The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-11-10
,oull have to go to New York, after

II don't see, even IL did cash 1t,
that three dollars a box would guar
antee my travelling expenses" said
Curtis. He tried to say it lightly,
and did not mean that his voice
should sound reproachful, but Mr..
Roberts smiled under his gray mus
tache.
III guarantee them, then," he
said. well go together, Curt, and
well start tonight, for have to be in
New York this week at any rate. Pack
up your things and come along. l
mean what / say-I'll guarantee your
expenses. Only be sure and bring
that letter along, for I mean busi-
ness"
But what" stammered Curtis.
"I'll tell you on the train" said Mr..
Roberts. ave leave at seven o'clock,
so we have no time to talk now. But
have little plan to unfold on the
way to New York that think will in
terest you, my boy"
Two days later three gentlemen,
two middle-aged, one very young,
strolled into the offices of Holt &
Wynne. Mr.. Holt knew Colonel Irv-
ing, the most elderly of the three,
very well, for he was a business man
of much prominence. The other two
were strangers. Colonel Irving did
not introduce them, except by remark
ing that as they were friends of his
who wanted to buy oranges, he had
brought them to Mr.. Holt. He would
what is the market price per
box?" asked one of them, as Mr.. Holt
led them to some sample boxes.
"The usual rate is from three to
five dollars" said Mr.. Holt. THAT is,
for average fruit. The finer grades
are higher, of course"
"We want the best you have" said
the younger stranger. Mr.. Holt con-
sidered mentally that from his man
ner and his evident youth, this buyer
was likely to be ready customer,
and not one to stick at prices.
We have consignment of extra
fine oranges from Florida, but we
hold them pretty high" he said,
smoothly. "You see, the season has
been rather unfavorable, and first
rate fruit is getting scarcer every day.
We ask eight dollars per box for
these, but we consider them worth
it."
He had box upon his hand as he
spoke. On its side stood out in bold
letters, Curtis Everett,"\ and the
younger man gave a distinct start,
which, however, escaped Mr.. Holt's
notice. The merchant opened the lid
and took out paper-wrapped orange.
packed" he said, turning to Colonel
Irving. Each one perfect-never
have handled a better lot of fruit.
The consignee, Mr.. Everett, is a
young man, but he understands fruit
growing and fruit-packing thorough
ly, and his name is guarantee that
the oranges are first-class."
"Humph!" here put in the elder
stranger. "None of them bruised,
eh?"
Bruised" said Mr.. Holt, in an in
jured tone. How could they be,
with such packing as that? No, sir;
we can guarantee that every one of
the two hundred and seventeen boxes
is in A No / condition, and the fruit
first-class in every respect"
1.-TWO hundred and seventeen-is
that all?" asked tire younger visitor.
II should have been glad to have
three hundred"
well, we can fill the rest of your
order with very fair fruit at six or
seven dollars" said the commission
merchant, but we have no more like
these in stock at present. They are
really an unusual lot, and cheap at
the price"
81 think So" said the young man,
decisively. Il will take the two hun
dred and seventeen, and l will pay
half down now, to bind the bargain,
If you will give me receipt"
Mr.. Holt rubbed his hands with
pleasure.
"Just step in here with me, into
our private Office" he said, land l
will take your check and give you a
receipt, Mr.. -" he paused, inquir-
ingly.
Everett" replied the young man,
with great distinctness. Curtis
Everett
Mr.. Holt's jaw dropped. "I beg
pardon" he said, closing the door of
the private Office sharply, as soon as
they were well inside, but what
name did I understand you"
"Curtis Everett" repeated his Gus
| toner. "Of Florida, M7. Holt. A
young man, as you kindly remarked,
but one who understands fruit-grow-
ing and fruit-packing. Until to-day,
however, he did not thoroughly un-
derstand fruit-selling, perhaps"
"Hum-ah--yes!" remarked Mr..
Holt, in a tone of choked embarrass-
ment. well, Mr.. Everett" here he
cleared his throat, and faced toward
Curtis for the first time, perhaps my
partner, Mr.. Wynne, and had better
come round and see you tonight