Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1890-11-22
SINGLE TAX DEPARTMENT.
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

Fassett. throwing himself ut fulllength
on the lawn, "shall over be able to sell
those lots"
Mr. Fassott was n real estate lawyer,
OF the firm Of Fassett, Peralium Il Percy.
His Office was in the city, his home dur
ing tho summer was in the country.
Mr.. Fassett's father had been lawyer,
too, when he lived. While Fassett was
mere child the old gentleman bought
parcel OF vacant land in the upper
part Of the city, which had, until then,
been farm, taking title in the name OF
his son, saying to himself: when Qui
grows up this may do him some good,
and, Us it cost me 30 little, might as
we'll tie up the title for the boy and let
the land lie vacant.
On coming OF age Qui Fassett The al
ways signed himself 20. Fassett") had
m opportunity to sell his land for
great advance on what the elder Fassett
paid, but the old gentleman advised
against it. There's nothing like real
estate for investment, my son-nothing
like real estate!' he used to say to Out;
and so Qui, although no had frequent
offers for his land, always wanted a lit
tie more than any one would pay,
policy in which he was encouraged by
the fact that every subsequent offer was
higher than his previous demand.
When Qui Fassett threw himself on
the lawn and made the exclamation
with which this narrative opens, he had
just refused the latest offer. An enter
prising builder wanted the land and had
offered Mr.. Fassett IS. 900 lot. AL
though this was more than o hundred
times what his father paid for the land,
and twice what he offered to take five
years before, and $1,000 more than he
tried to get twelve months ago. Qui Fas-
sett was not satisfied. He now wanted
$4,000, 'for," said ne, 'tif this property
has increased in value 81, 900 lot the
past year. why should it not increase
81, 900 next yoar?"
But the builder was stubborn. II am
anxious to put up a row OF houses
there" he said. ''because know they
will sell readily, and as my capital is
lying idle and most Of the men usually
employ are out Of work, want to got at
the job at once. But l can't afford to
give more than eight thousand; even at
that figure / take big risk. Better let
me have the lots"
NO" replied Mr.. Fassett, mine
thousand or no trade"
"All right" said the builder, extend
IT, Ii hos Il
bye,' and run along for the train. I'll
have to hunt up some other lots"
Don't believe you can do any bet
ter" said Mr.. Fassett, shaking the
builders hand. mo one viii sell lots in
such a locality for any less"
perhaps not, perhaps not" rejoined
the builder; land then I'll have to put
OF the job until things get in better
shape. But am sorry for the men, and
that's fact. Why. If could get those
lots. I'd have 500 at work in a week."
"What philanthopist You are, to be
sure" said Mr.. Fassett good naturally;
and the two men parted, the builder to
60 to his train and Mr.. Fassett to stretch
himself on his cool lawn, and exclaim,
"Oh, dear! oh, dear! shall ever DO able
to sell those lots?"
For while Mr.. Fassett mentally spec
ulated in his vacant lots, but before he
knew it he was watching the movements
of flock Of crows in neighboring
field, thinking OF their free and easy
life. noting that the scarecrow did not
brighten them at all, and wondering II
they had any OF the carlxing cares that
worry men. In moment, almost un-
consciously, he said aloud:
II wish was crOw!"
Well, you are," came in croalking
tones from the branches of the tree over
his head.
what in thunder is that%' inquired
Mr.. Fassett, somewhat startled for man
usually so cool.
II am crow. too" the croaking voice
replied.
''Oh you are, are you? Well, what do
you mean?" asked Mr.. Fassett
"You said you wished you were crow,
and you are," was repeated.
1t suddenly dawned upon Mr.. Fassett
that he had fallen asleep, and the abb
surdity OF his little dream made him
laugh outright.
But what laugh! 1t frightened him
rs he heard it Instead of the round,
hearty, whole-souled laugh to which his
friends were accustomed, and which was
not without music to his own ear, he
heard nothing but croaking-'awl aw!
awr'
Mr.. Fassett raised his hand to his face
to assure himself that he was really
awake, and from sheer awkwardness
tangled his claw in his feathers. In
extricating tho claw and smoothing his
rufied coat, he saw himself a. he was,
and realized that indeed he had become
q crow.