The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-11-22

A Gentleman Cabman.

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| yredsrick witkett ana his son, Hob
were booa companions, They belonget
10 the same clubs, played billiards ant
golf together, and on one occasion -th'
father was a widower--mado love Il
the Same woman, Hut there was NJ
rivalry In tho matter, for neither knew
OF the others attentions and neither
intentions were serious, When tho,
became aware Of the fact. they had :
good laugh over IT,
But the day came when a girl cam,
between tho wickctts. She did moi
move ID thcir exclusive circle. for sh,
made her own living. Hsr family had
been wealthy, but that was before bel
time. Wicket senior forbade the
bans. The couple were married. and
the father aud son became as strangers
There was nothing to do but foi
young Mrs. wickott to retain her post
tion. Bob had no knowledge Of and
was not fitted for business. Hs tried
several subordinate positions and failed
at them all. AT last no grew despcr'
ate and resolved on some congenlal
work. no matter how humble. lie was
very fond Of horses, and livery stable
keeper offered him the post of assist
ant manager. He accepted H. u
can't 70 with the swelis any more"
he said. $50 Il doesn't make much dif.
ference what do"
Despite the difference between tho
position OF llveryman and 4 society
man Bob found his work endurable.
Had Il not been for this difference hs
would have found II 70 his taste, An
Il was. he was In constant terror OF
being recognized by some Of hia for
mer associates.
Meanwhile Frederick Wlckett was
having dull time of II without hls
chum son. Arrived at an age when
new intimacles are hard to make. hs
pIncd for companionshlp, He would
have married, but congenial marriages
are as difficult 10 make to order No
friendships. All he could do was to
spend the most OF his time driving,
automoblilng or at his club, but at
neither did he fnd those with whom
he could obtain enjoyment.
One day Bob wickett had q run Of
bad luck, While all the drivers were
out there was a telephone call from
lady. one OF the best customers Of tho
stable. for a carriage 10 drive her TO
catch train. Bob was directed TO do
the Job. When returning from tho
station he saw.on the sidewalk one Of
his old friends approaching, He drew
his coat collar up about his chin and
pulled his hat down over his eyes. In
this way, though the former friend
looked straight at him. Bob passed un.
recognized. ~
Scarcely had he escaped one mort.
fication than he fell Into another
Hearing a sharp Hey on the side
walk. he drew rein and turned his
head. There stood his father.
Free for awhilei" asked Mr.. Wick.
EFT.
Bob was about TO say mo" when II
occurred to him that his father would
recognize his voice. He said nothing.
but. quickly turning his face 10 his
horses, pulled up to the curb.
"Athenncnn club" said Mr.. Wicket
senior, stepping into the carriage.
Bob experienced u singular sensa.
tIon at having bis father inside to
drive whittier he liked. Various plans
passed through his head, but none got
a foothold. He thought Of driving to
his humble apartments to show his
father how mserably he lived, hoping
TO touch his heart, but he feared II
would rather offend his pride. He
reached the club without having hit
upon anything feasible. His father
alIghted took ont his pocketbook and
handed up the fare. His eyes met
Bob's, and he recognized him.
The two men stood looking at each
other without speaking. There was
strange expression In the fathers eyes.
Many n time they had been driven to.
gether. Many time one or the other
had handed the fare TO coachman.
The father thought OF this and more.
He saw his boy mounting his pony.
He saw him later IN fashionable at.
tire, astrlde his horse In the park, ad.
mlrable alike for his handsome face
and figure and h6rsemanshp. Then he
went back TO the beginning and saw
the babe In his mothers arms.
"Come In and get something warm"
said the father, In the tone he would
address eoachman.
Bob left his horses standing In the
street and followed his father into the
visitors room In the club. The father
kept the bearing Of n gentleman to his
coachman; the son maintained a coach
mans reserve.
Waiter, pint Of champagne"
The waiter, though astonished at
such call for a coachman, was too
well trained to show his surprise. He
ana when he returned the
gentleman was strldlng back and
forth, while the cabby was standing
as befitted his grade. with bis whIn