Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-06-18

tiny of all Of us not to have too much
Of pudding Of anything. Otherwise
our appetites for progression would
become cloyed and ambition would suf-
fer from dyspepsia. If Billy Watts had
been without competition, his little
scheme might have worked out to Il
successful end. But Steve Dunham's
destnal orbit connicted with that OF
Billy Watts at this exact stage of their
respective careers, and Steve Dunham
was hard man TO do.
Dunham was the general manager or
the Dunham Tool Company of CHI
cago. He had decided TO get the same
order from Hardman for which Billy
Watts was so eagerly working. Dun.
ham called upon Hardman the day af-
ter Watts visit.
Good morning. Mr.. Hardman.' said
he. MY name is Durham. Have
card. /"
A wise looking young clerk put his
head in the door. "a gentleman out
here wishes to see you urgently for
minute" he said to Hardman, who cX-
cuscd himself and fastened cut.
| Durham was alone in the Office. He
threw one leg over the other and re-
hectively strolcd his mustachc. His
eyes roamed. lie looked at the pic.
lures and the furniture. Then he
looked at Hardman's desk. He sudden
ly left his milstache severely alone.
He leaned over with his eyes exceed.
ingly wide Open. On the far corner or
Il the desk was Watts letter agreeing to
underbid all competitors five per cent.
Dunham drank 1t in with Il thirsty
look.
"Hm-hm" was all he said. But how
he said 1t!
"I'll tell you what I'll do he re-
marked to Hardman. as soon as tn"
latter returned "i'll 80 back to the
hotel and make up Il tender that will
capture this business ,sure." He picked
up his hat and left the office with Il
mcnacing look.
$50 that is Watts game. Is it, he
inquired of himself, heatcdly. rs he
reached the street Five per cent
lower than any one else and no limit
placed. ch? Wei, now. I'll juSi put in
Il tender so low it will break his back
to get under it. I'll just give il to him
hot and heavy"
At this point it may be remarked That
when one man presents another with
something hot and heavy h. should 20
about it gngcrly. If the thing is really
| bn} 4 l,, ic n IL
own toes. and If it Is properly heavy
the situation is one that Invariably
calls for considerable profanity Of
high class order.
| The board of directors Of the Gotham
| Manufacturing Company sat in their
| board room. AT the head OF the table
sat Hardman, the president. abstract
cdly playing with his watch charm. At
| the foot was the secretary. Thanked
| down the sides were III" directors,
white whiskercd and of immaculate
linen. The secretary was reading the
| tenders of the machine tool builders
| for the new equipment of the Gotham
shops. He read a number of quota.
tons ranging about S1oO,g0o. Then he
| took up the tender Of the Durham
Tool Company.
So, 900" he read.
The board whistlCd. At tho top Of
| the table IIardman smiled inScrulabIy.
He had the knowing appearance Of
| man who has heard the Dclphic oracle
| practicing in rehearsal.
The secretary took mp the tender OF
| Billy Watts, Of the Western Machine
| Tool Company.
Five per cent below the lowest fig
ure." he read. He made Il quick calcu.
| lation. "rhat makes $-3,1J0,' he an
nounc@d
But isn't that bid irrcgular: asked
| thc directors.
This is Il special case" murmurcd
! lIardman.
| "'rhcn you think we should accept
IT," they asked.
IIardman smiled again. He looked
up at the ceiling with an unsnaing gaze
as he took his old brier pipe from his
| pocket.
in my opinion" lie said, gently, 1--WE
should accept both Of these low tend
cYs. 1t will double our capacity. Wc
shall save about $150,000 on the trans.
action and shall therefore be able to
undcrbid all competition in our line"
| The directors arose from their chairs
as one man. As one man they smotc
tho diractoral table with their excited
fists.
by George, we'll do it, they cried
in enthusiastic chorus.
When Dunham. of the Dunham Too.
Company, received notice that his bid
of So, 900 had been accepted. his per-
spiration was remarkably free At the
same time in fairness to all concerned,
it must be confessed chat Billy Watts
perspred quite as freely when ho
found that he had formally bound his
company to supply 100000 worth OF
tools for $2375O.
And in conclusion it may hc set forth
| that when one man tries 10 take 1dvail.
taGc of another in an unconventional
way he should carefully study his man.
the conditions of the ease and the pos.
siblc results. Then, when he is sure Of
success he should take n day OFF and
go fishing. What is 10 be will he, and
il the fatcs have a gru1ge against Il
! man it is better that he should fall in
the water and get wet all by himself
than to he held up as an easy mari; to
tickle the risibilities of an unsympa-
thatic world.-Ncw York Evening Sun.
|
| Har InxaI Iiftle YuniIa.