The Minneapolis journal., 1902-07-16
PRESIDENT WINTERGREEN's MISTAKE
By VICTOR Il. sMALLEY

I, :
| self that they were alone the stranger began.
"Mr. Wintergreen, " said he, my name is
Button-Adam Button, sir. am an old pa
| tron Of your company and now carry s75, coo
insurance with you. Mr. Wintergreen un-
bent considerably and coughed polite re-
sponse. The stranger continued: tI am in the
employ of Bonds & Co., with whom you ara
no doubt acquainted. ] am their confidential
| man and handle all of their out -of town busi-
! ness. More unbending on the part of the
president and a still friendlier cough.
Some time ago. said the stranger, 81 was
| induced to speculate little with my earn
| ings. won, and, as is the invariable rule,
| tried the game Of chance again. This time
I won more Then received what believed
| to be a sure tip on the market. So sure was
l that appropriated-borrowed Is the term
then gave 1.-THE sum of 900 belonging to
my employers. Suffice to say that l lost
everything" -
Silas Wintergreen stifened in hts revolving
chair What did this man want-an en-
bezzler thief-what could he want of the
president OF the International Insurance COM
pany? -.
"Mr. Wintergreen," continued the stranger,
ssmy life is worth 5000 to your company.
Should I die tonight either accidentally or
by suicide your company would have to pay
my heirs $3.50 in gold.'' The president sat
bolt upright in his chair. Mr.. Wintergreen,
If cannot make good my embezzlennent by
tomorrow at this time am a ruined man.
Ny employers will discover the theft, and
will be sent to jail. I cannot stand this. I
would rather meet death a thousand times in
a thousand forms. had already concluded
to make end of my miserable existence
when I thought of a. plan. Should I die
your company pays s75,oO0 Should 1 live
your company pays nothing" -
Adam Button paused. He mopped his
moist brow with his handkerchief.
a
"well?"
WELL" replied Adam Button, t'I have q
proposition to make your company. II YOU
will pay me $4,000 will give up my policy
to you. If not, will kill myself to-day and
your company will lose SIS, ,000.'
The president deliberated some time. Pres
entity an amused smile covered his smooth
:shaven features as he replied:
my dear fellow, that's the best hofd-up
game ever heard Of DR. you think was
born yesterday? Not on your life!'
Two red spots burned on the strangers
cheeks. Before God. Mr. Wintersreen,
am telling the truth. It's my only chance.
For the love of mercy, believe that am
serious
"Oh, tommyrot!" replied Mr.. Silas Winter
green as he turned his back on the trembling
| stranger. 'Get out! Hey, Muggsy"
| Muggsy appeared, and, taking his cue from
a. wave of the presidents hand, usnereo the
stranger from the room.
| The dusk of the evening had already fallen
| upon the metropolis when the president OF the
| International Insurance company boarded the
| State Central suburban train for his country
home at Verndale. His regular neWsnoy at
| the depot had handed him his favorite even
| ing paper. The president entered the smoker
| and settled himself down in the cushioned
| seat for a few puffs and glance at the
news. Glaring headlines on the front page
/ Immediately caught his eye:
| .REMORsE LEADS TO SUICIDE.
Confidential Clerk of Bonds & Co. snuhs
| Out Life With Pistol Ball.
Adam Button Was Short SIS, ,ooo-Meets
l. Death Rather Than Justice
! - Carried Heavy Insurance.
The president of the International Insurance
company let his cigar fall from his lips to
! the floor.
'*Well,'' said he. I'll be damnedI"