Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1904-05-19
ICONTINUED.I

last spring 1 bought the good will,
stock in trade and all of a man by the
name of Hunt, who was in the meat
business. He signed paper, too
agreein' not to engage in the business
in or within ten miles o. Lynnfield for
period O five years, and month ago
he opened shop almost cross the
street from me and is cuttin' my
prices right and left
''And you are bringing an action for
breach of contract?" interposed Albert
thinking to have a little fun at the
expense OF his caller.
I'm a-suin' him for $4,000 damage
II that's what you mean," replied the
belligerent Staples. Il won't get it
all, but then, as your partner said, we
may get more than If we sued for less"
Albert smiled. "And so you are bas-
Ing your suit on this signed agreement,
are your he said. "Well, you might
} as well stop just now, for you have no
case in law, though no doubt good
one in justice"
But the agreement is all signed and
witnessed" exclaimed Staples, "and
Mr.. Frye said had good reason to
. bring suit, and I've paid him 5000 on
account to do it"
THAT may be-" said Albert, realiz-
ing he had put his foot in it, so to
speak, "and perhaps you have other
grounds to base suit for damages on,
but as for the agreement this man
Hunt signed, it's of no value what
ever"
"Then why did Frye tell me 1 had
good case and take my money!" gasped
the irate Staples.
THAT 1 can't say" replied Albert,
foreseeing the rumpus he had started
you'd better come tomorrow and have
talk with him. He may have seen
some loophole for you to win out
through that I do not see, but so far
as your agreement goes, it's not worth
the paper It's written on"
When Staples had departed it dawn
ed upon Albert that he had uninten-
tionally paved the way for his own es-
cape from Frye. "I'll stay away to-
morrow" he said to himself, land let
Staples get in his work and then face
the inevitable storm that have start
ed
When. two days later, he purposely
reached the office late Frye did not
even bid him good morning.
Where were you yesterday" he said
curtly as Albert entered
II was ayailing myself of your ex-
press wish that cultivate young Ma
son. was the answer. 1--WE went to
Beverly to see to the housing in of his
yacht for the winter"
And what did you say to Mr.. Sta
pies the day before, would like to
know?" continued Frye in sneering
tone. "1:c has retained me for an ac-
ton for breach Of contract, and you
have told him he had no grounds for
suit. He came in yesterday, mad as a
wet hen, and wanted his money back.
Are you fool?"
Maybe am" replied Albert, trying
hard to keep cool, "but I do not care
to he told Of it. Mr.. Staples explained
his case to me, and inadvertently told
him that the agreement he held was of
no value in law, which is the truth"
And what has that to do with it?"
said Frye, with biting sarcasm. ST
d,dnft hire you to tell the truth and
lose me paying client. If that is
your idea of law practice you had bet
ter go back to Sandgate and hoe corn
for a living. You have made mess
of it now and lost me several hundred
dollars in fees"
Albert had remained standing
through all this TRADE and looking
squarely at his irate employer.
You need not say any more," he put
in when Frye had paused for breath.
IF you will further oblige me with Il
check for the small balance due me
will not again upset your plans. You
need not he added, feeling himself
blush, Consider that you owe me any
part of the increase you recently prom
ised. do not want it,"
For few minutes the two looked at
each other, and then Frye weakened.
you are foolish" he said in modi-
fed tone, "to act SO hastily. Perhaps
have spoken rather rudely, but you
must admit you gave me provocation.
Do not throw away good chance for
few hasty words"
II do not care to discuss it, answer
ed Albert firmly ''rhe role of private
detective that you want me to assume
is not to my taste anyway, and your
words have convinced me we can never
get along together. / will not remain
longer on any terms"
"And what will you do now?" sneer-
ed Frye, sinister look. entering his
yellow eyes. "Steal or starve?'
Neither" replied Albert defiantly.
"I'll go back to SYNDICATE and hoe corn
first"
Frye's arrogance melted, and as he
turned and began to play with paper
cutter he said meekly:
Come, Mr.. Page, overlook it all. l
spoke too hastily, and 1 apologize"
''Will you oblige me with the small
balance due me today" asked Albert,
1'or shall call again for it?'
And If we part company now," NUT
tered Frye, what am I to expect2 Are
Won IN no n fufovsA ~ a - nunv,o~qst