The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1907-07-28
A Gentleman Cabman.
$500 q. .,S.2s a. =.
IOriginnl. |

Na"f'', PA S'' btIllHTuS anu
goE together, and on one occasion-the
father was a widower-m love to
the same woman. But there was no
rivalry In the matter, for neither knew
of the Others attentions and neitber's
intentions were serious. When they
became aware of the fact. they had n
good laugh over it.
But the day came when a girl came
between the Wicketts. She did not
move In their exclusive circle. for she
made her own living. Her family had
been wealthy, but that was before her
time. Wicket senior forbade the
bans. The couple were married and
the father and son became as strangers.
There was nothing TO do but for
young Mrs Wicket to retain her posi-
ton. Bob had no knowledge of and
was not fitted for business. He tried
several subordinate positions and failed
at them ALL At last he grew desper-
ate and resolved on some congenial
work. no1matter how humble lie was
very fond Of horses. and a livery stable
keeper offered him the post Of assist
ant manager. He accepted it, Il
can't go with the swells any more"
ference what do
Despite the difference between the
position of a liveryman and a society
man Bob found his work endurable.
Had it not been for this difference he
would have found 1t to his taste. As
II was. he was in constant terror Of
being recognized by some Of his for
mer associates.
Meanwhile Frederick Wicket was
having dull time of II without his
chun son. Arrived at an age when
new intimacies are hard to make, he
pinned for companionship. He would
have married. but congenial marriages
are as difficult to make to order as
friendships. All lac could do was to
automcbiling or Mt his club. but ut
neither did he find those with whom
he could obtain enjoyment.
One day Bob Wicket had run of
bad luck While all the drivers were
out there was telephone call from
lady, one of the best customers of the
stable. for carriage to drive her to
catch train. Bob was directed to do
the job When returning from the
station he saw on the sidewalk one of
his old friends approaching. He drew
his coat collar mp about his chin and
pulled his hat down over his eyes, In
this way. though the former friend
looked straight at him. Bob passed m
recognized
Scarcely had he escaped one morti-
hcation than he fell into another.
Hearing n sharp "Heyr' on the side
walk. he drew fein and turned his
head. There stood his father.
Free for awhile?'' asked Mr. Wick
EFT.
Bob was about to say "No'' when it
occurred to him that his father would
recognize his voice. He said nothing,
but. quickly turning his face TO his
horses. pulled up to the curb.
"Athenaeum club" said Mr.. Wicket
senior. stepping into the carriage.
Bob experienced Il singular sensa-
ton mt having his father inside to
drive whittier he liked. Various plans
passed through his head. hut none got
d foothold lie thought of driving to
his humble apartments to show his
father how miserably he lived. hoping
to touch his heart. but he feared 1t
would rather offend his pride. He
reached the club without having hit
upon anything feasible. His father
i alighted. took out his pocketbook and
handed up the fare. His eyes met
Bobs, and he recognized him.
The two men stood looking at each
other without speaking. There was
strange expression in the fathers eyes
Many tiple 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. astride his horse In the park. nd
mirable alike for his handsome face
and figure and horsemanship. Then be
went back to the beginning and saw
the babe in his mothers arms.
sCome In and get something warm,
said the father, in the tone he would
address a coachman.
Bob left his horses standing IN the
street and followed his father into the
visitors room In the club. The rather
kept the bearing of gentleman to his
coachman: the son maintained coach
mans reserve.
~
.waiter, pint OF champagne
The waiter, though astonished at
such a call for a coachman, was too
we'll trained to show his surprise. HE
disappeared. and when he returned the
gentleman was striding back anu
forth. while the cabby was standing
as befitted his grade. with his wnip
IN his hand. The waiter opened the
wine, poured out single glass; NOT
surprising for moment that the gen
tleman would honor cabman by drink
ing with him. Then he left the room.