good Ginning, gentlemans," he said.
| II heered bout yo' lookin' ober de city, but
hardly E 'spected to hab de honah OBJ 'ceivin'
Are you connected with the Officer
Eddy asked.
Il has dat hcnah, gentlemans. Use de
pressman."
"is the proprietor around?"
'He is not, sab. He gone to jine his kore
at de CAPITAL seb'ral days 'go. In his
absens' am his rep'sent'tif. Can do any
ting fer yer, gents. De good Lord bless
yer!"
! The last utterance was in a tone and
accompanied by a look that plainly told
You know how we feel about your
people" said Eddy, "but We must not talk
about it to-day; it's against ORDERS"
Il knows. And de berry walls has
eahs," answered the darky.
$50 you are printer, eh! We are both
| puhtpoioy Luuy WCHs
Use not comp leastwise no one knows
/ is, but massa. 'Twouldn't do to let
peoples know dat. But eb'rybody knows
1'se pressman."
But you can set type?"
Il dassent say SO, massa. It's 'gainst
orders, and de berry walls has eahs. You
was lookin' at de books when came in.
Duz yer wanter borry some?"
We told him that we did.
"Pick out what eber yer wants, gentle
mans. Desc books wuz bought to lend"
l told him that was afraid the owner
might hot want to lend them to us.
| Don't make no difference. Pse heah to
| tend to desc books for tree y5ars. My
'structions is to let ebry one have just what
dey wants ef It's here. But dem" pointing
to the books on the other side, dem Is
locked up. No one can't git one oh dem
books. Not efen de minister. Ef yer
wants eny Oh dem books, take dem. AS
many as yer like. OATS orders, and dey
all knows IT,