The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-13
! THE ADVERTISERS
 DAILY SHORT STORY

Benjamin Dawson, F. R. S., little, bald and gray. sat In his study reading the life of Siddartha, Gautama Buddha, the Enlightened One. Benjamin was very much interested in the poverty of the world and had for long time been in search of '"The Cause of Human Mis- cry" Picture, then, his satisfaction when in reading of this lion of the tribe of Sakyas he found that he, too, had long pondered in rapt meditation upon the ills of mankind. Here was where Benja-
 min and Buddha met upon common ground. The Great Buddha had entoined upon his followers a strict adherence to the rule which commands them Not to Kill or injure any living thing. no mat ter how iowly."
 Great and wise one, said he. How strive to live up to thy merciful rule. :" Benjamin paused and, sad to say, the uplifted look quickly merged into one of irritation. .'Ha" said he, there Is a elbow-I fear-yes.l know-it Is ihe bite of the puiex irritans. order Aphanip- tera. in vulgar phrase. the common flea.''
 He made few futile dabs and snatches and then more to his conster- nation than relief, he actually caught the flea. Here was dilemma! Should he exterminate pulex irritans or obeying tormentor? With the flea firmly grasped between his thumb and forefnger he walked his study floor trying to decide the fate of the tiny culprit. At last the teachings of the Indian prophet tri- umphed over personal animus and BenJa- min hastened from the room.
 The peaceful beauty of May night, as seen from the open door. still further softened the philosopher and when a pudgv poodle trotted into view an all most holy calm descended upon the spir- It of Benjamin. This was solution of hia diffieulty Blow proyidentiai p sain ,,ia could see the hand of Providence m whatever tended to shift disagreeable burden or duty on to other snoui9ers than his own. The philosophers fea- lures usually expressed lofty, not to say scornful. calm, but at sight of the poodle, he allowed an ingratiating smile to light en his features and in accents deceit fully cheerful, he said: Nice doggle. himself 'arrroach and allow yourself to be used to demonstrate theory and uphold great and wise law.
 With the majesty due to the perform flea on the poodle's back, and then, much to that animals surprise and dis gust motioned him to continue on his homeward way.
 house with that tranquility of spirit which ever accompanied the accomplish ment of d good deed and the poodle richer in sad experience trotted home ward.
 The residence of MT. Hiram symes stood but a short distance from the home of the philosopher. It was peace full looking abode surrounded by wide lawns and shaded by fine old copper beeches. Hiram Sykes having married woman of the type known as supe- rior." had chastened and melancholy air and seemed to live rs,, 9nly tn that osfeT ne foil to his wife's force of character. Alice Symes, the daughter. was a slender, dark girl. with sweet, untathom- able eyes. Tom. the son, inherited the his mother and was the only person oi whom she stood ir awe. Into these peaceful shades trotted the poodle. Upon entering the presence O or nis nhsdnnenaIly s.sSs M forgiven, fed and taken up to be em- braced. The flea, noting the generous proportions of the good woman and De, Ing knowing iea for his h,s dge bsb,tst saoN In the stilly hours of the night, the | flea engaged in those labors, so bene' | fical to himself. so provocative or wake' | fulness to his victim. These delicate at ram Her husband was sleeping peace | fully beside her. His deep and regular | brea thing seemed to indicate a mind ant at stpsef in rae atSde favor | able to the wooing of the drowsy goa when the deep silence of the chamber was broken by the voice or ner nus band.
 | In his dreams and in accents of in | effable tenderness he murmured name Not Mary, as he should have done. on no, but Airline! which unusual appella
 sion was the personal property Of very fascinating and pretty little Frencl woman who had but lately moved int the house adjoining the Symes's resi- dence. Thoroughly awakened and witt rage and bitter jealousy contending fo | supremacy in her heart, the indignan
 Mary violently shook the offending HI
 ram, and in awful accents demanded tn | Of accent Base wretch, pertidou
 traitor" said she. how dare you. cal in loving accents upon the name Of an | ether woman"
 But, my dear" expostulated Hiram
 what have I said or done to arous
 your indlgnationT'
 Done" said she. by what right O
 accorded privilege do you in your dream call upon the name of that mink. tha | shameless woman next door?"
 Caught red-handed. as it were, H ram relapsed into a pained silence an
 Mrs Hiram. whose worst fears were con
 firmed by this manifestation. exhanste
 co.urdave story "DEAD MEN'S SECT