The Detroit times., 1909-01-07
06e Autograph ST Omar


IL ought not To cost over three thou
sand dollars and | am confident that
| can &c; plans that will give MS a
library. unequalled in the state, II In
the country anywhere"
Where did YOU think &C building
this addition"
Right on the old library, sir.
There's plenty Of space thoce. sir. and
the present room will serve very well
as a passage way 10 the now library.
the best that's going"
I'll see that you have something
really worth while. sir" said the H.
brarian, touching his hat.
Smart man. that" commented NJ.
Henerly To himself. as he took the
reins, land he has the LOOK OF man
that counts"
were not delayed Mr.. Hurst was a
and he proved To be thoroughly capa'
bic OF experimenting the construc-
ton of the annex. Mr. Hefferly would
come around occasionally. and smile.
approyingly. at Hurst's peremptory
commands.
That's the way" he would say.
give 'em fits il they don't do 1t the
way you tell 'em to-
AT length the library room was com
pleted. and. with smile Of satisfac'
ton, Hurst asked his employer to come
To see IL.
The vestibule (Which had been the
old library. was elaborately decorated.
Beautiful hanging curtains adorned
each side. These were OF somber tint,
10 enhance the effect OF place or
learning In one corner was bust
OF Shakespeare. in another one OF
Milton. In third, one OF Emerson,
and In fourth one OF Thoreau. On
one side. was a shelf containing
the 20 volumes which made up the
catalogue.
Mr.. Hefferly inspected all this with
due care. He held his glasses to his
eyes, and looked scrutinizingly here
/ and there. He tried hard to assume
the air OF one we'll able TO Judge in
these matters, an attempt which
caused Hurst TO laugh inwardly.
though his bearing was grave and re-
spectful.
Il think you have done capitally.
Mr.. Hurst" said Hefferly, using a
newly acquired word. II have placed
considerable responsibility In your
hands and you have done very well.
should delight to do these things my
self. If had the time"
AS a matter OF fact, Mr.. Hefferly
had nothing to do but to follow the
bent OF his own sweet will. At this
point Hurst's restraint was admirable.
The look he gave Hefferly seemed full
OF sympathy for the latter's enforced
self-sacrifice.
Now said Hefferly. let us see
how the library looks"
Hurst held the curtains aside for
his employer TO pass, at the same time
touching button that threw flood
of light into the room.
Mr.. Hurst's efforts had certainly
been crowned with success. II was a
splendid library. II was fully % feet
square. The book shelves were built
right into the walls, and were protect.
led by glass doors. which slid up and
then back when one wanted them
out OF the way. Each shelf was illum-
mated by an electric light In the cen
ter, under the glass. which made il
possible TO locate book without push
ing back the door.
In the center of the room was a
long, narrow table with chairs round
it. II could easily be seen that all
the furniture was OF very expensive
kind. In ore corner OF the room was
a Morris chair, placed there for those
who would read at ease.
This suits me all right" said Mr.
Hefferly. seating himself. with long.
drawn sign of languid ease. But" he
Iobserved, I'VE haven't filled more than
a quarter OF those shelves"
Il know we haven't. Mr. Hefferly.
and | intend 10 set right to work to
remedy that condition. want TO ex.
plain to you. Now, this section | have
reserved for poetry, this one, for
works of travel. and SO on. That sec
ton, in the corner, have reserved
for books published In limited editions
and signed copies
Signed copies." demanded Mr.. Hef
ferly. Who signs 'em?"
why. the authors, OF course
"Oh. to be sure" said Hefferly Il
didn't think 81 that. BY the way
Hurst, I've heard quite a good many
people talking about a book. The
name is the Ruby OF Omar some.
body"
"Oh, yes. The Rubaiyat Of Omar
Khayyam.' Here is a copy
ITO be sure. what does that first
lword mean?" "A
1T means stanZas or verses, just
the same as when we say Longfel-
lows poems"
"Oh, ! see. Well, tell you. Hurst
I've heard a good deal about the book
want you to get me a signed copy
"A signed copy Of The Rubaiyat of
Omar Khayyam' exclaimed Hurst
Certainly. Several men | know
have limited editions. and | must have
a signed copy"
Are you willing to meet the ex.
pense Of securing one. Mr.. Hefferly?"
An INPATIENT look crossed Hefferly's
face.
See. here, Hurst" he said II told
you wanted the best library In the
United States, regardless OF cosl-My
days OF economizing have gone by.
used to have TO wear a collar four days
10 save laundry bills. but now intend
TO have some Of the good things"
Very we'll. Mr. Hefferly. shall
leave for New York in "A few DAYS IN