The Jennings daily record., 1902-07-23

lne PHEASANT voice gave
the speaker a welcome at
the desk of the swell florist not always
accorded to visitors possessing no busi-
ness cards.
That's my name. young man. What
can do for your"
The florist looked keenly over the
young fellows face and took note of
his sturdy figure and eooghly neat
clothing.
Il am out of work. sir, and ventured
to ask to see you personally. l need
a Job pretty badly will do anything
sweep out your Office, tend hothouse
or drive team
Sorry" and the florist looked it,
4'but we have no vacancies. This is
our dull season. We laid off several
men last week. You'll have to excuse
me now" he said. rising abruptly. Il
see particular customer has just
come in Good morning" and the
man hurried to the front of the shop.
Nine men ont of ten would have
accepted defeat and departed then and
there; but this young applicant was the
tenth man.
He fingered with a vague notion that
perhaps he could think of something
to say to the proprietor that would
please him or interest him. and that
would be the opening wedge he need
ed. The florist returned to his desk
presently.
"Still here, eh?'' he said shortly.
Yes" replied the young man. Il
just waited because-well, because
people sometimes change their minds.
and I'm not throwing away even the
slimmest kind of a chance"
Il have nothing for you" was the
curt answer, and in disappointment the
young chap turned on his heel Before
he reached the door he was hailed.
Just moment" said the florist :
"'do you know anything about orchids:
in-who commissions me to secure new
and rare varieties for her and it has
just occurred to me that you might
-but-well. the hunt for orchids is
difficult and dangerous
Let me try" eagerly IN not stop
for a little danger. If you'll tell me
where to go and what TO get. I'll not
come back empty handed" -
The florist told the young man that
he had recently lost one of his best
hunters in Philippine jungle. He
explained the danger. the uncertainty
of reward. and the probability that the
head waters of the Amazon would fur
nish the best specimens ii they could
be reached
He would pay he ocean passage both
ways. and advance $50 in addition. if
his luck. but would not advise him to
so on a long trip without wages or
certainty of success.
III risk it, said the young man.
''if you are willing to trust me-
I'll do it. You have grit. Perhaps
you'll win out. You are sure of selling
rare. orchids to my customers at Il high
figure, if you get them"
Six months later Il half-completed
raft lay moored to Il gum tree on the
upper Amazon. \ haggard young
man was putting the finishing touches
to it, He had neither hammer nor
nails nor saw. nor axe, but he was
happy in the possession of Il wonderful
lot of orchids.
Away up on the rugged cliffs, of the
Ardes he had gathered the choicest
specimens. No human being had
crossed his path for full month. He
was not sorry, seeing that his last WIS.,
itors had been savageS. who had shot
his horse to death with poisoned ar
rows along the river bottom.
With saddle. rife and hunting knife
he had managed to escape. after hang
ing AN ozier crate of brilliantly beauti-
full orchids high up in tree to await
his return He had no need to mark
the spot. The peril of his adventure
had fastened the place indelibly on his
mind. and the orchids were safe from
the unappreciative native marauders
The saddle leather served him we'll
In the raft-making. So did the willow
like reeds from the river. which he
bounds into ropes for the flashing of
the saplings. His ride of 1000 miles
was begun one morning with the pre-
'cious crate of wood orchids transferred
from its tree cradle to the raft.
Twice he was shipwrecked in the
treachefous rapids of the broad river
and twice he had to rebuild bis raft.
Once his craft stuck fast on jutting
stump two miles from shore. but he
hung on and was rescued by friendly
Indian 4-~.
From the seaport town, which he
reached at lengtlf he cabled the florist
the news of his success. Thirty days
later he stood once more before the
desk of Mr.. Wilson. But this time he
left the shop with permanent employ
ment-and check for $3OOO.--New
York Sun.