Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-08
HE WAS A CLEVER AUTHOR

He walked into a Pennsylvania avenue
cafe with the air of one who had seen
| better days-or thirty days, at least-and
was much in need of 'libation.
Despite his dilapidated appearance it was
quite apparent that he was a man of in
| telligence. Accosting a group of men he
began:
''Gentlemen, I do not wish to encroach
| on your time. neither would I impose on
your good nature, for see you are laud-
ably engaged. But 1 am interested In
bringing to the attention of the reading
public book which,"
"Out with the book agentw came a vol-
ley that cut his ser tence short
II am not book agent" the newcomer
pleaded. Far from it. My hatred for
that species of humanity is as pronounc ed
as yours can possibly be- l wanted merely
to call your attention to an idea 1 have for
a book.
His look of earnestness attracted the
sympathy of the coterie and they stopped
to listen.
Now, 1 have conceived the idea of get
ting out volume of starters for story
tellers.' he continued. What I mean by
starter is helper to person in begin
ming story properly. By my method an
increased interest is given to a story, as
the author may carry the impression that
1t Is original with him.
What do you mean? Explain yourself?'
enc OF the listeners demanded.
The Wandering Willie assured his au-
oience that he should be glad to explain,
and he forthwith proceeded to do so.
Now, in the first place." he said, Sup
pc sing-weii-for instance, We'll take
posing he was to tell story. How much
better 1t would sound, and how much more
interest would be lent to it, did he preface
1t with this: 1T was during the fall of 81.
when Burnside's corps was accommodating
west of the Rappahannock' and then pro-
coed with the story. His auditors would
surely think it happening before his Wis
ion"
Capital idea, volunteered one of the
party.
How would you handle story from a
travelling salesman? asked another of the
group.
'Oh, that's easy How does this strike
your! and ne gave a convulsive shudder
winch suggested the waning of his ner-
vous system.
occurred a dozen years ago. when 1 was
travelling for firm in Boston,"
These were voted good by the crowd. but
there was an almost unanimous thought
get starter that would be suitable to
every profession or vocation.
why, it's dead simple" the stranger
persisted. Il never fail, and my book is a
winner"
well. what would you give minister
for a 'starter?'' asked another.
During MY pastorate in Babylon, Long
Island. there was a.
Hold on!' exclaimed the bartender, who
had been an interested listener That's
all right; but supposing 1 wanted to tell a
story. what kind of a starter would you
give me?
The fellow looked puzzled for a moment,
and then sweet smile of contentment
played over his face.
when 1 was Shaving over at Owen Me
Ginness' place, in Georgetown, tn"
That's enough, broke in the bartender
Ass ociating the calling os dispensing booze
with that Of slavery had found a willing
response in his breast.
THAT book is winner, sure thing" he
continued. land l want to leave an order
right now
The crowd gathered around the stranger
and bought him numerous drinks. An hour
later he might have been seen sauntering
down the next block. his face clad in a
smile of triumphant complacency. and
:nutterinG to himself: It's better to be a
judge of human nature than to have been
born rich"