Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1902-07-04
Observation-Disclosures tSI
A Soul Above Leather
By Edward BattwOOd.


NTHEN Henderson asked for a
wv place on the Open Air Maga
zine he was out of college and
wanted to be a literary man. With
engaging franlmess he told this
ambition to Mr.. Bland. the propri-
etor, and Mr.. Bland smiled indul-
gently and said that his editorial po-
stions were filled. The publisher did
not add that there was only one desk
in the editorial room, and that the
Open Air Magazine was to be CON
ducted chiefly for advertising pur-
poses.
Henderson had read about the value
Of determination, and so he clung
faithfully to Mr.. BANDS side. and
became a nuisance to the promoter
of the new magazine. In order TO be
rid of hiE, Bland turned him over to
Col. Terry the head of the advertising
department.
Mr.. Bland had done this sort Of
thing before, and Col. Terry was
mad.
THE old man has showed another
kid onto me-" growled the colonel to
Jimmy Tate, his lieutenant, "and I'm
good and sick of it. He'll ruin what
little chance we have to make this
sheet go. He will be no more use
in here than a piano player"
The colonel was about right Hen
derson knew nothing of advertising
and cared less. Indeed, Mr.. Bland
had limited something about the po-
sition being merely temporary, and
so, when Henderson took his desk,
Just outside Col Terry's gorgeous
private Office, he determined to spend
his time there in writing stories and
not to bother much about the sordd
business going on around him. He
was awarded the task OF checking
space and seeing to the proofs, but
in a few days he succeeded in mix
ing things up in such a marvellous
fashion that his duties were trans
ferred to an aspiring stenographer.
The ignominy did not disturb him
in the least.
"This dude is too good for his job"
said Col. Terry.
Mr.. Tate winked approvingly.
"Guess well have to send him out
on the street." the chief continued.
"That'n take it out of him"
"Surs," assented Jimmy, grinning.
"Boyl" roared Col. Terry. "AslS
Mr.. Henderson if he win be good
enough to step this way"
Mr.. Henderson was good enough,
and rfannad annordfug1x
"Mr. Henderson" began the colonel,
with impressive condescension, "now
that your time permits you TO take
up more responsible duties in this
department, have decided to in
trust you with an urgent mission"
eve are anxious" said he. "to Sc
cure some large advertising from the
leather trade. ] want you 10 go
through the district and interview
the leading firms"
Henderson's wandering eyes be-
came focused on the colonels dia-
mond scarfpin. what shall say to
them?" he asked,
The manager coughed to conceal
his mirth. and Tate chuckled behind
blotter.
81 leave that to your good bust
ness Judgment" replied the colonel,
solemnly.
How many pages shall 7 gee, sir?"
he inquired
Twenty" answered Terry, explo-
sively. "That is all we have room
for You might tell them that we
shall have 20 leather pages in our
October number"
"Good-morning," said Henderson,
and walked out.
Jimmy Tate was slapping his leg in
a mute agony Of merriment.
There amt 90 lines in the whole
swamp" he gasped. "Ive ralsed it
four times"
Henderson, unsuspeeting and inno-
cent, was on his way to the narrow,
evil-smelling streets Of the leather
district. He comforted himself by re-
fiecting that he might find some ma
terial for q story. and he went into
the Office Of Wallace & White with
the utmost nHconcern as to thc re-
suit OF bis visit there.
Young Henderson looked like any
thing but a canvasser. To the clerk
he presented his personal card. hav-
ing no other, which gave his address
at the Harvard club. lie was prompt
ly ushered into the presence Of Mr..
White, who had son trying for the
football team at Cambridge and was
exceedingly proud Of H. Henderson
shook hands cordially and sat down.
Il am on the Open Air Magazine"
said he, with an apologetic smile.
Mr.. White nodded politely elm
deed" he said. "You write up ath-
letics, / suppose rowing, football,
and SO on3"
con. yesl" replied Henderson. This
was splendid; the old gentleman re-
garded him as an author.
Sand you've come 10 me for MAJ
tcrial,r went on Mr. White