The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1910-05-27

was working for small wages for a
safe and lock company. My work was
mending locks that had got out Of or
der and doing other odd jobs that re-
CURED some knowledge Of the bust
ness. | was anxious to get my affairs
in shape to marry my present wife. but
didn't see much prospect. The con
Germ ! was with kept me tinkering all
the while. and when 1t wanted n man
to start branch office or something
like that 1t would choose one Of the
clerks In the office.
had gone home one evening and
had my supper when there was ring
at the doorbel and boy handed me
note. 1t was written on q letter
head Of big manufacturing firm and
said that Mr.. Darlington, treasurer OF
the company | worked for. had rec.
commended me for special job and
asked that come around to the Office
as soon as convenient.
Catching up my tool bag. which
had brought home with me. l went
with the boy to the office of the man.
ufacturing company, pleased with the
prospect Of making tenner. and
found there tall. handsomely dressed
whiskers, and two or three clerks sit
ting on stools working over ponderous
books.
Can you open that safer" asked the
man with the gray whiskers. We've
got lot Of work to do here this even
ing, and our cashier, who knows the
combination. went out Of town this
afternoon"
looked at the name of the maker
in gold letters on the safe. made my
observations and told the gentleman
that didn't know any way to pick
the lock without drilling hole where
could get at the tumblers and that
would involve considerable expense to
put his safe In order again.
Never mind the expense" he said
impatiently. i've got to put in bid
tomorrow on a hundred thousand rifles
for the army, on which I'll make half
a million. The specifications are all
in there. must get them out and go
over them to see that they are right.
The slightest slip In any detail will
throw out my bid. Come; get to
work"
! plunged my hand into my bag. got
out my brace and bits. adjusted them
and was soon at work.
Now, as l worked it occurred to me
that here was the opportunity Of my
life. Ii this gentleman was dependent
for his half million on me to get him
into the safe. why shouldn't l have
something more than beggarly ten
dollar bill? l saw that he was I'M
patient and thought l might get an
offer to do the work within q given
limit of time.
I'm afraid," l said, "this is going
to be an all night job"
"See here, young man." said the
gentleman. lis there anything you
want especially that costs lot more
money than you've got?"
Eyes. there is" replied. II want a
girl"
"Oh. l can't give you a grill"
II could get the girl quick enough
II had anything to marry on"
HIN" said the gentleman. biting ut
my hook. II see. How soon can you
guarantee to open the safe If it's made
worth your while to hurryY
"Three-quarters Of an hour"
Very well. II you'll do it in that
time I'll give you $1,000. II you do it
In thirty minutes I'll make 1t $1,000"
Give me bit Of writing for that"
l said. And without waiting for him
to do so began to drill furiously, my
racket making terrible sound.
"Mr. Perkins" said the gentleman
to one Of the clerks. ''take the type.
writer and write to my dictation."
One Of the clerks sat down at q
typewriting machine and wrote out q
contract to cover the agreement made
with me. When it was finished the
gentleman signed it and gave it to me-
wasn't going to be fooled. SO stop.
ped drilling and read 1t.
write at the bottom Of It." said
1.-THE money to be paid before the said
Thomas Jakeaway leaves this ONCE"
He took the paper to his mahogany
desk and wrote what I required, Will,
! went on drilling.
DO you have to snake all tina
noise?" he snapped. Cant you pu
some oil or something on your drill
They'll think outside there's bur
glary going on in here. II they com,
IN to investigate I'd have to explain
and thered be lot of delay"
1.-The faster work." said, 9TH,
more noise"
"Mr. Perkins. you go on typewriting
Never mind what you write. Max,
enough clatter to drown this boring"
"All right. SIR" And the young mai
began to pound the keys 30 hard tina
thought he would break something.
was working like beaver whel
the gentleman came and stood owe
ME. watching me. Suddenly my brac,
slipped. and as was pressing har,
against 1t In a STOPPING position los
my balance and fell against him
L ~ a 8.