Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-07-23

y 88FgV
During the might his desk had been run
sacked.
this number of The Maxima." Then he
realized that the public was thirsting
for his work 81 can write more tales of
the same sort If that is what you mean. +"
About this same John Navy2"
Certainly"
"That's just what mean. That story
reads like the TRUTH" said Perkins
weighing his words o--efully. lyon
must have known somebody just like
him." He looked inquiringlv at Paine
81 did. knew old John Navy him
self"
"Wheres' Perkins asked eagerly.
Begging your pardon. I didn't mean
"Oh, it is no secret He was a con-
vict in the 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 oonsid-
cred detail of no possibls interest to a
stranger, yet his words made q marked
impression upon Perkins
"You were good TO him, then?'' he
asked respectfully.
''I liked the man Ioouldn't help
liking him."
"No wonderi John Navy, according
20 your story, was square, open heart
ed man. 1t didn't harm you any to be-
friend him. You had a rare chance.
young man. i suppose he talked pretty
freely?"
"He told me great deal about his
life" Paine admitted, trifle mystified
by these questions. II wrote it all
down." he added at length
Again an eager light flashed in the
visitors eyes
Desks full OF it. supposeY' he OBJ
served casually.
"My head is full of Ii, Paine re-
! Joined "Yes. of course, / have my
notes
| Silence ensued for q few moments
4 was amused at some parts of that
story, " Perkins went on. still dallying
with his errand. 1.-The old man said
some queer things"
HE used other expressions quite as
peculiar as those in my story"
And you remember them all?" ask
ed Perkins, coming sharply to business
Whats Your price for the rest of itP''
Paine was taken unaware. $50 you
are publisherr' he exclaimed.
"a publisher? Yes, of course; you've
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 ad-
vance on what The Maxima paid me. >"
That's business" Perkins replied
81 don't know what those fellows paid
you, but it's worth more to me than it
is TO them. How would 5000 strike
your"
"Dosep' cried Paine. "You shall
have the best story 1 can write. Five
thousand wordss'' he asked in the next
breath
II don't care about the number OF
words, - said the man. with "a touch OF
impatience. Its Nays talk that
brings the dollars. Can have it now?"
"Oh. mop said Paine in surprise.
at isn't written yet When must you
have the story?"
Thought you had it all In Your
headp' exclaimed Perkins, darting q
CLINT of suspicion at the author. "Weli,
you know your business. Make IL short,
though. How Tonga week?''
"You can have il In a week -
CAN right. In week You shall have
your $500" And Perkins bowed him
self out, we'll contented.
Meeting Frarie upon the street at a
later hour, Paine gayly aooosted him
with Outstretched hand.
''Shake, old MANI he cried ~ have
bounded into the ranks OF the high
priced story tellers. -
Frarie shook hands with bis custom
airy seriousness
"How is that, PaiDeS" be queried
"Have you hypnotized an editor?''
Syndicate man, think. was too
much surprised 30 ask for particulars.
1t doesn't matter. Perkins Of Chicago
wants to pay me $500 for story"
Long life TO Perkins Of Chicagol
don't recall his name, but am hearti-
~ pleased at your success. Paine"
When Perkins reappeared at The ap-
pointed time, he glanced over the first
few pages of the manuscript with great
satisfaction and counted out $500 IN
payment
81 hope this will be success" ttaa
author oivilly remarked 81 have made
1t as dramatic as possible, remembering
your interest in Navy's conversation.
Its a sure success" Perkins az.
swered. Good evening"
He shook hands effusively with
Paine and Immediately took his depar-
ture.
Paine's sleeping room edjoined his
studv- and the door between these