Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-07-19

ing glance at his host and bowed with
mingled Difference and assurance. He
was dressed expensively, and slight
swagger in his bearing indicated that he
was conscious Of bringing his welcome
In his pocket.
Sporting man." thought Paine.
"What does he want Of me:'
"Are you Mr.. Kepler Palmer" asked
the newcomer. with much suavity.
81 am"
"Then yon wrcse John Navy's Con.
fession, which has just appeared in
The Maxima?''
81 did" Paine answered, with 0
smile. Take chair. Mr.. -. Have
you read it!'
"I've read it," said the man emphat-
ically. BEST thing / ever read. got
on to it from that name. Excuse me. |
forgot 10 mention my own. It's Perkins
Of Chicago I should have been sorry to
miss that story Of yours. Now, when are
| You going TO give Us the rest OF it,
1.-The rest Of it," Paine repeated In be.
wilderment. "Ths story is complete in
this number Of The Maxima." Then he
realized that the public was thirsting
for his work IL can write more tales OF
the same sort IL that is what you mean"
About this same John Navyy"
Certainly"
"That's just what Imean. That story
1 slxn kA satd
weighing his words carefully. lyon
must have known somebody just like
him." He looked inquirirf iy at Paine
II did. knew old John Navy him
self"
"where?" Perkins rtked eagerly.
Begging your pardon, d.dn't mean
"Oh, il is no secret! He was con-
vict in the Bolton prison. fused to visit
him there In the coulse II some chari.
table work which did y
With some reluctance Paine added
this last explanation, which he consid-
cred detail Of no possible interest to
stranger, yet his words made q marked
impression upon Perkins.
"You were good to him, then!" he
asked respectfully.
81 liked the man. Icouldn't help
liking him."
"No wonder! John Navy, according
to your story, was square, open heart
ed man. 1t didn't harm you any TO be-
friend him. You had rare chance,
young man. suppose he talked pretty
freely"
"He told me great deal about his
life" Paine admitted. trife mystited
by these questions II wrote 1t all
down." he added ut length.
Again an eager light flashed IN the
visitors eyes.
Desks full Of 1t. suppose?" he OBJ
served casually.
"My head is full of it," Paine re-
joined. Yes, Of course, | have my
notes.
Silence ensued for few moments.
II was amused at some parts Of that
story" Perkins went on. still dallyipg
with his errand. The old man said
some queer things"
"He used other expressions quite as
peculiar ss those in my story"
And you remember them alp ask.
ed Perkins, coming sharply to business.
whats your price for the rest OF it,"
Paine was taken unaware. 80 you
are publisher" he exclaimed
"A publisher. Yes, Of course; you've
bit it," Perkins laughed lightly.
If You want my work. make me an
offer, said Paine. with instant shrewd.
ness. "Of course shall expect an ad-
vance on wha, The Maxima paid me. "
That's business" Perkins replied.
II don know what those fellows paid
you, but it's worth more to me than 1t
is to them. How would $500 strike
your"
"Donev' cried Paine. lyon shall
have the best story can write Five
thousand words:" he asked in the next
breath
II don't care about the number Of
words, said the man, with touch Of
impatience. Its Nays talk th.t
brings the dollars. Can have it now"
"Ob, nol'' said Paine in surprise
1T isn't written yet. When must you
have the story"
Thought you had it all in your
headr' exclaimed Perkins, darting II
CLINT of suspicion at the author. well,
you know your business. Make 1t short,
though How long-a week.
"You can have il in week. "
"All right. In week you shall have
your $500" And Perkins bowed him
self out, we'll contented
Meeting Frarie upon the street at
later hour. Paine gayly accosted him
with outstretched hand.
"Shake, old man" be cried. 9 have
bounded into the ranks Of the high
priced story tellers. ="
Frarie shook hands with his custom
Ty seriousness.
"How is that, Palmer" he queried.
"Have you hypnotized an EDITOR"
Syndicate man. think. was too
much surprised to ask for particulars.