Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1906-06-29
A Board Of Trade Broker
STORY OF A LITTLE BIT OF
HEART

been possible in his little home; in
deed, 1t took him all his time to pro-
vide it with the necessities of life.
The wheat market, which had been
declining hopeiessly for many weeks,
smashed two cents the previous day.
He thought he saw evidences of
rally 1t might not advance more than
cent or two and it might not last,
but his intuition told him that an adj
vance was probable that day He
went to a customer and advised him
to buy. The customer declined, but
authorized him to buy some "calls."
good for the day-10,000 at 771a, the
market for wheat being 77H.
The usual sellers of puts and calls"
being absent from their posts at the
moment, Dick thought he would await
their return. SO he sat down beside
a white-haired old man well along in
the 70s. The old man was a trader in
small way, as thin as a match,
nervous and weak, for he had been
out of hospital only a few days after
two months sickness. The board was
no place for him. He had no home
and no income except the pittance
made from time to time through his
petty transactions.
Dick asked him idly what he
thought of the market.
Going lower" said the old man.
well" said Dick 81 want to buy
10000 calls for to-day at 771a."
Sold" said the old man.
DJolx handad him ton doIIoro 4
the transaction to that extent was
completed.
A moment later there was a terrible
clamor. Traders rushed at one another
like madmen. A hundred hands were
in the air, hundred voices shrieked
and implOred. The great mass of fran
tic men swayed hither and thither
Some one shrieked: There's no
wheat for sale!" The din increased.
Suddenly a new figure appeared at
the edge of the pit and raised his hand.
Almost instantly the clamor ceased. In
a cool, clear voice. he said: I'll sell
100000 wheat at 49,"
There was a mOmentary gasp and
then a rush which almost carried him
eff his feet. The clamor was renewed
Scores of voices shrieked: "Ill take
$4,000! "I'll take 100,OOO," III take
%. OOO!"
The price rose to 1914, 1912. The
frantic demand was still unsatisfed
Their the gong rang and the session
was over
Dick looked for the old nan and
found him in the same seat. But how
changed! His head was sunk on hi.
breast, his poor lips were trembling
his moist eyes were fixed on vacancy
and his long, thin white hair struggled
pathetically over his coat collar. Dick
touched his shoulder gently The ole
man started and stared at him anC
made a pitiful attempt at a smile
"Mr. Clair" he said, II did not use
the 10000 calls bought from you;
only wanted 10000, an order from
customer, and | find got them on al
offer from another party, so If you'll
give me back the ten dollars, wei
cross the deal and call it square"
The old man Strengthened himself
he was Grand Army man-and said
make 5000"
NO" said Dick; II haven't beer
specializing lately and don't propos,
beginning now. | can't speculate ant
do my brokerage customers justice"
"All right, said the old man, ant
his look of relief warmed Dicks heart
That night, with his two-year-olC
child on his lap, Dick related the cir
cumstances to his wife, of who's
tongue he was slightly afraid. Whel
he got through she exclaimed: DO 20,
mean to say that, had you held tn
Old man to his contract you woult
have made for yourself 5000 withou
running any risk"
Yes" said Dick, genially.
Her face hardened and then sh
said. coldly: Il hate fool"
What do you mean?" asked Dick
Don't you sympathize with the oil
man."
What do l care for him? haven
had a new dress for a year White
is coming on, baby needs a warn
cloak and you need an overcoat Tha
5000 would have supplied all our wants
end now you have fooled 1t away
Sympathy! | believe in looking GU
for myself"
At bedtime Dick bent over the littl
girls crib, put his face close to her
and whispered; Baby, darling, coul
not take the old mans money; hi
poor face would have haunted me. Oh
baby dear, his feeble hands, his whit
hair, his tremulous mouth, his pow
. erty. Had you seen him, even yo'
would have understood. But, bah
darling, you shall have your cloal
and shall be warm
She opened her eyes, put her ham
on his face and said, drowsily: ks
me, papa" turning her soft lips towar
him.