The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1907-02-19
His Best Two Years

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1t was carnival time. The streets of
New Orleans were thronged with sight
seers seeking places of vantage from
which TO view the parade of the
knights of Menus.
Canal street, the central thorough
fare, was brilliant with a myriad Of
electric lights Brightly illuminated
trolley-cars filled the four tracks OF the
neutral strip, and the grand stands
which covered the sidewalk sheds
were festooned wi,h incandescent
lights. Laughter and song were every
where outdoors and every moment the
happy throng was increased by new ar
rivals.
But in the Office of the World-Demo-
crat was neither gaiety nor brilliancy
At his desk the city editor ruefully
contemplated his assignment book, and
tried to imagine how, without hiring
extra help, he was to carry his papet
through the next few days to the cul-
mination of Mardi Gras without being
badly "scooped."
Yet hiring more men was out of the
question, for the managing editor had
datly refused his latest request to in
crease the staff He was alone in his
Office, save for two copy-readers, and
on his list were at least three assign
ments that should be covered.
The door opened and a slender youth
OF nineteen, with valise in his hand,
entered, and stepped up to the desk.
m 10 f.ftr obi
tor?' He spoke as quickly and as ner-
Vously as he walked. but his voice had
q note of unconquerable cheerfulness
that made 1t pleasant to hear. He sat
down and leaned forward.
my name is Thompson, Wilbur
Henry Thompson. Here is my card
sir Let me see-what did you say
your name was? Duncan? Thank
you. Now, Mr.. Duncan, I've come
down here to work for you. I've just
come to town. You give me an assign
ment right now. and I'll leave my bag
here and look up bunk after l get
through tonight"
Work for me?" exclaimed the amaz-
ed editor. why, my boy, l haven't
any work for you! I"
mo work for me?" interrupted the
visitor. why, Mr. Duncan, there's
always work for me to do! Pm one
OF the best newspaper men you ever
saw The fact is, l came down here
especially to work for you. No work
for me? Look on that assignment
book and tell me there's no work!
Now come, give me an assignment and
let me start"
The city editor had fairly lost his
breath. Never in his career had he
thus been besought nor had he ever
before declined a man whom he SO
much desired at first sight to employ.
But he had his chiefs refusal fresh in
mind.
I'm sorry, Mr.. Thompson" he said.
but have orders not to increase my
stan | cannot take you"
rs that ALP exclaimed the visitor
And all that work on your bool,o
Now see here, Mr. Duncan. l come from
Leake County, Mississippi. Ever been
In Leake2 It's got more water, sir.
than any other county in the state
Yes, sir. You're going to laugh. But
II doesn't. Never a drop leaks out
sir. Now, Mr.. Duncan, I've got con
sumption. I've got It bad. The doctor
up at Jackson says I've two years to
i've II take care Of myself. but 7 can't
be cured. When he told me that. I said
70 myself. Two years. What cannot
man do In two years? Those shall
be the best two years OF my life
I'm going TO make them the best
MO years, Mr. Duncan. I'm news.
'aper man. Trained on Joe Carrots
paper up In Leake I looked all over
our exchanges for the best Southern
paper. That was yours. sir. All
Fight said I'll go right down IN
Now Orleans and work for that paper
That's why I'm here.
The best two years OF my life. MIR
Duncan. DO you realize what that
neans? And I'm going to give them
20 you. Now-now do you say Won
have no work for me? WIN Won
can't drive mo away. Two got two
years to give you. and you must take
them"
He spoke with eager impetuosity
tiis rapid sentences moved the CITY edi
tor. He knew not what to say I'M rc
ply, but at last he answered.
Wen, Mr. Thompson. I haven't any-
thing for YOU but 90 you want 10 ba8e
on you'd better 30 out and got q room
somewhere and look in again"
Room In New Orleans !n carni
val? I'm not SO rich. Mr Duncan
no, siri l'l iust step down to the
leYee and engage 70 berth on one OFF tho
excursion boats for tho night and leave
my grip Tll be back
Long after he was gone the cify
editor leaned back in hts chair and
stared Of the door out OF which tbc
slender figure had vanished To his
ears aiiil sounded the cheerful voice