The Dickinson press., 1900-12-01

"a "ANA ~ Ian " ~
man, Major Crofoot never forgets the
face or name of a friend. You more
than any other mar in the world have
been in my thoughts for the last three
days, and, a s 1 remarked, I was about
to start for your Office. Thompson,
shake hands again."
II haven't time," replied Thompson.
"Look here, major, bills against you to
the amount Of 5000 have been put into
our hands for collection. You promised
to pay that old board bill two months
ago. I want to know what you are 60
ing to dol"
do, my dear Thompson? Why, I'm
going to give you a check in about ten
seconds for the whole Indebtedness.
You could have had your money long
ago If you had given me the slightest
hint. Major Crofoot has a good mem
DRY, but how a you expect him to
keep track Of shillings when he is
dealing in thousands Of dollars"
II heard you were promoting a lit
tle," said the lawyer as he waited for
the check.
"Ten companies formed in the last
three months, my boy, and the
eleventh just ready to be incorporated.
Grand aggregation of over $500. 100000
capital thus far, and every company
bound to pay at least 80 per cent divi-
dend. What do you suppose I've got
on hand nova"
II can't say, and as I'm in a hurry
you may fill out that check"
"The biggest scheme of all-the ne
plus ultra" whispered the major with
q flourish Of his right arm. II expect
led to stop at ten, but this scheme
came pushing along and I had to take
lit up. It's the richest Of them all.
It'll pay 100 per cent profit from the
very start. In q week from now the
standard Oil company won't be on
EARTH"
"But I'm here about those bills"
"My dear Thompson, walk with me.
When I was hard up, you were one of
the few who did not lose confidence in
hmy integrity. The man or woman who
trusts Major Crofoot never regrets it.
I might not have picked up this elev-
enth scheme but for you. I wanted to
let you in. I wanted to reward you
for your faith in me. Thompson, my
boy, sell out your law business-give
1t away-get rid Of it before night"
II want to know about those birls,'
said the lawyer as he came to a halt.
"The last and best scheme of all,'
continued the major as he got hold of
his arm again, lis the Musical Wash
board company, organized on a capital
0f $20,00O,0O0 The idea is strictly orig
tnal with me. dashboard runs a music
box while you rub. Music box can be
placed in the laundry, parlor, kitchen
or even the next house. May arrange
later on to have 'em connected with
drug stores, kindergartens and public
schools. Twenty-four tunes in the box,
evenly divided between sad and lively.
AS the washerwoman rubs away at
ione Of your colored shirts the music
box strikes up Comm Thro' the Rye
She changes off to a sheet or pillow
slip, and you have Home, Sweet
Home with variations. Thompson,
shake hands,"
II WON'T do it. I came here to notify
you that these bills must be paid at
|once or you will be hailed into court"
"Its a hummer, my boy-it's a sue
cess from the start. Costs nothing ex-
tra for the music, you know. While
you are hiring a woman in the laundry
Tor a dollar and a quarter q day she's
furnishing music for the parlor free
gratis. Put a bedquilt on the wash
board and you can hear the strains Of
The Old Oaken Bucket from garrett to
cellar. Let the woman tackle a table.
cloth, and everybody goes dancing to
the tune Of Maggie Murphy's Home
Drug stores have it at a slight
cost for their patrons, and public
schools needn't pay a cent. Rub-a-dub-
dub! Music by the box! Thompson,
don't miss it. Don't throw a good
thing rel your shoulder. I want to
take you in. I have taken you in. You
are to be secretary of the NJ. w. G. at
$4,000 a year."
"That's all wind" bluntly exclaimed
the lawyer, ''and it won't work. Will
you draw me a check for $200?"
"Isn't it a wonder that somebody else
didn't strike on the idea| whispered
the major as he patted Thompson on
the shoulder. "The dashboard has
been known for 200 years. What was
easier than to make friction run q m4-
sic box to soothe The sorrowful, lull
the ailing or enthuse the discouraged?
It would have saved thousands of lives
annually, prevented thousands of sui
cides, and yet no one thought of it.