The Forrest City times., 1904-04-15
TWO APRIL FIRST
LETTERS
By MRS. CLARA S. COTTON

EFFREY RANSOM priced himself
upon his ability al getting off 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
mndedness necess.tated the repetition
of questions by customers and directions
by head clerks until 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 Gay. 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 -four paste and
skillfully closed again; oranges and la
nanas carefully refilled with damp saw
dust and the skins carefully glued to-
gelher. He had several temptingly fat
looking pocketbooks TO drop on the side
walks and the store floor
Jeffrey had a specially good sell" pre-
pared for Frank Burns. a former high
school classmate. whose greater popu-
lar!ty and better scholarship had been
an eyesore to him. Frank. who needed
work very much, his father being i'll,
had failed as yet in securing position.
Jeffrey felt no sympathy for him. but
only triumph at his own success.
IL getting joke on fellow YOU want
TO find his tenderest point and touch him
there with your arrow" was the prin-
eipe on which jeffrey said tie Joking
genius rested
jeffrey wrote letter to Frank saying
that be had just heard accidentally Of a
fact not yet announced In the store. that
one OF the clerks was to leave. and that
II Frank would apply for the place at
once he might stand a good chance of
getting Il. Bring your best testimon-
ials, he wrote, and go right to Mr.. San
porn S private Office and send in your
caro- marked important business OF
course you must give no hint to any one
Of now you learned of the vacancy"
AS Jeffrey we'll knew. but Frank did
not MI. Sanborn, the senior partner. was
testy, quick-tempered old gentleman.
Jenfey thought with great satisfaction
OF the expression he expected to see on
FRANKS face as he came out Of the Of
nee after asking for a position which
existed only on a first of April basis. 8"
as ne was going TO say TO Frank.
FRANK entered the store at the time
JEFFREY had suggested. and as he passed
MS counter he clasped Jeffrey's hand.
whispering; How can thank you for
remembering me so kindly"
On, that's all right" replied Jeffrey
avoiding Franks eager eyes.
frank was long time in the office. so
mat JeHrey was not watching him when
Nc stepped out, and was startled when
Ae heard his voice close behind him.
He's going TO give me the place. old
.ellow Won't 1t be great for us to be
'selher here? III never forget this
live" ms 90
1tnrey stared in utter bewilderment
franks beaning face. but was too
win customers TO ask the many
sues.'oas that rose TO his lips.
only short time before Franks call
ose oi the clerks had entirely unexpect-
born. W WI oaii-
\, as soon as Frank entered the office,
NJ. sanoorn said. brusquely:
wei young man. what is it?"
rank had letter of introduction adj
esseo' To whom it may concern ."
written by his pastor. who was we'll
huVwh as author and pulpit orator. This
WI handed to Mr.. Sanborn, saying: "Wiu
hlhdly read this short letter from
almy life" -"7 n no" Ut
ho,. Anow him well. too" said Mr.. San
'Vnh' opening the letter
az -, read 1t. replaced it in the envelope
IN nanued TO Frank with the words:
IA you want TO start in with the place
,ns. somers will be glad to leave
y rs' as soon as can get a substitute. If
ON -, are ready take this card to Mr.. GRAY
W he third floor and hon s,sr, 10, =.