Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-03-26
CHAPTER XIV.

career which he had chosen.
CHAPTER XIV.
Walter. by advice of Mr.. Pusher,
bought a ticket to Cleveland. There was
resident agent in this city, and a de-
postory of books published by the firm.
AS Walter would be unable to carry with
him as large supply of books as he
needed, he was authorized to send to the
Cleveland agency when he got out, and
the books would be sent him by express.
Il will give you a letter to Mr.. Greene,
our agent in Cleveland" said Mr. Pusher,
''and you can consult him as to your best
field of operations"
Walter went downstairs. and emerged
into the street. He had no particular
motive for remaining in New York, and
felt eager to commence work. So he
bought a through ticket to Cleveland via
Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Though he
had not much money to spare, he deter
mined not to neglect the opportunity he
would have of seeing this great natural
wonder, but to stop over day in order
to visit the falls.
He selected a comfortable seat by
WlnuOW, anu Ndlltu III inc Train WAS
ready to start. He realized that he had
engaged in quite large enterprise for a
boy of fifteen who had hitherto had all
his wants supplied by others. He was
about to go a thousand miles from home.
to earn his own living-in other words,
to paddle his own canoe. But he did not
feel in the least dismayed He was am
bilious and enterprising, and he felt con-
fident that he could earn his living as we'll
as other boys of his age. He had never
been far from home, but felt that he
should enjoy visiting new and unfamiliar
scenes. So he felt decidedly cheerful and
hopeful as the cars whirled him out of
the depot. and he commenced his western
journey.
Walter put his strip of railway tickets
into his vest pocket, and his pocketbook,
containing the balance of his money, into
the pocket of his pantaloons He wished
to have the tickets at hand when the con-
ductor came round. He sat alone at first,
but after while lady got in who rode
thirty miles more, and then got out.
A little later a young man passed through
the cars, looking about him on either side.
He paused at Walters seat, and inquired,
rs this seat taken:"
mo, SIR said Walter.
'Then. with your permission. l will
take it, said the stranger 'Tiresome
work travelling, isn't it,"
Il don't know" said Walter: II rather
like it but then | never Travelled much"
II have to travel great deal on bust
ness said the other, land I've got tired
of it, How many times do you think |
have been over this road?"
Couldn't guess
This is the fifteenth time l know it
like book How far are you going?"
ITO Cleveland"
Got relations there, Supposed"
NO" said Walter; Il am going on
business
He was rather glad TO let his compan-
ion know that he, too, was in business.
You're young to be in business said
his companion. What sort of business
is it,"
Il am agent for Flint K Pushcr, New
York firm
publishers, amt thcy?"
"Yes, sir
Walters companion was a young man
of twenty-five, or possibly year or two
| older. He was rather fiashly attired,
with cutaway coat and low-cut vest.
double breasted across which glitterod 4
massive chain. which light have been
gold, or might only have been gilt. since
all that glitters is not gold. At any rate.
it answered the purpose of making
show. His cravat was snowy. and his
whole appearance indicated absence of
scarcely have selected him from crowd
of applicants for confidential position.
Walter was vaguely conscious of this.
Still he had seen but little of the world,
and felt incompetent to judge others.
Are you going right through to CIeve-
land?' inquired the stranger.
No; think l shall stop at Buffalo. I
want to see Niagara Falls
That's right Better see them. They're
stunning"
Il suppose you have been there" said
Walter, with some curiosity.
"Oh, yes. several times I've a great
mind to go again and show you around.
but | don't know if l can spare so long
time from business"
Il should like your company" said
Walter, politely; but l don't want to
interfere with your engagements
IN think of it. and see how / can
arrange matters" said the other.
Walter was not particularly anxious
for the continued society of his present
companion. lie was willing enough to
talk with him, but there was something
in his appearance and manner which pre-
vented his being attracted to him. He
turned away and began TO view the seen
cry through which they were passing. The
stranger took out a newspaper, and APP
peared TO be reading attentively. Half
an hour passed thus without word being
spoken on either side. At length his COM
panion folded up the paper.
DO you smoker" he asked.
NO" said Walter.
Il think III go into the smoking car
and smoke a cigar. / should like to offer
you one If you will take one"
NO, hank you," said Walter; Il don't
smoke, aud l am afraid my first cigar
wouldn't give me much pleasure
"Fll be back in a few minutes Per
haps you'd like to look over this paper
while am gone
Thank you," said Walter.