Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-07-10

So
Z us name, Reuben really and
|" truly it was-Reuben Walker,
from the outskirts Of Tunkhan-
n 4 mock, Pa.
He came to town by the Pennsylva-
mia railroad and the Cortlandt street
ferry, and it was about o'clock i'll the
afternoon when he made his metropoli-
tan debut
In appearance he was somewhat like
the countryman of the comic weekly,
but not nearly so much as lie thought
he was. The fact is that Reuben was
touchy upon this subject. He didn't
like his name. and he didn't like his
looks. He knew that his garments
We're rustic in design and his headgear
quite questionable.
II paid enough for these clothes"
said he to himself, but, darn 'em, they
don't look right. They look just like
me-Rube Walker from Wayback."
In particular he regretted having
brought satchel of enormous size and
Anticipated design; not quite the old
fashioned carpetbag, but certainly sug-
gestive Of it. He could see that the
cabmen around the ferryhouse observ-
ed it; the gamins Of West street offered
with one voice to carry it, and they
grinned as they did SO. On being re-
fused one of them actually cried out,
Hey, Rubev'
Inside the big satchel was modern
handbag of conventional pattern which
Reuben had bought in Tunkhannock,
but at the last moment this had proved
too small. SO he had taken the capa-
cious veteran that had done duty in the
family for years. But he had saved
the little one for use while going about
New York. His business there was i'm
portant He was to buy machinery and
tools for factory in Tunkhannock of
which he owned n part, and lie had a
big roll of bills snugly slowed away in
his trousers pocket.
Reuben had been to town before, but
not often. The knowledge that nothing
could disguise his countrified appear
ance had kept him at home and helped
to fasten upon him the very aspect he
would have been SO glad to lose. But
he was not n greenhorn; far, far from
it. He had read of all the wiles of the
bunko man. They are as familiar to
him as to New York reporter. And.
moreover, he was gifted with natural
shrewdness that might well keep hi:l
from even those pitfalls which his ex-
tensive reading of the papers had fail
ed to reveal to him.
A press of vehicles halted Reuben in
the middle of West street. and Mt that
moment he felt hand upon his shout
der. Turning, he beheld tall youLs
man in q checked suit Of clothes. visj-
BILE beneath an overcoat with small
collar Of sealskin and narrow bands Of
the same fur upon the wrists. H.
derby hat was trifle too small, and, to
make up for that defect, it was tilted
over little too far upon his forehead.
Upon my word, Mr.. Atkinson" said
, the young man cordially, you nearly
got by me-"
1t was simply an insult to Reuben's
/ intelligence, and he recognized 1t US
such. He was conscious of wondering
how 1t was possible for even the green
, est rustic that he had ever seen to be
lured into trap by one of these steer
ers." He had an impulse to hit the fell
low over the head with the big satchel.
and then another course suggested It.
self, more sable, more gratifying to his
soul.
He shifted the bag into his left hand
and extended his right.
How de do, how de do?" said he.
"Glad to meet you. Pm sure. But. say.
you've rather got the advantage Of me.
Who be you, anyhow"
"My names Stanton" replied the
young man glibly. 'T'm Lawyer Lee
lands clerk. You probably don't re-
member me. We've only met once be-
fore"
MOO" said Reuben slowly; II don't
seem to place you. How's Mr.. Leland
Hope he's well as usual
'WellT' exclaimed the young man.
1T should think not. He's fat on his
back in bed with the grip. That's
something man of his age doesn't get
over in a hurry"
II suppose not" said Reuben.
However" continued Stanton. 1--WE
can attend to your business at the Of
fee. There's really nothing remaining
but to pay over the money"
Pm agreeable" responded Reuben,
and he allowed Stanton to lead him to
a small, old fashioned building tucked
away between two modern skyscrapers
on William street.
On the second floor, Of this building
was an Anticipated Office suit, on the
outer door of which, in time worn let
tering. was this sign: Warren Leland
Attorney and Counselor at Law"
Looks long established and respect.
able" was Reuben's mental comment
'"rhese bunko men know few things
anyhow"