Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-06-12

building blocks was little, one-storled
office. 1t was flush with the sidewalk,
and upon the large window was painted,
in red letters,
MIR. DICK ROGERS,
CITY BILL POSTER.
MIR. Dick Rogers" was himself seat
ed behind the window, a big cigar in
his mouth, his feet resting upon the
confused mass of papers which Uttered
his desk, and mis- eyes fixed intently
npon his morning newspaper.
From amid the stream of passing We
9icles a handsome carriage drew up
before the door. MIR. Rogers looked over
the top of his paper and watched a
gentleman step out upon the sidewalk,
followed by servant bearing in his
arms huge package. This the serv-
ant placed upon the table, and re-
turned to the carriage.
II have come once more to employ
your services, you see, Mr. Rogers,
said the caller, in a quiet, dignlfied
voice.
Just SOL responded the bill poster,
with a nod. so another year is up,
-eh? Mercy mel how time flies. Pm
gettin' to gauge time by your visits,
Mr.. Lawrence; you're as regular as
-clockwork. Let me see-this is the
sixth year, amt it?'
Eyes, this is the sixth year. How
many times more / shall be obliged to
come to you God only knows. 1 think
I should have already abandoned the
attempt were it not for my poor wife's
sake
His voice trembled little and he
turned Il rather appealing and depreca-
tory glance upon the unmoved face of
Mr.. Rogers.
''Never say die, SIR" remarked the
bill poster, cheerfu1ly. 81 'spose you'd
like 'em out right away?"
eff you please"
Got boy at liberty right now" He
walked to n rear door, opened it partly
and shouted:
"ScroggsI"
"YepI" answered a clear voice.
bag. bucket and brushl" roared Mr..
Rogers.
Fright we areI" came the reply, seem
ingly from Il distant apartment.
Mr.. Rogers closed the door and re-
turned to his chair.
.sScroggs'n do the job beautiful he
remarked.
"Are YOU sure he's reliable?'' asked
Mr.. Lawrence, anxiously- II am almost
afraid to trust this to mere boy"
''That's Scroggs' strong point-he's
reliable Hain't been with me quite a
year. but I'd trust him anywheres.
Never neglects likely place, an never
Genes back till the last sheet is posted.
That kid'l make great man one O
these days. I shall always give him
your Job after this, for / know you'll
like his work.
Mr.. Lawrence sighed at this intima-
ton of the fruitlessness of his efforts,
and the two men sat silently until the
nd hnx of
about ten years entered. He wore a
bill posters white jacket and trousers,
very much spotted and soiled, a small
cap was set far back upon his curly
head, and in his hand he bore a canvas
bag and a fiat paste-bucket with a
brush sticking out of the side.
"Here y are, Dick" he announced.
prompt as a biscuit, amt he ?'' asked
Mr.. Rogers, casting an admiring look
at his small assistant. "Now, Scroggs,
this gentleman is very particular about
his work. They're quarter-sheets an
easy handled, an they're to go in every
likely spot you can find"
Specials, eh?" said Scroggs, as he
stopped over the package, cut the cord
and began filling his canvas bag with
the sheets.
Very special, my boy" said Mr..
Lawrence, earnestly. you'll not neg
1ect the work, will your
Scroggs Strengthened up and regard
ed him with a look OF panied surprise.
'D'ye know what they calls me, sir
Why, it's 'Scroggs, the Reliablel' I'm
proud O. that When I turns up my
toes, sir, I'm a-goin' to have this cut on
my tombstone: Here lies Scroggs, who
never missed a sticki' An won't
neglec' your work, cause why? Cause
it would Spite the motter on the tomb
stone. Them air bills1l go up full count
an all right"
He slung the bag over his shoulder
and the paste-pot upon his back. Then
he bobbed his head at the two gentle
men and passed out the door.
"A strange boy" said Mr.. Lawrence,
musingly, land very young for such
work. Are not those bills and the paste
too heavy for him?''
''Bless We, mol" replied Mr.. Rogers.
-"Scroggs likes pastin'. He stops so
often, you see, he don't mind the weight
It We're lucky day for me when old
ial nv,