When published, the manuscript came under a flaring heading, bequeathed by Harkless's predecessor in the chair of the "Herald," and the alteration of which he felt Plattville would refuse to sanction: "Happenings of Our City." Below, was printed in smaller type: "Improvements in the World of Business," and, beneath that, came the rubric: "Also, the Cradle, the Altar, and the Tomb." The first of Fisbee's items was thus recorded: "It may be noted that the new sign-board of Mr.H.Miller has been put in place.

We cannot but regret that Mr.Miller did not instruct the painter to confine himself to a simpler method of lettering." "Ah, Fisbee," murmured the editor, reproachfully, "that new sign-board is almost the only improvement in the World of Business Plattville has seen this year.

I wonder how many times we have used it from the first, 'It is rumored in business circles that Herve Miller contemplates'-- to the exciting, 'Under Way,' and, 'Finishing Touches.' My poor White Knight, are five years of training wasted on you?
Sometimes you make me fear it.

Here is Plattville panting for our story of the hanging of the sign, and you throw away the climax like that!" He began to write rapidly, bending low over the pad in the half darkness.

His narrative was an amplification of the interesting information (already possessed by every inhabitant) that Herve Miller had put up a new sign.