Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1904-04-13
TWO APRIL FIRST
LETTERS
By MRS. CLARA S. COTTON

Jeffrey RANSOM prided himself
- upon his ability at getting of jokes
on others and his shrewdness in seeing
through any attempt at return Of the
compliment The month of March al
ways found him busy planning new
tricks for the first Of April He even
let the subject absorb his thoughts dur
ing the day at the store. His absent
mindedness necessitated the repetition
of questions by customers and directions
by head clerks until a sharp reproof
from the floor walker brought his wits
back to the duties in hand.
The evening of March 81 jeffrey spent
in getting his joke materials ready for
the next day, and in disposing of those
for which darkness was best. He mailed
several invitations to parties that exist
ed only in his fancy; he dropped false
orders into the boxes Of express COM
panies and physicians; he mailed pack
ages of confectionery and fruit; candies
opened and filled with flour paste and
skillfully closed again; oranges and ba-
nanas carefully ref1lled with damp saw
dust and the skins carefully glued to-
looking pocketbooks to drop on the side
walks and the store floor.
jeffrey had specially good sell" pre-
pared for Frank Burns. a former high
school classmate, whose greater pOpu-
larity and better scholarship had been
an eyesore to him. Frank, who needed
work very much, his father being i'll,
DAD failed as yet in securing position.
Jeffrey felt no sympathy for him, but
only triumph at his own success.
''In getting joke on a fellow you want
to find his tenderest point and touch him
there with your arrow" was the prin-
ciple on which jeffrey said the joking
genius rested.
Jeffrey wrote letter to Frank saying
that he had just heard accidentally of a
fact not yet announced in the store. that
one of the clerks was to leave and that
If Frank would apply for the place at
once he might stand a good chance Of
getting It, Bring your best testimon-
ials." he wrote, land go right to Mr. San
born's private Office and send in your
card marked important business OF
course you must give no hint to any one
of how you learned Of the vacancy"
AS Jeffrey we'll knew. but Frank did
not, Mr.. Sanborn, the senior partner, was
testy, quick-tempered old gentleman.
Jeffrey thought with great satisfaction
Of the expression he expected to see on
Franks face as he came out of the Of
fee after asking for position which
existed only on a first of April basis. -
bo 10 -
Frank entered the store at the time
jeffrey had suggested, and as he passed
his counter he clasped Jeffrey's hand,
whispering: How can thank you for
remembering me so kindly?"
cob. that's all right" replied Jeffrey,
avoiding Franks eager eyes.
Frank was long time in the Office. so
that Jeffrey was not watching him when
he stepped out, and was startled when
be heard his voice close behind him.
Hes 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
i've"
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.
Only short time before Franks call
one of the clerks had entirely unexpect-
eddy given his resignation to Mr.. San
BORN.
AS soon as Frank entered the Office,
Mr.. Sanborn said. brusquely:
well, young man, what is it?"
Frank had letter of introduction ad-
dressed: ITO whom it may concern. -
and written by his pastor, who was well
Snown as author and pulpit orator. This
oe handed to Mr.. Sanborn, saying: "WilI
Sou kindly read this short letter from
Rev. DR.. Levering? He has known me
Ill my life"
Il know him we'll, too" said Mr. San
born, opening the letter.
He read it, replaced 1t in the envelope
and handed to Frank with the words:
do you.want to start in with the place
o-day? Somers will be glad to leave
Just as soon as can get substitute. II