The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-03-27
BIZ THE LINES OBJ THE HAND

DA HE LINED VI HE HAND
The following story from the Chicago
News is by Angela Morgan, formerly of
Topeka.
.Jove. Did you ever before see such
an assorted lot of humanity? Here's
your chance. Barker to study the genus
homo"
Pierce had Strengthened UP from his
longing attitude and was gazing with
growing curiosity upon the motley
crowd OF exCursiouists streaming past
the hotel Barker following his eX-
ample. exhibited an interest combining
both curiosity and compassion
Poor souls.' he muttered. I1s a
red letter day in their humdrum exist
ence. Pitiful isn't it, and amazing too
how little suffices--
Hold on. Barker, there's plenty Of
time afterwards for moralizing. Well
use our eyes now and our reflective
faculties later"
From their position on the hotel steps
both young men had an excellent view
of the panorama below and beyond
Lake Michigan. flashing blue green in
the sun. the beach, clean and white by
contrast. dotted with amusement booths
and pavilions. and the dock where the
big steamer. just landed, continued to
unload itself Of pleasure seekers.
AS the latter climbed the rather steep
ascent TO the town and proceeded to
scatter through the streets to their Varl-
GUS diversion|, they encountered the in
terested gaze of those resorters and
residents who iuvariabl found pleasure
I'm watching the arrival of excursion
boats and trains
An exclamation from Pierce startled
Barker in the midst of observations.
III say. look at the crowd around the
professors tent, Hen do a rushing
business today"
Barker looked and saw that the palm
aaN rHn
taken possession Of by waiting groups,
eager TO have their hands read
A closer scrutiny showed disappolnt-
ment plainly written on the faces Of the
waiting ones. Some were turning away,
while others held wondering consulta-
ton.
Perhaps the professor isn't in" sug-
Eested Barker.
Sudden remembrance flashed upon
Pierce. BY George. I should say not
That picnic party hasn't returned yet,
has it, Wei. then. goodbye to the
professors trade for this afternoon
The folks would insist on taking him
promised to bring him back in time
and behold the result
Wonder what happened to delay
them so long,
Anything can happen to a party
bound for Higman park. The question
IS What's 20 be done2 It's too bad the
poor chap must miss all these quarters
and half dollars. Wish we could help
him out Pierce paused. brighteenu
in twinkiing and slapped his friend
heartily on the back
have itt" he finished. iubilantly
NoWs your chance to revive your past
knowledge of palm reading-didn't I teh
you it would some day serve its pur
pose2"
The suggestion was rich in possibili~
ties for fun and diversion.
And you2* queried Barker.
What were my stentorian lungs
I-a. -f--- 3
So it happened that the discounted
crowd about the tent were made happy
uN The sudden appearance of the sup
posed professor and his assistant
This way. ladies and gentlemens
This way for the wonderful. great and
only hand readings of the WOrld-faned
lroE- Franklin Come Income ius
DON'T miss this marvellous opportunity
rs 5ne chance Of a lifetime. This way
Thus cried Pierce stationed outside
tAc tent while Barker. within. pucker-
ms his brows. looked wise and proDhe-
sled marriages. fortunes and j0urneys
abroad with the ease and assurance OF
professional.
The task. once begun was amazineiy
easy Barker found himself WONDERING
4t me astonishing credulity of the hu,
man mind
But his confidence was destined to re.
ceive severe blow.
There entered the tent a young wo
credulous country maidens whose for.
tunes he had told so gllbly that he stood
tor the first instant abashed and at q
Weil?" she interrogated coollv. as
barEer continued to hold her hand In
troubled silence
she mad beautiful. impenetrable eyes
ana a disdainful smile. Something in
tne smile gave Barker his cue
You are not happy" he hazarded.
.A sudden attack In fact, you are
quite dissatisfied at present The ac-
t..ns or some other person are respon-
el1la for your distress.
iAis shot. certainly. could not hit
very wide Of the mark
lie stole swift glance at her face
lot corroboration Of this guess THE
otner victims had each given some en-
couraging sign, either nod or smile
or teh-tale blush. But this maiden
was asgravatingly serene.
Graphing with his oozfna courage
ne made another reckless plunge.
some one is trying to coerce YOU
into a-into an affair-a love affair. let
us say. Your father or mother-per-
maps both parents-have set their
hearts upon your marriage with-ah-