The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-01-14
That Book Agent.


Somebody was evidently out of sorts.
To begin with, he opened his sleepy
eyes an hour later than he should have
done, which necessitated an uncomfort-
able hurry; then, in place of his usual
inviting morning repast, he was served
with an atrocious cup of coffee and a
of which vigorous application of knife,
fork and patience proved quite made
quate. And at last the attempt was
abandoned with sudden movement
which threatened to overthrow not
reposed, as Mr.. Conrad hastily arose,
crossed the hall, and was soon donning
hat and coat, preparatory to the usual
morning stroll business-ward.
On the way he stopped at a we'll
known restaurant, where he procured
cup of good coffee, which he thoroughly
enjoyed as he finished looking over the
morning paper; then, with face from
which the frown had dispersed, he but
toned his overcoat comfortably about
him and proceeded to the office, where
he found awaiting him note from his
old college chum, Jack Roland-honest
Jack, kind-hearted, and generous to
fault, whose last five dollars often went
in answer to some piteous appeal, while
he went home with empty pockets,
missing his customary cigar, saying,
cheerfully, Oh, well, it does not mat
ter much; they probably needed it more
than 1 did,"
Bertram Conrad took up Jacks letter
with a half smile, and read as follows:
" Dear Bert Where have you kept your
self the past two weeks? / have inquired
for you almost daily, receiving upon each
occasion the same reply from that osseous
errand boy of yours Why with a startled
glance toward your vacant chair Mr.. Con-
RAIDS gone, and when he'll come back don't
know. So at last concluded to drop you
line; and you must remain in to-day, for
have sent round an interesting book agent.
She has had hard time, poor thing and
you will help her trifie, won't you, old
fellow"
"Not if 1 know myself" and with
this emphatic exclamation the note was
tossed upon his desk, as he said, with
an expression very like the one of early
morning:
Confound the fellow, with his good
nature Because he is always being
taken in, 1 don't see why he should wish
to place his friends in like predicament.
Book agent, indeed" And moment
later the office boy received an impera-
tive summons. Bobby" said his en-
ployer, with very impressive manner,
"sit in the waiting-room, and if any
woman asks for me this morning / can't
see her; that is ALL" Then, as the
boys eyes grew more and more round,
he added, soto UOce, for the benefit of
the youth, whom he did not choose to
enlighten directly: Cant have wo-
man chattering here. 1t would drive
me to distraction. You understand,
Bobby" turning to the boy, who stood
regarding his utterances with profound
attention.; "if she comes say it is i'm
possible for me to see her; that l am
too occupied to attend to trivial matters.
/ think she had better occupy herself
with some home employment" he
added, half to himself.
And Bertram Conrad, having, as he
thought, made very satisfactory ar
rangement to escape the threatened
visitation, seated himself at his desk,
and was soon deeply absorbed in some
ponderous law document; while in the
room beyond Bobby awaited the morn
ing's visitors, seated before a square
table, where reposed various periodicals
and an old arithmetic. But Bobby's
eyes were not rivited upon the multiple
cation table. Oh, no! his youthful gaze
was directed to the columns of we'll
known weekly, where was depicted a
thrilling romance entitled, "The Ban
dts Revenge" So intensely occupied
was the reader with the trials and perils
of the Inflated hero, that he did not
hear faint knock at the door; but
u,ba,, ~ tuao cnftlu onapaH ha az cd
to his feet in time to receive pretty
young lady, with glorious dark hair
who inquired in low, musical voice
for Mr.. Conrad.
Bobby was equal to the occasion, and
faithful to the instructions given him
so he replied at once, Mr.. Conrad
can't see you this morning"
odd he not receive my brothers
note?" asked the young lady, triflt
embarrassed.
"Guess so" returned Bobby. "Least
wise note came, and-was there ba(
news in your letter, miss?"
"Bad news? No. why do you ask?'
and the fair interlocutor looked puzzled
"'Cause Mr.. Conrad looked awful
mad when he read it, and"
"He was evidently annoyed" sht
thought. Then, aloud, There mus
be some mistake"
"Oh, no there amt, begging you
pardon, miss; the letter came earl
this morning, and Mr.. Conrad calle'
out so / jumped, and he said to me
Just as solemn: Bobby, if lady come
to-day, tell her I can't see her. an
too much occupied to attend to sue
trivial matters; and 1t would be bes