The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-05-02
TWO SPECTATORS
...0F MINNESOTA
tOriginal.1

Ing SpeculatOfS-Heter Muller or st.
Paul and David Barnet of Minneapolis
-waged perpetual warfare to control
the market. The two towns being near
together, there was frequent communi-
cation between the families in each,
and it so happened that son of Barnet
fell in love with and became engaged
to q daughter of Muller. The parents
Of both being wealthy people for those
times, it was expected that each would
make liberal donation to the young
couple. Barnet, who was a generous
man in every way, led off by announc-
ing that he would take his son into
partnership with him and give him q
house. Having made this promise, he
waited for some intimation Of the in.
tentions Of Muller. Weeks passed and
no such intimation came. At last Lena
Muller told Frank Barnet that her ia
Their claimed that in America it was
the custom for the husband to take his
wife and support her without assist
ance from her father. AS Muller came
from Germany, where dowries are al.
ways expected, this argument was very
weak and showed a penurious spirit
Not long after that Muller received
business communication from Barnet
stating that he had made q contract 10
deliver 10000 barrels of flour and Of.
fering an astonishingly high price for
the lot Muller wrote that he would
furnish the -four, but, as barrels were
hn i'm nd I'm,
the contract. TO this Barnet agreed.
1t happened that the wedding had
been arranged to take place few days
before the time agreed upon for the
delivery of the flour. Mr.. Barnet at
tended the wedding and was in excel
lent spirits. Mr.. Muller seemed some
what depressed. Nevertheless there
was cunning look in his eye. AS soon
as the wedding was over he took Mr.
Barnet aside and after insisting on
his sampling some very fine whisky
he had just received from Kentucky
confessed that he was unable to full
fill his contract to deliver the flour.
81 know that very well, Muller"
said Barnet. II own all the -four in
these parts. You can't buy barrel of
it anywhere"
THAT was very smart of you, Bar
net. to corner the market. AT what
figure will you settle?"
''Oh. give your daughter $4,000 for
q dowry. and We'll call it square"
"All right" And. goinS to writing
desk. Muller drew check for the
amount. taking a release from Barnet
"Now think We'll try another glass
of that Kentucky whisky" he said.
After liberal supply Of the bever-
age the two men rejoined the wedding
party and mingled with the guests
Just before the bride went up stairs
to put on a travelling costume Muller
stepped up to her. and in presence of
the guests. who were flocking around
her. he handed her the check for S1O,-
coo. The news of the gift was soon
known to the assembly and the two
towns. and for once Peter Muller got
credit for being very liberal man.
The next day Barnet went to Null
ler's office. He was ushered into the
private room. where Muller transacted
his most important business Muller
greeted him pleasantly and asked II
. he had not awakened feeling very well
after the fine whisky he had drunk.
There's not headache in barrel OF
it." he said warmly.
Its about barrels ! have come TO
see you" said Barnet. Il understand
that you have lot of lour barrels"
You're right there. own all the
barrels in Minnesota"
Barnet looked grave.
You want them for your -four" con-
tinued Muller. land you shall have
them. was offered good profit for
them this morning. but have been
keeping them for YOU"
"Yes." said Barnet: 81 want them.
You know that I have contracted to
deliver n large quantity Of flour by
the last Of this week. and have no
barrels. What do you want for them"
"Ach." said Muller. dropping into
German. 81 will turn them all over to
you at the price | paid for them. only
you give me check for $4,000 in re-
turn for the one | gave Lena yester-
day. with one days interest. Lena
will get all have when die. Just
now your boy will have to support her.
America is fine country. like its
customs very much"
Barnet smiled grimly. Going to a
desk. he drew check for $4,000 and
handed it to his rival.
''All right. Mr.. Muller" he said.
"Frank is perfectly able to take care
Of your daughter. and I'll engage that
she shall have all that she has been
accustomed to have"
Good morning. Mr. Barnet Come
over with your family to my house to.
morrow night We have few friends
Besides. | want you to try
some more Of that Kentucky whisky.
1t Is fine. isn't it?' And he slapped
Barnet on the back.
The next evening the Barnet family
were at the Mullers'. where they found
4 large company. During the evening
Muller approached his daughter and
said effusiyely:
LENA. will double your dowry.
You give mo the check for $4,000, and
will give you one for $4,000"
Tho chocls Vvaro ovcbo o0o1 a mid n