New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-09
A DYNAMITE DRJ HUER.
HIS PROFESSION MAKES HIM AN UNPOPULAR
TRAVELLING COMPANION.
From The Denver Republican.

TRAVELLING bOSii -N-'lC''
From The Denver Republican.
The little man who scrubbed iilegiby on me
St Jamess register bore an innocuous HdiiIe' IT
was Pink Firkin. New-YOrk. that he spelled
ont somewhat laborously. He bore also an IN
nocuous appearance. for he was not more thdh
five feet four i'm height with slim frame, Mario"
shoulders and eyes Of the mdc st ana most dP-
healing blue His spirit was tmd-fOr in fact
when he was addressed he gave niue sldf'
Of fright.
Notwithstanding all this. Pink Firkn IS
dangerous man This dangerousness arises not
from the inward man. but from his occupatlon'
When he stepped up 10 the desk 10 put hla
name on the register, it was with the most
painstaking care that he placed upon the mar
Bile counter a little black bag which he carried
in his left hand. It was little DaS, Ddch'
rusty. innocuous looking like IT'S owner , Dedi
ing the initials "P. F., y. " But PINK flrklh
handled ii as if it were the most valuable thlng
in the world. Carefully gently. ne placed II oy
his side. and between almost every letter ne
wrote he looked out Of the corner OF his eye at
the little black bag to see if it were really there
As he wrote N. Y" he put out his left hand
and rested it upon the satchel to make sure
that it had not been moved. 49,
"Travelling for a jewelry firm, suppose
questioningly remarked the professional loun-
ger who had grown curious.
mo. Dynamite" answered MT flrKlh WIN
2 faint smile It was the lOterer's turn TO start
He recovered himself. and as the rest Of the
loungers in the rotunda. including the clerks,
made rapid exits in both directions he put
on a bold front.
"Oh dynamte?" he returned with a show Of
unconcern "Only dynamite. Humph."
Yes. My firm in New-York makes the best
dynamite in the world-goes off at the slightest
shock-especially in hot weather. Great hot
weather stuff. Want 10 see sOme?" inquired the
drummer his professional training getting the
upper hand. He took the satche in his hand
with some roughness. and the professional
lounger set himself in position for a quick
sprint Nothing happened and the lounger
hastily disavowed any interest in dynamite.
Yes it is a ticklsh profession" smiled the
travelling gentleman as he showed the satchel
under the lounge where he had invited the in
terrogator to sit and chat with him. "A little
dangerous ard incOnvenient-yes, deuced incon-
Venent at times. We have TO be CAREFUL and
his eyes wore a hunted look.
But get paid for tive get paid for II.
You would not believe that | get the biggest
salary Of any man on the road-but do. 1t is
a big risk and have to lay up something.
The companies will not insure us"
He grasped thin knee in both hands as he
crossed his legs. and continued:
That is not the worst Of it, Inconvenience
Travelling around with this stuff exposes us
to all sorts Of dscOurtesies from hotel manage
ments Sometimes we can't get rooms in a
town for love or money. for people won't have
the stuff in the house and the guests come in
body and complain when they find out that one
of us is registered. There are only three in my
line you know. Under those circumstances, as
We dare not leave our samples. the police sta
ton is the only recourse I'm registered as a
sleeper in a good number Of towns in this Vi
entity"
He paused a minute for this statement to take
effect Then there are the railroads to buck
up against. Some Of them have rules against
carrying explosives on the trains Where they
know me | have a hard time getting transpOrta-
tion. and usually travel because | am on the
soft side OF the officials Sometimes get caught
and then off | go at the next station. or some
times between stations. and have 10 foot it the
rest Of he way. | am not PARTICULARLY fond Of
railroad travel at any rate with the cargo |
carry wreck is something to be- afraid of. Even
the Earring OF the cars on rough road makes
mo 50 uncomfortable that have to take up my
Sa tche and pace the aisle to reduce the shock
The thing that | fear is a wreck If
eyer get into one it means goodby to Pink Fir
kin Just imagine that stuff going off under
meath you"
Both men on the seat shuddcred The pros
pect disturbed the lounger. who beat a hasty
retreat.