Free press., 1907-01-12

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THE DOUGHTYS' 8
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g BUSINESS VENTURE q
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q Bv MEIVA IONA GREGORY %
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By MELVA IONA GREGORY.
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Ludlow was considered CLOSE" by some
but he was strictly honest Mr.. Doughty
right
We'll. you have the business started and
on a fair road TO success, and the recipe is
yours Now, what do You say to giving me
half interest, if will put up the necessary
capital?''
This was a far better offer than Mr.
Doughty had hoped for; so he gladly ac-
cePted it Mrs Doughty was we'll pleased
and felt that success a certainty.
They rented an empty house next door
and fitted it up for brewing on a large scale
Their own home they turned into a packing
house They hired a lot of girls to wrap
bottles; others to pack them. and still others
TO write addresses.
The business grew and hourished. Mr..
Doughty and Mr. Ludlow scarcely found time
TO sleep, and Mrs. Doughty was equally as
busy. They sent IN a novel advertisement
try, and were richly repaid by the orders
they received. They sent out thousands of
trial bottles; and although the profit was
not large. it paved the way for larger orders.
After time they began to receive orders
from Wholesale drug houses, small at first,
but increasing each time, until within a
year from the time they started, they were
doing a large business. It was a paying
business-there was doubt of that
Mr.. Doughty was jubiIant over their sue
cess The anxiety and work telling to
some extent on Mrs. Doughty's health; so
thing was running smoothly and Mr.. Ludlow
was a capable manager. They felt that the
business would go just as well without
them so they went to New York to spend
two or three weeks. They enjoyed it like
two children but their enjoyment was
short-liVed. -
Mr. Doughty picked up an evening paper
one night and after reading awhile, came
across an article, which made him catch his
breath. He gave a low whistle.
what is it?" asked Mrs Doughty, look
ing up from the paper she was reading.
Just listen! Gigantic Trust" Then fol-
lowed long article giving complete details
OF large drug syndicate which bainO
formed All the small companies would be-
compelled to sell to them or be crushed
out of existence, it said.
When he had finished the article, they sat
and stared at each other. speechless- Before
ness they had built up with so much careful
work, which was just getting a sure foot
ing and a paying basis, seemed a mere shell
to be crushed by the Trust. while they stood
by unable to prevent it. They felt sudden
ly old and helpless
While they were still talking of their mis-
fortune, for they knew they would be unable
to cope with large syndicate, OF the
servants brought Mr.. Doughty a card, and
said the gentleman was waiting in the parfor
to him.
They gazed at the card curicusIy: the
name was unfamiliar TO them
# don't know him; but III see what he
wants. Mother
When Mr.. Doughty reached the parlor. a
well-dressed man with a business-1fke air,
met him with: MT. Doughty, OF Doughty &
Co., believe
That's my name said MI. Doughty
haps you know of the drug trust that's being
formed and what it will mean to men ia
business like yours. I represent the trust,
and am authorized to make deal with you,
If we can agree.
Now. it is our plan to buy up such busi-
ness as yours, at liberal hgure-f We can
If you are not willing to sell out that way
of course you take the consequences. Are
you willing to sell?
ct hadn't thought of it. What are you
willing to pay US 2?
Wen. we have made inquiries and under
stand your business pretty thoroughly. We
will give you two hundred thousand. What
do you say 2"
Two hundred thousand dollars was be-
he could not close the deal without Ludlow's
consent; so he said: ''I must first see my
partner. Wen let you know at early
date"
IAN right. Here's my address,"
Twenty years seemed to- have slipped from
Mr.. Doughty in some mysterious way. He
fairly walked air. He caught Mother
in his arms and whirled her around the
room.
Hiram, let me go! This is scandaIous In
man OF your years. What ais you? Are
yes; crazy with joy" he said, dropping
into chair and mopping his face with a
handkerchief That man was from the great
Trust, and he offered me two hundred thou
san dollars for our business. What do you
Mrs. Doughty almost wept for joy it was
such a great fortune to them
Why not telephone to Ludlow now and
''The very thing! Why didn't I think of
that before!"
Mr. Doughty went to the telephone and
called Ludlow up. He was only too glad to
at the address given him and closed the
deal
When he returned to the hotel. he and
Mother" planned their future like a young
couple lust starting out IN life.