The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1907-10-10
Che Historical Dboto.

Che HistO1
IN ONE of my periodical exploits
entered large dwelling, situated
on well-known boulevard of
big Eastern city. I soon crossed
threshold and the first object spied
was q picture. Near it was small
stool, evidently much used. For sew
eral minutes gazed admiringly at the
picture then continued my exploration.
An hour, perhaps, had eIapsed-during
which time I searched the dwelling in
vain for antiques-when again stood
gazing at the picture. Somehow it fas-
cinated me.
A slight sound attracted my atten-
tlon; stepping to the door l glanced
along the hallway. An elderly man
was approaching. To escape unseen
was improbable. Hastily concealed
myself behind curtain. From my
place of concealment could view the
room. / heard the old man enter the
room, moving about for few min
utes-then silence relgned. AS the
minutes flew by, and the monotonous
silence grew unbearable, l concluded
to brave the man in his own home.
Softly drew the curtain aside. The
old man was seated on the small stool,
his head was resting on his hands, and
his gaze was concentrated on the pic
ture. l moved forward, passed behind
him and unnoticed gained the hallway.
Here paused to again gaze at the in
dividual, whose strange actions had be-
gan to arouse my curiosity. Suddenly
he took the photo in his hands, gazed
fondly at it for several minutes, then
producing q small picture frame from
the folds of the coat he wore, he placed
the photo In the frame. As he re-
placed it on, as now noted, a small
shelf attached to the wall, observed q
glittering as of diamonds.
l had left the dwelling: the shades OF
evening were falling; idly l sauntered
to street corner intending to catch .
car that would carry me to the down
town district where the iurid rays ol
electricity; badinage OF social exiler
like myself: and the atmosphere Of
come-day -go-dsy life, might aid me IL
banishing thoughts of my aimless, per
haps worthless, career. Finally q Cal
approached, paused for few moments
then sped onward. As it disappeared
1 mentally ragged at my stupidity.
intended to board it, but, engrossed ir
ehoughts of the scene lately quilted,
had seemingly forgotten everything
else. Recovering myself / lighted 9 ci
gar and awaited the next car. A few
minutes later, seated in aTstreet car,
was being whirled towards the down
town district.
The mind of man is peculiar asset
Altho in crowded car, being whirle'
along past innumerable scenes, out
wardly aware of continual converse
tion--yet, my mind was traversinl
those channels familiar to many who's
life has been marred in some manner
the past. Thus engrossed heede
not, scarcely noticed, my fellow passen
gers.
A hand lightly laid on my shoulde
recalled my wandering thoughts.
glanced at the one who touched m,
There, in q seat behind me, sat the @
derly man whom had left, shortly bt
fore. gazing at the photo. Surpris
may haye been depicted on nay fes
lures, but, ii SO, the man did not not
it for he said: "Are you acquainte
with Samuel Jones?" Jones was M
torious crook who. to put on sen
biance of responsibility, or to squal
himself with the "powers," had estal
iished a pawnshop. Well ! knew hin
for his testimony had, at one tim
caused my incarceration in bastil
solid, gray and silent. However, / r
piled that while the name was familis
l could not recall Mr.. Jones.
As the car paused at familiar co
ner the man alighted and /, unperceive
by him, followed. By devious rou1
he finally came to the pawnshop Of N
Jones. 1t was closed but repeate
knocks brought response. / dre
close and recognized the voice Of Jon'
,as he said: "Your request is unusus
but if you win step inside pil examiz
che frame and picture" Together tht