The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-10-14
THE STORY
OF DEBEV0lSE
By WIN. H. OSBORNE
Copyright, 1901, by Daily Story Pub. co.,


THE general manager of the Empire
Cum & Gelantine concern, called to
Debevoise:
"Debevoise," he said, in solemn tones,
'P. B. Hathaway has got the govern
ment contract, or will have it, this year.
got it from the inside. This is some
thing new for them, and it means a
small fortune. And we've got to have
their business. want you to go out and
sell P. B. Hathaway all the stuff they'll
need Sell it-that's ALL He stopped.
"Say, Debevoise," he began again,
you're blamed good salesman, when
you keep sober. For heavens sake keep
sober this time"
Debevoise flushed slightly, and turned
on his heel. us that all you wanted to
say?' he inquired. That's enough
answered the manager, you sell 'em
enough stuff so that they can make glue
from now to kingdom come. We need
the money and we need it bad"
Debevoise, be it said, was not the only
salesman on the qui vive. There were
several who packed up their grips about
that time and started. as the crow flies,
for P. B. Hathaway & Co.. manufacturers
of glue and ink and other things. Per
haps Mr. Timothy Higginson, of the
house of Porter-Birdsell, was the most
alert Of these.
I'm a cracker-jack salesman in gum"
Mr.. Higginson was wont to tell himself.
'I'd like to see the man who can do me
ct the game
But Mr. Higginson, for a reason Of his
own, selected as his companion upon
this trip, very sporty friend of bis.
whose name was Dobbins. Dobbins haC
lively eye. ready tongue and mag
netic personality-but he was possessed
o. little money. though with an infinite
capacity for enjoyment.
Now, Dobbins." carefully explained
Mr. Higginson, 'you see this roll Of
bil!s?" Mr.. Dobbirs. who had never
yet been frightened by a roll of bills.
loo'- ed at it. and reached for it. But Mr..
Hieginson still held on.
Now, Dobbins," went on Higginson,
1--WE are going. you and I. down to Don
alGsOn. on business. 1t is most particu-
larly necessary that my concern, Porter
Birdsell should get an order down
there that means profit to 'em of thou
sands and thousands of dollars. Now
you know me, don't you? You know
that I don't go around saying things
that amt so? And when tell you that
there are a dozen men wandering down
to Donaldson, and that there area lot
more coming on behind them, and that
out of all those men-1 am the chap
who'll land that order-when tell you
I'll tell you. There's man named De-
bevoise. He thinks he's the real thing
In gum. He's good. will admit But
he has one failing. Whenever he strikes
a town. the first thing he does is to fill
up and hang around all the afternoon
and evening, I far into the night, and
next morning he SINNERS down to bust
ness but not till then. But then, he's
all business, and nothing else. Now,
here's where you come in. If Debevoise
turns up in Donaldson this evening.
you're to take this roll of bills"
Again did Mr.. Dobbins reach for it,
but failed to eventuate. And" con-
tinued Higginson, depend on you to
keep that fellow Debeyoise drunk as q
lord, all night, and all day Tomorrow
That's the whole thing. Do that-with
this roll ofRills. and can get that order.
Whatever you do, keep him drunk, and
keep him away from P. B. Hathaway E.
. Co. That's ALL"
They landed in Donaldson. And sure
enough, as they sauntered down the
! street. there was Debevoise walking on
the other side, grip in hand, hot and tired
and dusty.
y They caught up with him. and Mr..
Dobbins was duly introduced. "Now
remember" whispered Higginson, into
the ear of Dobbins, keep him away