The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1872-06-28
GRIPPER'S MISTAKE.
A PRACTICAL STORY.


One of the first settlers in the Wild
River region was Daniel Somerby. He
was a quiet, well meaning man, con.
tent to live upon the results of honest
toll, and anxious TO render unto every
man his due. He bought his land when
II was cheap; in fact, when the price had
been merely nominal and what with
hunting and fishing and cultivating
such land as he was inclined TO clear, he
managed to live very comfortably. An.
other of the early settlers was Jasper
GriPper. But Gripper was different
sort OF a man from Somerby. He was
close and tricky, and could bear down
very hard upon his neighbors in pur-
suing his own interests. He boosted to
his friend that no man should ever
oyerreach him.
Time passed on, and it became known
10 the lumbermen of the Massaquoit
that the best pine in the country came
from the Wild River region. One day
early in spring gentleman came from
the distant city and looked up and down
the river on Jasper Grippcr's land and
on the following day he was joined by
two other gentlemen. Grlpper had often
thought what splendid place that
would be for a dam and mill. With a
tirm dam the power would be enormous
There was only one trouble; the ex-
treme freshets 10 which the river was
subject in spring and autumn would
render it difficult TO fix the dam. But
then there were engineers who could
overcome all such difficulties.
FINALLY Tho uan lafnap Who bod Eret
visited the fall introduced himself to
Mr.. Gripper as Mr.. James Bates, and
frankly stated that he had been COM
missioned 10 examine the fall, and, if
he thought proper, TO purchase. Jasper
Gripper was keenly and sharply alive.
His eye teeth were cut. He knew that
Tor several years the attention OF the
lumbermcn had been directed TO the
Wild River pineris, and that lately peo-
pie had discovered that the land was
OF the very best quality. And, more.
over, he knew that the fall on his land
was the only site on the river, any.
where in that region, where the dam
could be safely erected. There was
another fall, six miles below, but it was
OF wild, roaring, turbulent character
locked in the jaws of towering granite,
where no mills could possibly be built.
"Of course said Mr.. Bates, 1--WE
cannot think Of paying much for the
water privilege, and but very little for
the land which would be required for
our buildings. The expense of erecting
a suitable dam will be very great, and
at best we run great risk. You will be
the gamer in every way. Not only will
it open a ready market for your lumber,
but the value OF all your surrounding
land will be enhanced
Mr.. Gripper winked, and then nod
ded. He had his own interests to look
after. If he did not look after them
he was sure nobody else would. After
a deal of thinking, he said he would
sell the water privilege, together with
ten acres of land adj AGENT, for two
thousand dollars.
The agent was astonished. He consid
cred the price ridiculous.
Why" said he, "you did not pay
so much as that for your whole terrific
~"
1t made no odds what he (Gripper)
had paid. His price had been named,
and the company could take it, or let it
be.
Mr.. Bates was not authorized to &C.
cept such terms. He must confer with
mis- principals. And he went away.
In few days he came again, this
time in company with three others.
They went up and examined the water
privilege, and then came back to Mr..
Gripper's house, where they informed
that individual that If he would throw
in ten more acres of land they would
accept his offer.
Gripper thought he had them. He
had thoroughly digested the and
had come to the conclusion that the
water power would be of inestimable
value to company able to improve it,
and that they were bound to have it.
Gentlemen" said he, "my offer of
two thousand dollars was made for your
acceptance several days ago. did not
leave it open to your pleasure. have
since been examining the property more
thoroughly, and have concluded not TO
sell for less than three thousand"
Why, bless your soul, man. cried
one OF the company. do you realize
how our mills, erected on the site, would
benefit you? The value of all the rest
OF your property would be doubled
aye, quadrupled-the moment our
wheels are set in motion. We had sup
posed you would freely give the water
power to a responsible company who
would improve it,"
Mr.. Gripper laughed scornfully. He
knew his own interests better than that