Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-08-18


sacked.
realized that tho public was thirstng
for his work. IL can write moro tales of
tho same sort If that is what you mean"
"a bout this same John Navy"
Certainly"
"That's just what mean. That story
reads like tho truth" said Perkins,
weighing his words carefully. lyon
must have known somebody just like
him." He looked inquiringly at Paine.
II did. 1 knew old John Navy him
self"
"Where?" Perkins asked eagerly.
Begging your pardon, didn mean
ooh, it is no secret He was con
vict in tho Bolton prison. fused to visit
him there in the course Of some chart
table work which did. "
With some reluctance Paine added
this last explanation, which he consid-
cred detail of no possible interest to
stranger, yet his words made a marked
impression upon Perkins.
"You were good to him, them" ho
asked respectfully.
~ liked the man. couldn't help
liking him."
mo wonderl John Navy, according
to your story, was square, open heart
Cd man. 1t didn't harm you any to be-
friend him. You had raro chance,
young man. / suppose he talked pretty
freely"
"He told mo great deal about his
life, " Paine admitted, trife mystfied
by these questions. II wrote it all
down" he added at length.
Again an eager light flashed in the
visitors eyes.
Desk full of it, l SUPPOSED" he OBJ
served casually.
"My head is full Of it," Paine re-
joined. "Yes, of course, l have my
notes"
Silence ensued for few moments.
IL was amused at some parts of that
story" Perkins went on, still dallying
with his GRAND. 1.-THE old man said
some queer things"
"He used other expressions quite as
! peculiar as those in my story"
"And yea remember them ALP" ask
ed Perkins, coming sharply to business
whats your price for the rest of it,"
Paine was taken unaware. $50 You
are a pubisher!" he exclaimed.
"a publisher? Yes, of course; you've
hit it," Perkins laughed lightly.
IF you want my work, make mo an
offer, said Paine, with instant shrewd-
ness. "Of course / shall expect an adj
vance on what The Maxiina paid me. F"
That's business" Perkins replied.
II 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?"
"Done!" cried Paino. "You shall
have the best story can write. Five
thousand wordsi" he asked in the next
breath.
Il don't caro- about the number of
words, said the man, with a touch of
impatience. "It's Nays talk that
"Oh, MOI" said Paine liz surprise.
at isn't written yet. When must you
have the story?"
Thought you had it all in your
head !" exclaimed Perkins, darting n
CLINT of suspicion at the author. well,
you know your business. Make it short,
though. How Tonga week?'
lyon can have it in a week."
"All right. In week you shall have
your $500" And Perkins bowed him
self out, well contented.
Meeting Frarie upon tho street at o
later hour, Paine gayly accosted him
with outstretched hand
"Shake, old manp' he cried. ~ Lave
bounded into the ranks of the high
priced story tellcrs."
Frarie shook hands with his custom
AIRY seriousness.
How is that, Palmer" he queried.
"Have you hypnotized an editor?"
Syndicate man, l think. l was too
much surprised to ask for particulars.
1t doesnt matter. Perkins of Chicago
wants to pay me $500 for a story"
Long life to Perkins Of Chicago!
don't recall his name, but | am hearth.
ly pleased at your success, Paine.
When Perkins reappeared at the APP
pointed time, he glanced over the first
few pages of the manuscript with great
satisfaction and counted ont 5000 il
payment.
~ hope this will be success" the
author civilly remarked. 81 have made
it as dramatic as possible, remembering
your interest in Navy conversation. "
Its sure success" Perkins an
swered. Good evening""
Ho shook hands effusively will
Paino and Immediately took his depar
ture.
Paine's sleeping room adjoined hi
study, and the door between thes
! apartments was kept closed Mt night
D When he opened it tho next morning oil
his way down to breakfast, no uttere,
sharp cry of dismay and sprang for
: ward into tho room excitedly.
During the night his desk had beel
o ransacked and its contents strewn owe
{ the floor. Paine made a hurried searo
Q through both rooms, but nothing else
o not even his watch and money, ha
been disturbed. Moreover, when he ha
!. carefully rearranged his disordered pa
pers they were all accounted for, wit
d this exoeption-every scrap of writin
which related to John Navy had bee
stolen.
J. Early that afternoon Perkins return
n ed. He appeared depressed and discor
certed, and his changed mien excite
a Paine's wonder.
o Ibid YOU like my stOry?" he asked.