The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1904-08-24
a Trying Predicament.

By II. u. G. PARSONS.

had travelled through several western
cities in quest OF employment, but
without success. At last found my
self in one of the hotels in Louisville,
studying the state OF my finances ana
prospects.
Having received a good education, !
could keep q set of books with any
man; few could excel me as sales
man. My lot seemed TO he doubly I'M
fortunate why was not n mechanic?
| could then have easily obtained what
| wanted.
In the midst Of my revery, a short,
stout, nervous looking gentleman. who
had been cyeing me for some time,
asked me ii had been long in Louis
vile.
Being out of sorts with myself and
every one else. did not answer him
with extreme politeness.
"You seem down-hearted,' he CON
tinued, still gazing at me as If he not
only wanted to know my business, but
my height, size and wearing apparel;
even my boots were closely scrutnized.
evaded his question by remarking
en- the dull busineys season.
"Are you looking for work?'
"You have anticipated my wants
correctly" | replied, in hopes of end
ing the conversation. as he did not
look like a man who hired either
llerks or bookkeepers.
Are you a powerful man?' he said,
pontinuing his examination. IF so
might hire you.
There is not a man in the city am
afraid to grapple WITH" | replied eager
ly, overjoyed at the sudden prospect of
getting situation.
81 think you will answer my pur-
pose" he said walking round me as If
he were purchasing horse.
Having finished the inspection, he
took me aside and informed me in the
strictest confidence. that he had q sick
brother who required a nurse. From
what he could see, | was competent TO
I'LL the berth.
"As TO salary" he continued IF you
suit me, will make it liberal; but one
thing you must promise me-"
at once expressed my Willingness
to make the promise. if it would not.
at any time, involve me in trouble.
He set my fears at rest at that point,
rs all he wanted was that while | was
in his employ | would not make the
world wiser as to what | was doing.
There was nothing unreasonable in
al In
accepted his offer.
Bidding me follow him, We traversed
several streets until we arrived in
front of a large mansion in one of
the principal thoroughfares. My guide
using the la,chEoy. We entered the
house without ceremony.
After dinner | was Introduce. 20 my
charge, who was the exact counter
part in looks OF his brother slanceG
from one to the other wondering how
it was possible for two men to be so
much alike.
my name is William Harrison"
said the brother who hired me, and
this is Mr.. Charles Harrison"
Twin brothers," said, looking
from one TO the other.
"Yes, we are twins" said Mr. Will
liam. Unfortunately, Charles is pc.
culiar in his manner, and wish You
TO look after HMM fact to be his
constant companion"
His constant companion" | repeat
ed. What! Is he crazy?" asked aside
of Mr.. William.
Eyes, a little out of his head" he
replied. You must be careful not to
let him get the upper hand of you in
any way, and when he is violent, there
is a straight jacket" he said, showing
me the article cn a sideboard.
"All right" said. Now, as under
stand you, | must use this when
think proper to do So"
YES" he replied, whenever you
have occasion TO. OF course you must
use proper judgment, and not be too
violent. ] can see by your looks
that you are very powerful man-in
fact, ! pride myself on being so for
tunate as TO secure you"
He was right in his judgment as to
koy poWcioi nave met lew men III my
lifetime who equaled me in strength.
During our conversation, Mr.. Charles
sat still, without saying a word
again compared them. The similarity
Of features, build, even their hair,
which was gray, was remarkable; both
wore their whiskers alike 1t was the
first time in my life ! was puzzled in
making a distinction whereby / could
tell one man from another.
As last resource, was obliged to
make note of their different cos
tunes, in order to know Mr.. Charles
apart from Mr.. William.
What il | was to mistake lin my
routine as keeper and nurse) one
brother for the other? A dread of the
fearful consequence that would follew
came over me, and can assure you II
was some time before could rest easy
in mind.
Mr.. William retired, leaving me with
my charge. The change. at least, fur
xaichad tho rraecinO raouirapoa,,a for