The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1897-01-21

Then he realized that the public wa:
thirsting for his work. Il can write
more tales Of th same sort, II that l:
what yon mean
About this same John Navy?'
"Certainly."
That's just what | meant! Tha
story reads like the truth" SAID Per
kins, weighing the words carefully
You must have known somebody just
like HIM" He locked iuquirinsly al
Paine.
Il did. 1 knew old John Navy
himself"
"Where?" Perkins asked, eargerly
-"begging your pardon! l aidn''
mean"
"Oh. it is no secret. He was con
Wet in the Bolton prison. l used tc
visit him therein the course of some
charitable work. which | did"
With some reluctance Paine added
this last explanation. which he consld
cred detail of no possible interest tt
a stranger. Yet his words made a
marked impression upon Perkins.
You were good to him, then" he
asked respectfully.
Il liked the man; | couldn't help
liking him"
mo wonder, John Navy-accord
ing to your story was square, open
hearted man. Il didn't harm you any
to befriend him. You had a rare
chance, young man. suppose he
talked pretty freely"
He told me great deal about his
life" Paine admitted, tritie mystl-
fed by these questions. L wrote 1t
al down." he added, at length.
Again an eager light flashed il the
visit or's eyes.
Desks full of it, suppose" he OBJ
served, casually.
My head is full of it," Paine re-
joined "Yes, of course l. have my
notes."
Silence ensued for a few moments.
II was amused at some parts Of that
story" Perkins went on, still dallylng
with his errand. "The old man said
some queer things"
He used other expressions quite az
peculiar as those in my story"
"And you remember them all 2" ask
ed Perkins, coming sharply to bust
ness Whats your price for the rest
of it?'
Paine was taken unaware. so you
are a publisher" he exclaimed.
"a publisher? Yes, of course; you
have hit it." Perkins laughed lightly
IF you want my work make me an
offer." said Paine,with instant shrewd-
ness. OF course | shall expect an adj
vance on what the Maxima paid me-
That's businessw Peskins replied
Il don't know what those fellows paid
you, but it's worth more to me than ii
is to them. How would $500 strike
you?"
Done cried Paine "You shall
have the best story l can write. Five
thousand words?" he asked, in the
next breath.
Il don't care about the number OF
words" said the man, with touch OF
impatience, Its Navy's talk that
brings the dollars Can have it now?
''Oh, mop said Paine. in surprise
1T isn't written yeti When must you
| nave lue SlOIy
Thought you had it all in your
headr' exclaimed Perkins, darting a
CLINT of suspicion at the author. "Well
you know your business. Make it
short though. How long-a week ~
"You can hav" it in week.
"All right. In a week yoC shall
have your $500" And Perkins bowed
himself out, we'll contented.
Meeting Fraire upon the street at a
later hour, Paine gayly accosted him
with outstretched hand.
"Shake, old man. he cried. Il
have bounded into the ranks of the
high priced story -te]lers?'
Fraire shook hands with his custo
mary seriousness.
How is that, Paine?' he queried
Have you hypnotized an editor?"
Syndicate man / think. l was
too much surprised to ask for particu
lars. 1t doesn't matter. Perkins OF
Chicago wants to pay ne $500 for &
story"
Long life to Perkins of Chicago
| don't recall his name: but [ an
heartily pleased at vour success
| Paine"
When Perkins reappeared, at the
appointed time, he glanced over the
first few pages of the manuscript with
great satisfaction, and counted ont
$500 in payment
Il hope this will be a success" the
author civilly remarked. Il have
made it as dramatic as possible, re
membering your interest in Nays
! conversation"
ITS sure success Perkins an
swered, in high elation. "Good even
| ing"
He shook hands effus1vely witt
Paine and Immediately took his de
parture.
Paine's sleeping room adjoined hi:
strdy, and the door between these
apartments was kept closed at night
When be opened it the next morning
on his way down to breakfast, he ut
tered sharp cry of dismay and sprane
forward into the room excitedly.
| During the night his desk lad beer
ransacked and its contents strewI
over the floor. Paine made a hurried
search through bath rooms. but moth
ing else-not even his watch and mon
ey-had been disturbed Moreover
| when he had carefully rearranged hi
disordered papers. they were all &C
counted for, with this exception
every scrap of writing which related
! to John Navy had been stolen,
| Early that afternoon Perkins re
| turned. He appeared to be depress
ed and disconnected, and his changed
oxoifo1 pairo., r,-nr,lo,,