The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1906-01-04
FL Deal In Wqbeat.

Gall right, suppose we say five thou
sand on a five-cent margin. That will
mean a hundred thousand bushels,
and every cent of advance will clear us
a thousand dollars"
So it was agreed. Perkins was very
optimistic, but Blackler was prey to
gloomy forebodings.
The price was'now eighty-five cents.
and Perkins bought, as had been ar
ranged. Almost Immediately it rose
to eighty-six. The partners stood
spellDound. They were one thousand
dollars richer than they had been a
minute before. Talk about King
Midas and the Golden Pouch! This
made him look like an aged streetcar
transfer. Eighty seven! Two thou:
sand dollars!
'Kick me Blackie; 1 believe am
asleep" begged Perkins.
Blackler responded with a vigorous
thump on his partners back, and whis-
pered: "You're awake all right. Cheer
up cid man, it is most certainly true"
They forgot to 90 to lunch, and in
their absorption, did not realize that
the time was passing. The figures
stood at eighty-nine and half, when
suddenly gong sounded, announcing
that business was over for the day.
Now Perkins had fully intended to
sell out just before the closing of the
days business, and he was disappointed
and angry with himself. for neglecting
to do so. The partners had nearly
doubled their stake, as the figures now
stood, but if more reassuring news
should arrive regarding the crops, the
price might recede before he could sell
in the morning. However, he comforted
himself with the thought that he could
be on hand the moment the exchange
opened, and could sell before very
serious drop had taken place. Blackler
was also sorry that their carelessness
had placed them in so precarious a
position. Neither of the partners slept
very we'll that night, and both were
about at an unusually early hour the
following morning.
They arrived at the grain exchalee
in good time, and found their delight
that there were no indications of d
drop in the price. For an hour it rose
and fell alternately, and If the specu-
lators had been wise. they would have
sold out Immediately. But the broker
assured them that there was no danger,
and that he expected the price to 20
much higher still. So they deferred to
his judgment
Suddenly the price dropped one cent,
and almost Immediately recovered half
cent. A little later the same thing
occurred, and then again. Still Per-
klns felt that it was not yet time to
sell.
81 believe there is going to be dollar
wheat" he said to BIackler. swell
hang on, and it will probably rise be-
fore long,"
Blackler had great faith in Perkins,
and agreed. The day passed and at the
close of business the price was eighty
six. The partners agreed to W lit for
the next days developments.
Newspaper reports we're still gloomy.
The wheat of the whole country seemed
to be threatened with rust. Next
morning the bulletin board showed an
advance of two cents. The partners
had held consultation, during the
night, and had Resolved to use the re-
naming five thousand dollars of their
capital. 1t looked so easy, and they
might just as we'll double their profits.
This plan was carried out. Their
whole capital was now tied up in the
wheat market.
Why 60 into detailsp Have we not
read the story hundred and one times ?
Some of my readers have, doubtless,
been through the mill themselves, and
l would not harrow their minds by re-
calling, or at least dwelling upon, the
distressing particulars.
The price fluctuated continually. up
and down, but principally down. MY
heroes held on in the hope that the
market would steady itself, and enable