LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1819, 4 August 1913, Page 4

LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS.

BANK MANAGER TO NEWSBOY. Many parts aro played by some men in this world, and while some have rapidly ascended the ladder, others have descended at an equally rapid pace, and landed somewhere near the gutter. Those who havo wended their way citywards almost overy morning may hot havo had time to reflect on tho vendors of the newspapers j may havo passed them by as the unambitious creation of human derelicts. Yet one of theso paper-sellers who tenders tho daily papers to every passer-by in tho hops of gainj a fow pence has playeu many parts important and responsible, if not notable. . From acting-bank manager to nowa< vendor is a bie drop, but in tho words of tho onn who has taken it, "What's tliO' odd.s?" It wap the educated tcno of tlm man who, on Saturday, offered a paper for salo that drew n Dominion reporter's attention to tho individual. "Will you buy a paper, sirP Nol You've seen all tho papers! Well, ono must press tho news," said tho man. and rapidly went on to refer to himself. "Do you sec those f" ho asked, indicating a pair of loud checked garments. "Fancy, they sold theso to me, and I onoo had sixteen pairs." "Well, it can't bo helped," ho went 011, "Do you know," ho confided, "I did not always sell, papers. > No, I'vo gone down, X was once an acting-bank manager." "It's a good drop you've made," von« tured tiio reporter. "A good drop! 'I diould say so. But you know I've made a pretty poo<l navvy." , • "I don't think I could do that," replied tho reporter. "Of course, you could do it," came tho quick answer. "I'vo dono it, and so could you." Tho nowsvendor turned suddenly aside to offer a papor, but fumbled without a word. Ho turned again to tho reporter with a laugh, ajid said: "Oh. well, let him go. I oouldn't got it out that time, but usually I can toll 'em lies, or sell 'em papers." Why havo you not recovered yourself I was askod. "Oh, it's jolly easy to drop, but hard to get up again," came tho answer. Tlie inan, about 35 years of age, spoko with a refined voice, and ill a jovial manner, and did not seem 'to tako hif». position at all seriously. Ho summed it up in the ono phrase: "What's tho oddsr and turned away to seek further purchasers.