Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-03-22

Jeffrey thought with great satisfaction of the expression he expected to see on Franks face as he came out of the of- flee after asking for position which "existed only on first of April basis,'' as he was going to say to Frank.
 Frank entered the store at the time Jeffrey had suggested, and as he passed his counter he clasped Jeffrey's hand, whispering: How can I thank you for remembering me so kindly?" s'Oh. that's all right, replied Jeffrey, avoiding Franks eager eyes.
 Frank was a long time in the office, so |. that Jeffrey was not watching him " hen he stepped out, and was startled when he heard his voice close behind him.
 "He's going to give me the place, old fellow! Won't it be great for us to be together here? I'll never forget this good turn you've done me as long as live" G
 Jeffrey stared in utter bewilderment at Franks beaming face, but was too busy with customers to ask the many questions that rose to his lips @9
 Only short tin.e before Franks call one of the clerks had entirely unexpect- edly given his resignation to MT. San- born.
 As soon as Frank entered the office, MT. Sanborn said, brusquely:
 Well, young man, what is it?''
 Frank had a letter of introduction ad- dressed: gro whom 1t may concern 7 and written by his pastor, who was well known as author and pulpit orator. This he handed to MT. Sanborn, saying: Will you kindly read this short letter from Rev. Dr. Lowering? He has known me all my life"
 T know him well, too said MT. San born, opening the letter.
 He read it, replaced it in the envelope and handed to Frank with the words:
 Do you want to start in with the place to-day? Somers will be glad to leave just as soon as I can get substitute. If you are ready take this card to MT. Gray on the third floor and he'll start you in. Rev. Dr. Lowering and I were school mates and have kept up our friendship. We used to call him Truthful George because he was always so afraid of ex- aggeratiEg. He seems to have kept track of you while you worked in Brown & Bogg's Too bad they failed. You're not the only one that was thrown out by their going to the wall We don't ex- pect any crash here" MT. Sanborn smiled, "so, MT. Burns, it, won't be our fault if you don't stay with our firm till your head is winter than mine. All you have to do Is to live up to what Dr. Lowering says here of you"
 As Franks position thus obtained was higher one than Jeffrey's, his chagrin3 over the successful failure of his April Fool joke soon became envy and dislike of Franks boundless gratitude to him. So Jeffrey was very glad to go when his uncle in the west sent him an offer of a place with him.
 Fifteen years passed by, bringing pros; perity to both Jeffrey and Frank, and. very rapid advancement to the latter. But in the financial crisis of certain year in the west, Jeffrey's uncle failed, and involved him so heavily that the loss of everything stared him in the face.
 If l could only raise a few hundred dollars l might still save the business" he groaned
 But drought and cornering in cattle and banks closing had made it impossi Die to borrow ready cash except at enor-. nous interest which he could not nav JeHrey looked around his cozy little, study and thought of losing the pretty nome that his wife and children loved so we'll. His little daughter opened He door softly, saying:
 Papa. here's letter the postman left.''
 His face lighted up so as he read it that she clapped her hands, exciaim- ing
 Oh. it's some good news!" But sud- denly he smiled bitterly, threw the let ter in the grate, and said. No. ifs nothing, Jeanie, run out So." he con- tinued to himself. The has waited all this time to pay me back for that joke. didn't suppose he would ever md 1t out; he thinks I've forgotten. but I'm too sharp for him. never was caught yet on first of April trick.