Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-07

nous burlesque queen was then nerfor,nins
a. WOODS Museum and Metropolitan The
ater, and whenever she went out for
walk her progress through the streets IN
high heels and hoops Invariably occasened
even more comment than the appearance
on the Ratio of the inimitable Artemus
Ward himself.
Lydia Thompson, indeedr' thought Mr.
Rossiter, shaking his head disaprrovingly
In the old days-sh then il was different
Then artists were artists! People did not
run after burlesque and large London
ladies with small voicesi True there had
been dancing, but-such dancing,
La Sylphide, and Jalleo de Here's. tripped
oy the divine Fanny And the operasi-with
what wealth of vocal ornamentation had
they been Interpreted
Thus Illuminating, he finally reached the
street that possessed. for him. so little IN
terest; that narrow way. where were no
shop windows; where women in buzzipg
tkrongs were wanting. and, In their stead,
men, pale-faced or eager-eyed. were bus
Ting about as If looking for something
What! Nothing Mr.. Rosster had ever
been very much interested in-althouGh
something he felt the need of now.
HIS step grew more staid his expression
penSive; the very atmosphere impressed
him. He seemed as a stranger among these
people. Yet he knew many OF them by
sight. Yonder black-bearded little man
who was hurrying as If to catch train
was among the first of the trust-makers,
his business, TO buy two or more bad rail-
roads, make them one good 90 railroad.
Issue bonds and stock and then sell out to
the public MIR. Rosster had only an lnds-
tinct comprehension OF the process, but ne
had always wondered why the public
bought. He knew they did; that they
never failed to oblge the dark little gentle
man, and that when the property became
bankrupt, he favored them. took 1t back at
his own figures. Then after reasonable
interval
How do you do, Mr.. Rossiter7"
1t was Mr.. Strong himself who thus ac-
costed him at the entrance of the building
where his offices were located. Mr.. Rossi-
ter looked up quickly. extending his thin
white hand with easy cordiality
Il received you note, Mr.. Strong. and"
THE business l wished to speak to you
about won't take but moment" inter-
rupted the other. II am obliged to leave
the office for a time and, if you do not
mind. l will tell you about it here. That
will save your time and mine"
Mr.. Rossiter might have replied that time
was of no consequence 10 him. that he had
never been slave to It, and that there was
no urgent need for precipitancy on his part
at the present moment. But the others
energetic manner became contagious, and
he replied more briskly than his wont:
Quite true! What can do for your"
A ghost of smile fiickered across Mr..
Strongs countenance.
Some time ago you spoke to me about
some southern bonds you had purchased
for Mrs Rossiter," he said
The livelness faded from the elder
mans face. He had avoided of late think
just about that unpleasant topic as much as
possible: not that he had succeeded entirely
In this resolution to set disagreaable mat
ter behind him. On the contrary, there
were moments when II forced itself upon
his attention; moments when he weakly
peered into the future and wondered how
long things could go on as they were!
Yes" he assented hesitatingly, II be-
lieve I did mention that little matter to
YOU"
What will you sell them for?" continued
the other bluntly
Mr. Rosslter gave a start of genuine sur
prise. He doubted If he had heard Alright.
Sell them
But" he blurted out eagerly, they are
not worth anythingi'
Il am my own judge of that" answered
Mr. Strong dryly. There exists @ chance
that a state, like an individual. may have
Its moments of conjunction; may repent its
action in repudating its obligations"
The other listened mechanically. He re-
ntembered the little hope that had been
thrown out to him regarding such a contin-
gency-a recent discouraging conversation
at his club with the president OF one of the
largest banks.
II don't believe it, he exclaimed warmly.
Mr. Strong smiled; he even placed his
great hand on the frail old gentleman's
shoulder.
he said not unkindly. But don't ask you
to believe it. I'm willing to take the
chance-if you'll take the chance and sell
for-afty cents on the dollar"
Mr.. Rossiter turned red; his heart gave
a sudden throb of delight. To recover half
OF that disastrous investment 1t was be-
yond his widest dreamsl Perhaps It would
silence Mrs. Rossiter's reproaches, perhaps
"Of course" went on the measured voice
of Richard Strong, sin the event of the
states experiencing the prickings OF con-
science, you would lose half the original in
vestment."
"Td rather be sure of half than take such
remote chances on the whole cried the
old gentleman, eagerly Il accept your of
-l1t Fc y-af5 coll yr
think'--he could not help adding, half
guiltily-"there is prospect of the bonds
being paid some day."
His listener apparently did not hear this
implied question. or, if he heard. chose not
to answer Bring them around any time"
he said, 'and I'll give you &. check fof
them"
get them now" said the other.
On his way TO the trust company Mr.. Ros-
sitter seemed walking on air The
street of little interest became a thor
ouehfare of good cheer and exhilara-
ton. He smiled on the solid-look-
ing fronts and uninviting entrances. In
the vault of the trust company, which ne
desplsed bonds with glances Of new affec-
ton.
AFTER all. it wasn't such a bad invest
ment," he said to himself. And in the cor.
ridor where he moment later encoun tered
a grave-looking gentleman-'Ive sold them,
Mr. Brownsonr' he exclaimed. '"shoss
southern state bonds you remember advis-
ing me were of no value whatever!
The grave looking gentleman stared at
him.
sold them" he repeated incredulously.
you are Joking!"
Not a bit of it!' cried Mr.. Rossiter,
And to a man who knows what such
things are WORTH
Bless my soull" remarked the grave
looking gentleman, as the other departed
with the bonds safely buttoned I'D in 9.
pocket of his coat. What can 1t mean7
Who can want them? l should have thought
I could as easily sell confederate money"
CTo be continued tomorrow)
GREENE AND GAYNOR,s RIGHTS.