St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1910-11-19
A FILIIP IN
FUTURES


This is not to prove that Lysdon
is eccentric. He isn't Concentric
might hit the mark, for-but we'll
drop that. There's no telling where a
long-handled word will lead one.
He was out of money on certain
date-almost as penniless as beg
gar; and he fell back on his wits to
make good, which he did. Straightest
fellow in Seldridge college, Lysdon
was; there's no disputing that.
Lysdon's remaining two months in
college he looked forward to with real
pleasure, but the string of bills at
tached to the finish made the corners
of his mouth drop to an angle of As de-
grees. That facial expression, however,
fed from his countenance like frost
before summer sun when the idea
lodged in his brain. It took ten min
utes to put it in printable shape. 1t
read like this:
Wanted-Philanthro person to
drop fat pocket book on the streets
of Forreston and permit me to find 1t
and claim reward l need it. Worthy
Young Man, Box 80, Herald"
The thing done, he hurried it off to
the Herald office, took supper at a
cheap restaurant, returned to his room
and pored over his books till midnight,
then rolled into bed and slept like
log.
OF course, box 80 wasn't neglected
for day or two. Lysdon had hoped
for an early reply, and was inclined to
be disappointed after three days had
elapsed without response. The
| fourth day proved lucky one. He
opened his letter eagerly, but the only
happy thing about it was that no one
was present to see the chagrin that
spread over his face. The single para
graph ran as follows:
Would gladly accommodate you, but
I dropped my purse some time ago,
and it made such noise that 1t open
ed the eyes Of blind beggar, who
seized it and ran of with 1t. He
hasn't returned It,"
! This was sample of half dozen
that found their way into box 90 in the
next forty-eight hours. Lysdon was
settling down to the conclusion that
the plan was doomed to failure, when
a tastefully addressed envelope found
its way to his table. With new cour-
age he made out these words:
Dear Sir-In accordance with your
request, | will drop my purse at the
corner of Castle avenue and Third
street, Wednesday, the I'd inst, at
4:15 p. m. Fifty dollars reward If
safely returned to II Ashelot avenue be-
fore 1880 p. m. Failure on your part
will be serious. Miss Nick"
For Lysdon, the remainder of that
Wednesday was full of interest-an
interest that grew in proportion as
the interval to the appointed hour d.
minished.
/ wide margin before the time ar
rived he was sauntering resolutely
past the specified corner, his eyes
never emitting movement of the pc
destrians that hurried past the place.
There was a ladies' wallet directly
under his face and eyes, but how it
got there was mystery he didn't
wait to solve. Quickly seizing the
purse, he went down the street, too
much dazed to voluntarily direct his
steps.
Collecting his scattered wits, he
found his way to his room, and threw
the thing on the table and himself on
chair His curiosity soon got the
better Of his inertness when he re-
called that he had neglected to open
the find.
Pulling it open, he brought to light
fragment of embroidered work, and
diminutive scrap of paper on which
was penciled: Remember the hour
1890" Nothing more.
1t was enough-sufficient
Quickly responsive to his ring, q
smiling young lady opened the door.
you are the worthy young man?"
she decided, before he had time to
speak You are SO prompt. 1t would
have helped me out finely If my plans
hadn't gone wrong"
your plans?"
Yes" she admitted, a twinkle in
her eye. you see, we were going to
have curiosity party, and l was go
ing to introduce you as my offering.
OF course. it's all too ridiculous for
anything; but your ad struck me as
SO odd l simply couldn't resist. But
the party has fallen through at the
last moment. Wait moment and I'll
get your, reward
"Wait!" broke out Lysdon. Its a
poor conundrum that hasn't two solu-
tons Listen to mine.
Il don't need the reward"
Then why your advertisement in
the Herald?"
well, what really wanted was an
excuse, and"
IAN excused" echoed the girl. Il
don't understand. I'm afraid I'm com.
promising myself by listening to this
mot at ALL" answered Lysdon. "Pve
few weeks more in college, and ]
promised the old man wouldn't send
for any more funds to carry me
through. I've tried my best, but IL
won't hold out That ad. was just a
diversion. Now as to the excuse;
: I've missed your party; why not you
take In miner"
Your party7 l know of no such
event"
Its like this" Lysdon went on
briskly; "the old folks live at Ledg
mont-six miles beyond the car line
$ I'll phone to Tenny to run down with
: the auto and I'll take you out to dine
with mother and myself. That will be
a working excuse I'll get the money
| Sb,n phonp at Onca2"