Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1900-08-09

for dollar and quarter day she's
furnishing music for the parlor free
gratis. Put bedquilt on the wash
board and you can hear the strains of
The Old Oaken Bucket from garrett to
cellar. Let the woman tackle table,
cloth, and everybody goes dancing to
the tune of Maggie AIurphy's Home
Drug stores can have it at q slight
cost for their patrons, and public
schools needn't pay cent. Ruo-a-dub-
dub! Music by the box! Thompson,
don't miss it. Don't throw a good
thing over your shoulder. I want to
take you in. have taken you in. You
are to be secretary of the NJ. w. G. at
$4,000 year"
'That's all wind" bluntly exclaimed
the lawyer, land it won't work. Will
you draw me check for $4,000"
isn't it wonder that somebody else
didn't strike on the idea?' whispered
the major as he patted Thompson on
the shoulder. 'The washboard has
been known for 200 years. What was
easier than to make friction run mu-
sic box to soothe the Sorrowful, lull
the ailing or enthuse the discouraged?
1t would have saved thousands of lives
annually, prevented thousands Of sui
cides, and yet no one thought of it.
Thompson, shake hands! It's the Sec
retaryship at $4,000 a year for you,
and I'll get you $4,000 worth of stock
at ground floor figures. Months ago,
when l was hard up and couldn't pay
bill of 81, you put your hand on my
shoulder in brotherly way and said
you had every confidence in my finan-
cial integrity. Do you imagine I've for
gotten that, Thompson? Not by the
grave of my grandfather! never think
of it without the tears coming to my
eyes,"
do you want to be sued for these
accounts?' demanded the lawyer when
he could get in word.
"And your reward for trusting me is
this" continued the major-"the salary
of $4,000 is only starter. I'll double
it after the washboards get into the
market. The $4,000 in stock will pay
you $4,000 a year in dividends at the
very least, and perhaps double that,
and there you are. You can safely put
your first years income down at $685.
600. Is that enough, Thompson? If
not, just say the word, and I'll add
$4,000 to it. MEANWHILE
"Meanwhile want no more of your
windv'
Meanwhile, my dear secretary of
the NJ w. c., owe 5000. You have
the accounts to collect Just mark 'em
collected and I'll pay in the 5000 to
hold your stock. Always have to have
you know. If it was anybody else, I'd
demand certified check for $4,000
Thompson, go home and throw your
lawbooks out Of the window
"I'll be hanged If do! I want tt
know
Throw your lawbooks out Of the
window, dissolve the partnership, anc
then take your position as secretary
No hurry for day or two, but dom
wait too long. l want to get the arti
cles Of incorporation through as soor
as possible and patent the idea. Good
by, Thompson, goodby."
But l went that check! protested
!, the lawyer as he was pushed out.
, "And the washerwoman rubs ant
the box plays on" replied the smilin.
major. well have $4,000 washboard
playing Yankee Doodle and Home O
My Soul before the month is out, anc
if you want $4,000 in advance on you
salary and profits send your DO,
around and I'll fill out check Good
by, Thompson, goodby, and remembe
to keep mum till our patent is secur
, ed"
The door was shut and locked, ano
there was grim silence for five min
utes. Then the major heard threats
and vows and mutterings, and som,
+ one went slowly down stairs.
, NJ. QUAD.