Rock Island Argus., 1902-05-01
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY.
Two Spectators
Of Minnesota
IOrfgfnaLl

the market. The two towns being near
together, there was frequent commune
cation between the families in each,
and il so happened that son of Barnet
fell in love with and became engaged
to Il daughter of Muller. The parents
of both being wealthy people for those
times, it was expected that each would
make Il liberal donation to the young
couple Barnet. who was Il generous
man III every way. led off by announc-
ing that he would take his son into
partnership with him and give him =
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
ther claimed that in America ii 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 n penurious spirit.
Not long after that Muller received n
business communication from Barneu
stating that he had made n contract 10
deliver 10000 barrels of -four and Of.
fering an astonishingly high price for
the lot. Muller wrote that he would
furnish the flour. but, as barrels were
scarce. he would not include them i'll
the contract. To this Barnet agreed.
1t happened that the wedding had
been arranged to take place a few days
before the time agreed upon for the
delivery of the -four. 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
rs the wedding was over he took Mr..
Barnet aside and after insisting on
his sampIing some very fine whisky
he had just received from Kentucky
confessed that lie was unable to full
fill his contract to deliver the -four.
Il know that very well. Muller"
said Barnet. Il own all the flour 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
a dowry. and well call it square"
"All right" And. goins TO Il writing
desk. Muller drew Il check for the
amount. taking Il release from Barnet.
Now | think we'll try another glass
of that Kentucky whisky" he said.
After n liberal supply Of the bevcr-
age the two men rcjoined the wedding
party and mingled with the guests.
Just before the bride went up stairs
to put on 4 travelling costume Muller
stepped up to her. and in presence of
the guests. who We're floclling around
her, he handed her the check for $10,-
900. 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
liis most important business. Muller
greeted him pleasantly and asked If
he had not awakened feeling very we'll
after the fine whisky he had drunk.
There's not Il headache in 4 barrel OF
it," he said warmly.
Its about barrels / have come to
see you," said Barnet, Il understand
that you have n lot Of -four 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. l was offered n good profit for
them this morning. but l have been
keeping them for you"
Yes" said Barnet; 81 want them.
You know that | have contra cted to
deliver a 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. al will turn them all over to
you at the price I paid for them, only
you give me n check for $4,000 in re
turn for the one l 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 n 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 n few friends
coming. 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
a large company. During the evening
Muller approached his daughter and
said effusively:
Lena, will double your dowry
You give me the check for $4,000. and
will give you one for $4,000"
The checks were exchanged amid
clappinS of hands and the congratula-
tions OF the guests.
f,fa