an odd, troubled gesture as he went on: "They do not seem to read them
here, Mr. Harkless, although Mr. Martin assures me that he carefully
peruses my article on Chaldean decoration whenever he rearranges his
exhibition windows, and I bear in mind the clipping from a Rouen paper you
showed me, commenting generously upon the scholarship of the 'Herald.' But
for fifteen years I have tried to improve the art feeling in Plattville,
and I may say that I have worked in the face of no small discouragement.
In fact," (there was a slight quaver in Fisbee's voice), "I cannot
remember that I ever received the slightest word or token of encouragement
till you came, Mr. Harkless. Since then I have labored with refreshed
energy; still, I cannot claim that our architecture shows a change for the
better, and I fear the engravings upon the walls of our people exhibit no
great progress in selection. And--I--I wish also to say, Mr. Harkless, if
you find it necessary to make some alterations in the form of my
reportorial items for Saturday's issue, I shall perfectly understand,
remembering your explanation that journalism demands it. Good-evening, Mr.
Harkless. Good-evening, Mr. Todd." He plodded on a few paces, then turned,
irresolutely.

"What is it, Fisbee?" asked Harkless.

Fisbee stood for a moment, as though about to speak, then he smiled
faintly, shook his head, and went his way. Harkless stared after him,
surprised. It suddenly struck him, with a feeling of irritation, that if
Fisbee had spoken it would have been to advise him to call at Judge
Briscoe's. He laughed impatiently at the notion, and, drawing his pencil
and a pad from his pocket, proceeded to injure his eyes in the waning
twilight by the editorial perusal of the items his staff had just left in
his hands. When published, the manuscript came under a flaring heading,
bequeathed by Harkless's predecessor in the chair of the "Herald," and the