The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-03-11
CHAPTER |.
who doubt that fate now
and then INDUCES in irony
should have observed the man

should have observed the man
a ner in which Hewington Acres
came into the possession of "Cherub'
Devine.
Bulkins. the real estate agent who
made the sale. attributes the whole
credit of the transaction to his own
shrewdncss. But, then, Bulkins is one
of those persons who would cheerfully
call upon the entire universe to prove
that lie (BulkinSl was favored above
ali other men in that respect. Does
the sun shine? Bulkins knew it would
and for his profit. There comes il
storm. Bulllins appropriates it, wrings
percentage therefrom and winks con-
tidently at the solar system whose op-
erations are conducted for his especial
and particular benefit.
81 can sell anything, anywhere. "
This was Bulkins' philosophy, his re-
ligion. his declaration of faith in him
self.
And of course Bulkins knew the hab-
its and ways of Cherub Devine. Ev-
cry one knew them. Any one-the
man in the street. the clerk behind
the counter, the very newsbOy at the
curb-cOuld tell you all about Cherub,
give you his entire history, from the
time he started his career as office
boy for IA Chicago stockbroker until he
evolved into the many milliOned specu-
latOr whose audaciOus methods were
at that moment stirring things up in
Wall street. Each and every one could
have told you exactly the kind of man
he was and missed the mark widely,
for such men are not so easily esti-
mated
Perhaps it was this, visible in his
wide set blue eyes, with the flashes OF
light behind; perhaps it was only the
pink chubbiness of his cleanly shaven
face. which earned him the name OF
Cherub, Il designation applied impair,
italy by pert messenger boys, irrev-
erent brokers and staid heads of great
corporations. He had been christened
otherwise, Of course, and possibly
Cherub was inappropriate when you
consider all that he was or seemed &c
be, but the designation was UNIVERSAL
ly accepted, as you know.
Just where he might be expected to
be found Bulkns had run across him.
seated comfortably in a leather GOV.
cred, wide armed office chair at an
open window which looked out across
Broad street toward the more or less
ornate front of the New York Stock
Exchange.
The time was little past noon of
an August Saturday. Therefore the
stream Of men was setting outward
between the great pillars. The curl
was lined with haDsoms and autos
and into these climbed brokers vari
ously attired, variOusly burdened
Here came one in blue serge wearing
yachting cap, there two who swung
golf bags in their hands. Others were
followed by boys carrying kit bags.
Hello, Cherub! They got after YOU
today, eh? Planning how to get even
are you?"
Mr.. Devine showed no resentment.
Maybe was" said he.
Bulkins snorted out mirthless
laugh.
Good! Sic 'em, my boy! That's
what I'd do. When they think they've
got me beat worst bob up and 90 al
'em hardest. But say, you ought Il
take rest once in awhile. Does a
man good. You ought He grinned
broadly. "Oh. / say, Cherub," drop,
ping his tone 1--WE got just the thing
you ought tn have-a country place"
"Yes?" Mr. Devine acknowledged
the joke by Ticking half an inch OF
cigar ash on the window ledge.
You betr Bulkins was smoothing
Cherubs coat sleeve. ITS Hewing
ton Acres up on the sound-gilt edged
suburban property, and going dir
cheap on foreclosure. You know
about the Hewingtons; swell family
but gone all TO smash financially
Now, there's twenty acres of parl
along the water, nice little forty room
cottage
"Only fOrtyT'
with stables, lodge house, garden
er's shack and the like. It's fully fur
nished and goes as 1t stands, even L
the servants IL you want them JUS