The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-02-21

SAID.
now adopt when we speak of the rich.
l honestly thought that it would be a
double error for Austen to send this
remarkable valentine to Miss Cope
land. In the FIRST place, he couldn't
AFFORD to do so, for the picture was
amazingly good, and, with a slight sup
preston Of the likeness. would certain
ly be sslable some time. In the second
place, it could not fail to evoke an an
swer from Miss Copeland and thus re
viye an acquaintance which could only
result in pain and disappointment TO
my friend
Billy" said ], you mustn't commit
this folly. Here's the best thing you
have ever done, and you ought to work
it so that you can set yourself on your
feet again"
Yes said he. How hard do you
suppose the express company will swat
me to take this out to Morristown?"
And again he eyed the corner Of my
dollar
| argued the case with him, but
might as we'll have addressed nv re
marks TO the iointed dummy of wood
which he used as model. The best
| could do was to persuade him to hold
the picture two or three days before
sending IT. He had intended to ship it
right away. in fear lest the landlord
might do something disagreeable in
the way OF padlocking the door or 9th
crwise attempting to collect the rent
by violence
| lent Austen the dollar, and while
he was holding it in his hand and con-
templatinS 1t with a trance-like stare
| deftly picked the inside breast pocket
Of his wa!Stcoat, which he had fasten-
ed to the bookcase with thumb tack.
From this pocket | drew an envelope
containing all that was left of Austen's
pawnable possessions, and | succeeded
in getting The ticket for Il fine suit of
clothes which he had bought just be
fore his Illness. Then, having restored
the envelope with the remainder Of its
contents, | departed hastily.
After visiting the pawnbroker's and
Il little talor's shop | called upon the
art editor of one Of our leading maya
zines, and, having justified my visit by
some rather neat lying. l said to him:
Who's buying Harry Austen's stuff
now:'
Didn't know anybody was" he re
piled.
You want to wake up" said |.
He has caught on"
How do you mean?" said he.
He's been doing some swell stuff,
replied, land it isn't for sale When
| was in his studio this afternoon there
was man trying to induce him to sell
a cover design-splendid thing it was,
too-and Austen wouldn't let go"
Did he say it was ordered?"
NO" said l. He could sell it, but
he won't. He's feeling pretty sure of
himself these days. / shouldn't be sur
prised II your friends across the square
were stocking up with some Of his
work"
Tell him to come down here and see
me-" said the editor.
He won't" said !. He's got some
thing else on HIS mind"
The editor druuimed on HIS table and
whistled softly. | was afraid to say
word mere and INSTANTLY took my de
parture.
went across tie square TO those
friends" OF the editors whom had
mentioned TO him. There found, Of
course, another magazines art editor,
and to him | told the same tale. Then
l met a good fellow on the street who
knew Austen, and | p&vailed upon
him to carry my story into tive other
publishing houses.
About lunchtime the next day |
went to the building where Austen has
his studio and nearly ran into my
friend and art. sditsr No. l. They werS
going out TO luncheon together on the
A. Els treat which he would subse-
quently work. into an expensive bill. 1
lodged behind the elevator shaft and
then followed cautiously. When had
trailed them to restaurant, ran over