The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1900-12-14
BY WARD MccAULEY.

sensitive-dot is if you consult Con-
rad Schmitdeil." "
Quirk lost no time in sending
stamps to the publisher Of Peppers
Gazette for q canvassing outfit, which
arrived in the course OF few days.
Once possessed Of his implements Of
navigation, be determined to embark
upon his sea OF trouble at once.
1T is the crucible that purifies the
gold" thought he, ''and it viii be
through hardship that am cured Of
my maladies Of disposition. -"
The sample copy Of the Gazette pre-
sented q very handsome appearance,
and, az Quirk gazed upon it, he con-
graduated himself on his choice.
Once started on his tour, the nervous
gentleman reconnoitred for 3 suitable
street on which to operate. A long
avenue, lined with houses occupied by
people Of the middle-class, attracted
his attention, and there il was that he
began the actual work.
The first house was q plain brick
building, and under ordinary condi-
tions he would not have given il
second thought, II, indeed. II received
first cne. Now, however. It loomed
up appalling. and Quirk pictured
dark. gloomy rooms for the imprison-
ment Of agents
He remained in front Of the house
for at least ten minutes before he
raised sufficient courage to climb the
steps and ring the bell. His hands
we're shaking. and he toyed nervously
with the paper which he carried. At
the last minute bis small amount Of
nerve failed him aud he hed ig-
ANONYMOUSLY, but not in time. for the
lady Of the house opened the door just
as he reached the street
''You're a nice one, said she, s'up
to the tricks Of boy, bringing people
to the door by ringing the bellr' And
she disappeared.
"A lucky escape" said Quirk;
''she is q regular tartar. I'm glad /
didn't stay, but she inferred that
rang the bell 10 bring her to the door.
How inconaiderate some people aral"
Fearing another encounter with the
lady Of the first house he skipped
four. and clenching his fists determin-
edly. mounted the stairs before a com
Portable frame dwelling.
This time he stood his ground, and
waited for whoever or whatever should
appear. II proved 10 be . very lady
like person, and when she stood on
the threshold aud looked inouiring
at Quirk, he remained speechless
for a moment. Suddenly II dawned
upon him that people don't ring door
bells and stand on steps unless they
have an errand
Madam. said he, trying. hard not
to stammer. II represent Peppers
Gazette" he took a sidelong glimpse
At the paper to assure himself that be
had rightly named il. Il should be
pleased 10 enter your subscription At
the rate Of one dollar . year. / say /
should be pleased to enter -"
alQuirk's nervousness was almost the
cause Of his undoing. The lady
pursed her lips in that distant manner
70 exasperating 20 q sensitive person.
Besides. you see. she was a lady.
II don't care for Peppers Gazette,
said she. quietly, yet with q plainly
discernible sneering infection. and
I never purchase anything from
agents.
Quirk stood bolt upright. his hands
AZ his sides. his face pale, awaiting
her further utlerance. Nothing more
came. however. and the lady retired.
closing the door. and, to ouirk's
great chagrin, locking it a. well.
That was the unkindest cut Of all.
But the thing had to be done.
Quirk knocked bravely at the door Of
the next house. No one responding,
be pounded harder. Soon steps we're
heard in the ball, aud George found
himself confronting q frowsy-Iooking
man who wore no collar. and whose
hair suggested a very recent soiourn
IN bed. The mans eyes we're about
half closed, and he assumed q frown
deep and intense.
"What the deuce DO Jon wantg"
said he.
''I represent Peppers Gazette. 4
montnlY magazine. And Onifk hes
itatingly advanced the sample.
''You blasted agent. almost
screamed the sleepy man. I'D like
10 hang your whole tribei Waking a
fellow mp 20 show him your con-
founded Peppers Gazette. or some
darn thing.
81 am sorry TO nave disturbed you.
replied Mr.. Quirk II say am sorry
to have disturbed You.
"Well. 7 heard you. Look here.
our number is four-ihirty-four. Mark
It down. and do1't you never come
here with your papers. # you do. by
iinksi tn lay you ont
'Sir,' said Quirk, you are no
gentleman.
II don't care for what vou say. /