Los Angeles herald., 1907-08-11

and the anxiety she had felt at first was all
dissipated.
az suppose it is no use to talk if you are
not open to any salary that can be gwen,
said Mr.. Bilch, when he had in some meas
ure recovered from his surprise.
mo, it is not" replied Bryan.
at will be very light, genteel employment
with little to do, and with chance to make
a great deal of money"
"What is the business, sir! asked bryan,
rather indifferently, though his curiosity was
not yet satisfied.
II will explain it to you, Mr. Braslock, and
l hope you will change your mind. have
one of the finest barrooms in New York, fire.
quented by all the sporting people OF the
city, o.h;h;.ons
by which have made pile OF money when
l had the right attraction.
Il want such young man as you are ABOUT
my place-not as bartender, but to make
himself agreeable to customers. In fact, he
will have no work to do, nothing at the sa-
loon but to make himself pleasant to our peo-
pie. ;,
"On the first day of every month, you shall
be paid one hundred dollars.
Gust now your name is in the newspapers
all over the country in connection with the
fight with Lon Bhnker.
81 wish to bring you forward in some spar
ring exhibitions as the boy champion of
America, and l believe that you will be the
greatest card that can be presented to the
sporting public.
"In addition to your salary of twelve hun
dred year, which is big wages for young
man of your age, / will give you share of
the gate-money, which may be all the way
from five hundred to five thousand dollars at
a time You can be rich man before you
are of age and your mother can then afford
to live in apartments in New York better
than this attic
Mr.. Barney Bilch rubbed his hands and
looked as complacent as a mill-pond Evil
IDENTIFY he had no suspicion that his business
was not entirely legitimate, that an exh-
bltlon. of lighting was not perfectly proper
and right, even for boy of fifteen
Bryan and his mother listened in silent
disgust to the proposition of the visitor
The professors son was to fight or spar in
public. His Indignation was excited, and he
took time, when the sporting character had
finished the glowing description of his plans,
to consider a moment before he spoke.
Il must decline your Offer" he replied,
firmly, determined to say nothing to pro-
woke quarrel
"But you have not considered it." protest
ed Mr.. Bilch, earnestly. 81 am told that you
have been fully instructed and trained as
pugilist"
81 have given your offer all the considera-
ton it requires, and shall not accept it."
said Bryan, with rather more force.
Don't you like the plan? 1t may be
changed TO sui you, suggested MT. Bllch.
81 do not like the plan at all, and won't
have anything to do with it."
"But it gives you easy and pleasant work,
and it will insure you the acquaintance and
friendship of all the sporting men in the
country"
81 don't want their acquaintance or friend
ship" en-,
mo sir.
"What was your education and training
for? demanded Mr.. Bilch, with some
warmth
ITO improve my health and develop my
strength, and perhaps for such a time as I
had at the store the other night" answered
Bryan.
"But you may make your fortune and be
the champion of America" urged the sport
ing man.
in the ring, I would hang myself" said the
young athlete, forcibly.
"Bqt what do you say. to the situation in
my place, with the sparring part left out?'
IT would not take the place"
Suppose make it fifteen hundred year,"
81 will not take the place at any wages you
may offer" -,
Because l don't consider it respectable
business, and 1 would not engage in it at any
price"
Mr.. Bilch, rising in his chair,
"You have right to your own opinion,
and l have to mine; but don't look upon 1t
as a respectable business.
"Do YOU mean to insult me" demanded
Mr.. Bilch, looking very indignant and angry.
~ do not mean to insult you sir. You
insisted that | should tell you why would
not take the place, and l have told you," re-
HRut Won insult me when you tell me my