The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1907-02-19
EVANSVILLE, CALHOUN COUNTY. w. VA.


looking. Here was the man who would
know about It. He had como into the
city without ostentation and had not
made his presence known. II was an
ideal opportunity for the reporter
Thompson engaged the stranger in
conversation and drew from him long
discussions OF the conditions OF the
markets in the countries he had visit
ed: OF the manners and customs; OF
the feeling toward the United States
and especially toward the people OF
New Orleans; or the prospects OF new
steamship lines being able 10 pay and
OF the extent OF country the various
ports would serve.
lie fastened 20 his room with the
information still fresh In his ears,
and for three hours drove his pencil
swiftly along the paper Then he has
tened TO the "W-D" Office
Here you are. Mr. Duncanl" he ex.
claimed. Here's tho best thing I've
done yet A real interview" He laid
the copy on the desk
Why. what's this2" asked Mr.. Dun.
can.
Interview. George X Boiling, Great
traveller. You know him"
But he's not in town"
yes he is. I found him"
But look here, Thompson. I'm
sorry. but the chief doesn't like paying
you so much space He said to quit
it. SO I can't take this"
"Oh yes, you can. l didn't offer TO
sell that to you. / don't want pay.
I've earned enough tor my board al.
ready this week. That's a present, Mr..
Duncan. Won't be able TO make many
presents in two years. only one more
Christmas, maybe. Got TO get in ex-
tras. You print that for me-"
SO it was printed. # was clear
beat" Not another paper had a line
on Mr.. Bollings return And in the
early hours Of the next forenoon Mr..
Duncan was reused from a sound sleep
by the telephone bell to answer the
queries OF his chief.
Who did that Boiling interview
was the question.
Thompson"
We'll, you put that man at work.
Thirty dollars a week You ought to
have had sense enough 10 put him at
work long ago"
So the best two years OF Thompson's
life were provided for Busy years
they were, years in which he did all
that a newspaper man can for the up
building OF his city and Of his paper,
years in which his cheerful helpful
ness shone like a sun in the dingy
Office of the World-Democrat. From
the copy-boys up to the chief himself,
and back to the stero-room and the
steam-table, every man and the so
clety editor, too, swore by Wilbur
Henry Thompson, and blessed the day
that brought him TO New Orleans.
But as the days went on he grew
weaker and thinner. His voice was as
cheerful but not as strong. his step as
quick but not as firm
AC last came a day when his desk
was vacant Duncan was worried
Half dozen reporters gathered in one
corner, discussing the absence in low
tones. a telephone bell rang, and Dun
can answered. A weak voice came to
him through the receiver:
Hello! Hello, Duncan2 Say, this is
Thompson. Well I'm afraid the two
years are up. I'm in the hospital.
Nice place Gentlest nurse you ever
saw. Good-by, Mr. Duncan! They've
been fine years TO me"
The city editor dropped his head 90
his arms and cried. He could not help
IL. Nor could any Of the others when
they heard the message.
They took up a collection hastily.
The chief added to it and Wilbur Hen
~ Thompson was rushed to California.
But it was too late for any lasting
good. A month after he reached tho
coast the final message came. The best
two years Of his life were ended
Youths Companion