The Delta independent., 1906-04-06
The MAGIC SIORY.

ALL xU44N4V HAV4A4o
was sitting alone in the cafe, and
had Just reached for the sugar 'prepara-
tory to putting 1t into my coffee. while
dreamed and slipped, the door opened
and closed, admitting-Sturtevant.
Sturtevant was an undentable failure
but, withal, an artist Of more than
ordinary talent.
AS l raised my eyes to his I was
conscious of mild surprise at the
change in his appearance. He was not
dressed differently. yet there was some.
thing new and strange in his appear
ance. | noted the brightness of his
usual lack-luster eyes. and the health
full, hopeful glow upon his cheek, with
increasing amazement.
Have you lost q rich uncle3"
asked.
mo" he replied calmly, 'but I have
found my mascot"
"Brindle bull, or terrier" inquired.
"Currier," said Sturtevant, at length,
II see that have surprised you. 1t Is
not strange, for am a surprise to my
self. am new man, different man,
and the alteration has taken place In
the last few hours"
"Do you know an artist who pos
sesses more talent than II" he asked,
presently mo. Do you happen to
know anything in the line Of my pro
fession that l could not accomplish, II
l applied myself to it? No. Tomorrow
my new career begins Within a month
l shall have a bank account Why?
Because have discovered the secret Of
success"
The Strange Story
YES" he continued. my fortune ia
made. have been reading a strange
story, and. since reading It, feel
that my fortune is assured. 1t will make
your fortune. too. All you have to do
Is to read it. You have no idea what
1t will do for you."
"You amaze me-" said, wondering
Wont you tell me the story? should
like to hear it"
Certain. l mean to tell it to the
whole world. This morning was starv.
ing. had gone to three Of the papers
for which I had done work, and had
been handed back all that had sub
mitted. Then l found the story and
read it."
But what is the story, Sturtevant?"
wait; let me finish. I took those
same old drawings to other editors.
and every one Of them was accepted at
once"
The waiter interrupted US at that
moment. informing Sturtevant that he
was wanted at the telephone. and, with
a word Of apology. the artist left the
table. Five minutes later I saw him
rush out into the sleet and wind and
disappear.
One night, on the street. I encounter.
ed Aver. former college chum, then
n reporter on one OF the evening papers.
Hello. old chan" he said; "how's
the world using you? Still on space?"
"Yes." replied. bitterly. with pros.
poets of being on the town shortly. But
you look as II things were coming
your way. Tell me about It."
. His Friends Al Hear Il.
"Things have been coming my way,
for q fact, and 1t Is very remarkable.
You know Sturtevant don't you? It's
all due TO him. was plumb down on
my luck when I met Sturtevant. He
told no . story. and. really, old man.
1t IS the most remarkable story you
ever heard; 1t made a new man Of me.
at must be a remarkable story"
said incredulously. "Sturtevant men.
toned 1t TO me once. l have not seen
him since. Where Is he now?"
He has been making war sketches
In Cuba, at two hundred a week: he's
Just returned. It Is a fact that every.
body that has heard that story has
done well since. There are Cosgrove
and Phillips.-friends Of mine.-you
don't know them. Sturtevant told
them the story. and they have expert.
enced the same results that have:
and they are not the only ones either"
DO you know the story?" I asked
"Wil you try Its effect upon me?'
Certainly: with the greatest plea
sure In the world. Excuse me q minute
will you? see Danforth over there
Back in a minute, old chap"
lie nodded and smiled.-and was
gone saw him join the man whom he
had designated as Danforth. My atten.
ton was distracted for an instant. and.
when I looked again, both had dis
appeared.
il the truth be told. I was hungry.
My pocket at that moment contained
exactly five cents; Just enough to pay
my fare uptown, but insufficient also
to stand the expense OF filling my
stomach. There was might owl"
wagon in the neighborhood. where I
had frequently "stood up the purveyor
piled. He was leaving the wagon as
was on the point Of entering II, and
accosted him.
I'm broke again." I said, with ex.
treme cordially. you'll have to trust
me once more. Some ham and eggs,
think. will do for the present"
He coughed. hesitated moment, and
then re-entered the wagon with me.
7fsonfInued nm "A n N