Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1899-02-17

ex-president of the United States waz the
wonder of the nation. sat alone in his
office. Banking hours were over. He had
received notice from the Marine bank tina.
the account of Grant Il Ward had been
overdrawn to the extent of from $500, 900
to $3.50. 900, and in the solitude of his poor.
barren castle he was scheming to discount
a eark and forbdding future.
Gentleman to see you, SIR" said a boy,
peeping in.
who Is he? What his name? What is
the nature of his businessy" said the
doomed Napoleon, still clinging to the for
mula.
"Mr. Alling Johnson" said the boy.
Ward smiled
SHOW him in. but say that I am very
busy"
His head was buried among papers and
accounts when the farmer entered. Jaw
fully glad to see you. Mr.. Johnson" he
said. nodding indfferently as he pretended
to be looking for lost memorandum.
Generals just gone-as usual when you
are here. What can do for you? Sorry
/ have a pressing engagement and can
give you but a few minutes. Been fear
fully active day. You see 1 am working
over hours"
"Mr Ward, I know you are very busy
man, 30 1 won't keep you long. I've just
come to town to ask you and the gneral
IL you could make an exception in my
favor about that syndicate business with
the government contracts Can't you let
me In for $40 900 less than the limit setT'
The farmer was actually pleading. Ward
hesitated
"And what more I'd like to know" con-
tinued Mr.. Johnson, sis II it makes any
difference to you and the glneral If I
don't put up all the $3.50. 900 myself, but
collect 1t among my friends"
head.
you've got me in a tight place. Mr.
Johnson" he said. finally. 1.-THE negotia-
tions are about closed. and there Is not
a single interest but exceeds 100000. I
dare say the entire business will be
wound up before 5 o'clock. and that hour
Is close at hand. II would require q
prompt cash"
Here 1t is" interrupted the Cat
taraugus man. ME and tho rest OF the
boys fetched 1t along"
He jcrked his thumb in the direction Of
the door. They are outside. Can't you
let 'em In? All ncighbor o. mine. and
mighty good boys. They Clipped in what
they had against my check-the certified
one you gave me-and We are all on the
make" He laughed as his mind conjured
up great profits.
"Show the gentlemen in." said Ward to
the clerk who sprang in to the sudden
alarm of the bell Mr.. johnson began
counting out his money. Introductions
were briefly made, chairs were brought
and the five sat down. Ward became
jocular. His wit was a revelation. His
eyes had already dwelt upon the COM
Portable roll of notes, the sight warming
the cookies of his heart.
"This is what did the business" said Mr..
Johnson, holding up his certified check
much worn. when ] showed 1t to the
boys they forked over all they had. Haw,
haw, ha. ha, he Whooree''
He had exhibited it among his neighbors.
calling particular attention to the certifi-
cation. the amount of profits in ten weeks.
and the strongest card of all. the sigma
ture of General Ulysses s. Grant. The
generals name was like n certificate OF
eternal salvation. To join a syndicate
with him was an Endorsement stronger
than the safe deposit vaults of the clear
ing house.
With the money actually in hand Ward
expeditiously disposed of his visitors. Re
ceipts wcrY given to them individually for
each's share of the $4,000, after which
they shook hands several times apiece
with their 'benefactor" and departed with
many expressions of good will.
Drop in when you happen to be IN
town and see how things are going was
Wards cheerful valediction.
Before the farmers reached home the
firm of Grant & Ward had failed. the Ma
rine bank had been wrecked and wall
street. the charnel house of hope, was
shaken to its foundations with panic
Gallatin, in New York Press.