Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-04-02
CHAPTER XVII.

ed. Though he enjoyed the visit, and
found the famous cataract fully up TO his
expectations, no incident occurred during
the visit which deserves to be chronlcled
here. He resumed his journey, and arriV-
ed in due time at Cleveland.
He had no difficulty in finding the ofnce
of Mr.. Greene, the agent of Messrs. Flint
& Pusher. He found that this gentleman,
besides his agency. had a book and sta
tionery business of his own.
Il don't go out myself" he said 90
Walter but [ keep a supply of Eint's
books on hand, and forward them to his
agents as called for. Have you done
much in the business"
NO. sir am only beginner. l have
done nothing yet"
Il thought not. You look too young.
''AIr. Pusher told me | had better be
guided by your advice"
You had better go fifty miles of at
least. The immediate neighborhood has
been pretty well canvassed. There's
Earle, now, a hourshing and wealthy
town. Suppose you go there first?"
III go this afternoon"
You are prompt"
supper. He went to a small public house.
where he found that he could board for
dollar and a half day, or seven dol
lars by the week. He engaged a weeks
board. rejecting that he could probably
| work to advantage week in so large a
place, or, if not, that five days at the
daily rate would amount to more than
| the weekly terms.
He did not at first propose to do any
thing that evening, until it occurred 10
him that he might perhaps dispose of a
| copy of his book to the landlord in part
payment for his board. He went into the
public room after supper.
Are you travelling alone?" asked the
| landlord, who had his share of curiosity
YES" said Walter. Il am book
agent"
Meeting with pretty good success"
I'm just beginning" said Walter, smil-
ing. IF you'll be my first cutomer, I'll
stop with you week.
What kind of book have you got?''
Walter showed it. 1t was got up in the
usual style of subscription books, with
abundance of illustrations.
ITS one of the best books we ever
sent out said Walter, in professional
way Just look at the number of pic
lures. If you've got any children, they'll
like it: and. if you haven't it will be
just the book for your center table,
q see you know how to talk" said the
landlord, smiling. What is the price,
Three dollars and a half"
That's considerable"
But you know I'm going to take 1t
out in board
| well, that's a consideration, 10 be
sure A man doesn't feel it so much as
il he took the money out of his pocket
and paid cash down. What do you say.
Mrs Burton?" addressing his wife. who
just then entered the room. This young
man wants to stay here week, and pay
partly in a book he is agent for. Shall I
agree?'
Let me see the book said Mrs. Bur
ton, who was a comely, pleasant looking
woman of middle age. What's the name
of it,"
".Scenes in Bible Lands" said Wal
ter.
He opened it. taking care to display
and point ont the pictures. SO Walter
made the first sale. on which he realized
a profit of one dollar and a quarter
Its a pretty easy way to earn money"
he reflected. with satisfaction. If | can
only sell copies enough. One copy sold
will pay for a days board
He went TO bed early. and enjoyed a
sound and refreshing sleep. He was
cheered with hopes of success on thu
morrow. If he could sell four copies a
day that would give him a profit OF Ave
dollars. and FIVE dollars would leave him
n handsome profit after paying expenses
The next morning after breakfast he
started out, carrying with him three
books Knowing nothing of the residents
of the village. he could only Judge By
the outward appearance of their houses,
Seeing large and handsome house stand,
ing back from the street, he decided to
call
The people living here must be rich. -
he thought They won't mind paying
three dollars and half for nice book"
Accordingly he walked up the gravelcd
path and rang the front door bell. The
door was opened by housemaid
rs the lady of the house at home?''
asked Walter.
do you want to see herr"
Yes"
Then wait here and III tell her"
4 tall woman. with a thin face and a
pincned expression, presented herself af-
ter FIVE minutes.
well. young man." she asked after a
sharp glance. what is your business?"
Her expression was not very encourag-
ing, but Walter was bound not to lose an
opportunity.
Il should like to show you a new book
madam" he commenced. "a book of great
value. beautifully illustrated, which is
selling like wildfre."
''TIow many copies have you sold?' in
quired the lady. sharply.
One" answered Walter, rather con
fused.
do you call that selling like wilddre:'
she demanded. with sarcasm.
Il only commenced last evening" sait
Walter. Il referred to the sales of other
agents
Whats The name of the book"
".Scenes in Bible Lands
Let me see it.
Walter displayed the book.
Look at the beautiful pictures" h
said.
Il don't see anything remarkable abou
them. The binding isn't very strong
| Shouldn't wonder if the book would g
. to pieces in a week"
Il don't think therell be any trouble
that way" said Walter.
IF it does. you'll be gone. so it won
trouble you
with ordinary care it will hold loni
enough"