The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-08-24

well, good night. Come on, Hail."
On the afternoon of the next day,
while Paine was busy at his desk, a.
stranger was shown to his room by the
landiady. Paine whirled his chair
around and rose TO greet him.
The stranger shot a quick, penetrat-
ing glance at his host and bowed with
mingled Difference and assurance. He
was dressed extensively, and a slight
swagger in his bearing indicated that
he was conscious of bringing his well
come in his pocket.
Sporting man." thought Paine.
What does he want of me?''
Are you lLr. Kepler Paine?" asked
the newcomer, with much suavity.
Il am
.Then you wrote John Navy's Con-
fession, which has just appeared in the
Maxima?"
4 did" Paine answered, Wits a
smile. Take a chair, lIr. -. Have
you read it?''
I've read it." said the man, en-
practically. Best thing 1 ever read.
got onto it from the name. Excuse
mel forgot to mention my own. It's
Perkins, of Chicago. l should have
been sorry to miss that story of yours.
Now when are you going TO give US the
rest of is?''
''.The rest of if?" Paine repeated, in
bewilderment. THE story is complete
in this number of the Maxima" Then
he realized that the public was thirst
ing for his work. 81 can write more
tales of the same sort, if that it what
you mean"
about this same John Navy?"
Certainly"
That's just what 1 mean! That story,
reads like the truth" said Perkins,
weighing his words carefully. You
must have known somebody just like
him. He looked inquirngly at Paine.
q did 1 knew old John Navy him
SELF
"Where?" Perkins asked, eagerly
begging your pardon 1 didn't mean"
ooh, it is no secret. He was a con-
vict in the Bolton Prison. l used to
visit him therein the course of some
charitable work which I did,
With some reluctance Paine added
this last explanation, which he consid-
cred detail of no possible interest to
a stranger Yet his words made a
marked impression upon Perkins.
"You were good to him, then?" he
asked, respectfully.
Il liked the man; 1 couldn't help lik-
ing him.
mo wonder! John Navy-according
to your story-was a square, open
hearted man. 1t didn't harm you any
to befriend him. You had a rare
chance, young man! 1 suppose he talk
ed pretty freely?"
He told me a great dead about his
life Paine admitted, trifle mystified
by these questions Il wrote lit all
down. he added, at length.
Again an eager Light flashed in the
visitors eyes.
Desks full of it, suppose" he OBJ
served casually.
MY head is full of it," Paine re-
joined Yes, of course 1 have my
notes."
Silence ensued for few moments.
story" Perkins went on, still dallylng
with his errand. 1.-The old man sai0
some queer things"
He used other expressions quite as
peculiar as those in my story"
''And you remember them ALP" asked
Perkins, coming sharply to business.
What's your price for the rest of it?'
Paine was taken unaware. so you
are publisher he exclaimed.
"a publisher? Yes, of course; you've
hit it" Perkins laughed lightly.
eff you want my work make me an
Offer said Paine, with instant shrewd
ness. Of course, 1 shall expect an adj
vance on what the MaXima paid
me-"
That's business, Perkins replied. 81
don't know what those fellows paid
you, but it's worth more to me than it
is to them. How would $500 strike
you?"
''Donew cried Paine. you shall have
the best story l can write. Five thou
sand words?' he asked in the next
breath.
Il don't care about the number of
words" said the man, with a touch of
Impotence. It's Navy's talks that
brings the dollars. Can 1 have t
now?"
ooh, nor said Paine in surprise. TT
isn't written yet! When must you
have the story?'
Thought you had it all in your
headw exclaimed Perkins, darling
CLINT of suspicion at the author. We'll,
you know your business Make it
short though. How long-a week."
you can have it in a week.
''All right, in a week you shall have
your $780, and Perkins bowed him
self out well contented.