Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1899-06-10
wilderment

During TIC ntgt ms ueSK ma been run
sacked.
this number of The Maxima." Then he
realized that the public was thirsting
for bis work Il can write more tales of
the same sort if that is what you mean. I"
"About this same John Navy"
Certainly. F."
That's just what mean. That story
reads like the truth" said Perkins,
weighing his words carefully. "You
must have known somebody just like
him." He looked inquiringly at Paine.
II did, knew old John Navy him
self. "
"Where?" Perkins asked eagerly.
Begging your pardon. l didn t mean
"Oh, it is no secretl He was con-
Wet in the Bolton prison. fused to visit
him there in the course of some chart
table work which l did "
With some reluctance Paine added
this last explanation, which he consid-
cred detail CT no possible interest to a
stranger, yet his words made 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 a 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 trifie mystifed
by these questions 81 wrote it all
down, - he added at length.
Again an eager light flashed in the
visitor eyes
Desk full of it, SUPPOSED" he OBJ
served casually,
my head is full of it" Paine re-
joined. Eyes, of course, l have my
notes.
Silence ensued for few moments.
Il 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.
anu NOQ NuCA4A on. oSh-
ed Perkins, coming sharply to business.
whats your price for the rest of it,"
Paine was taken unaware. $50 you
are publisherl" he exclaimed.
"A publisher? Yes, of course; you've
hit it. F." Perkins laughed lightly
eff you want my work, make me an
offer, " said Paine, with instant shrewd-
/ ffnf 4 alNall ON. Il
vance on what The Maxima paid me. "
That's business. Perkins replied.
81 don know what those fellows paid
you, but it's worth more to me than il
is to them. How would $500 strike
your"
"DoneP' cried Paine. "You shall
have the best story | can write Five
thousand wordsf" he asked in the next
breath.
Il don't care about the number OF
words, said the man, with a touch OF
impatience cts Nays talk that
brings the dollars. Can have it nowg'
"Oh, nor said Paine in surprise.
ut isn't written yet. When must yo1
have the story?'
! IubuEul JbN i-ul 10 az III yOuA
head r. exclaimed Perkins, darting 9
CLINT of suspicion at the author. Well,
you know your business. Make it short,
though, How Tonga week."
You can have it in week. -
"All right. In a 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 aocosted hin
with outstretched hand
"Shake, old mani be cried. "rhav'
bounded into the ranks Of the higl
priced story tellers F"
Frarie shook hands with bis custom
airy seriousness.
"How is that, Palmer" he queried
"Have you hypnotized an editor?%
Syndicate man, think. | was to'
much surprised to ask for particulars