The Sentinel=record., 1911-12-10
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[ L. want to ret things moving here. yor know. We've got to build up the bust ness. We'll put out some signs and and, well, wen get the people in the habit of coming here somehow. You'n see"
 He raked the poverty stricken shelves with a calculating eye. all his energy nred by enthusiasm at the prospect of doing something. Graham watched him with kindling liking and admira- ton. His old lips quvered a little be- fore he voiced his thought.
 "You-you know, my boy, you've got splendid business ability" he asserted, with whole souled conviction.
 Duncan almost reeled. "WhatT' he cried.
 T was just saying you have wonder full business ability"
 You're the first man that ever said that I wonder if it's so."
 I'm sure of it.'
 Well" said Nat, chuckling, 'T'n write that ttc :iy chum. He'll"--
 ''Oh, can tell, Graham interrupted. Now. L. We'll, you see I've been a failure in business. So far as that goes, I've been a failure in everything all my life"
 Duncan stared for moment, then offered his hand. For luck" he ex- plained. meeting Grahams puzzled gaze :;s his his si;i s;ia ;i;s was taken t
 Wondering, Graham shook his head and gratitude made his old voice trem- ulous. He put A hand over Duncans, batting 1t gently.
 T want you to know, my boy. that appreciate" His voice broke. It's mighty kind of you to buy the sirup- very kind''--
 Nothing of the sort. It's just be- cause I've got great business ability" Duncan laughed quietly and moved away. "We'll want to clean up a bit," esaid he. ''Got broom? I'll raise the dust a bit while you're out sending that wire"
 You'll find one in the cellar, guess, but-your clothes"-
 "Oh, that's all right Where's the celIarT
 Underneath" Graham told him sim ply. taking down a battered hat from hook behind the counter.
 'T know. But how do I get therer'
 "Ry the steps. You go through that door there into the hall The steps are under tine stairs to our Tooms. live above the store, you see"
 ''Yes. Goodby. Mir. Graham"
 'taoodby, my boy"
 nnncan watched the old man move slowly out of sight. then. with a groan, sat down on the counter to think it over Tt wouldn't be me if I didn't make mess of things somehow" he told himself bitterly Now you have gone and went and done 1t, Mir. For tune Hunter. You stand a swell chance of getting away with the goods when you take wageless job in spayihed country drug store with no trade worth mentioning and nothing to draw 1t with just because that old duffer's the only human being you've spotted in this burg.
 Wonder what Harry would say if he heard about that wonderful busi- ness ability thing But what in thun- der can we do to bring business to this bum joint?"
 He rakede his surroundings with a discouraged glance.
 "Oh." he said thoughtfully. tits the limit"
 Five minutes later Ben Sperry found him in the same position. his head bent in perpexed reverie. Sperry had been travelling for Gresham & Jones. a wholesale drug house in Elmira. more years than I can remember. His friendship for Sam Graham. contract ed during the days when Graham's was the drug store of Radville, has survived the decay of the business He's a square. decent man. Sperry. and has wasted many an hour trying to persuade Sam to pay little more at tentior to the hrslness
 Anything I can do for youT' chirp- ed Duncan cheerfully, dropping off the counter as Sperry entered.
 "No-o." amazedly. T just wanted to see old Sam. Is he upstairs?'
 No; Mir. Grahams not in at pres ent," Duncan told him civilly.
 sperry wrinkled his brows over this problem. You working here?" he asked.
 "Yes, sir" zs'1
 "Well, I'll be hangedi"
 'Let us hope not" said Duncan pleasantly. He waited a moment, little irritated. Sure there's nothing I can do for you?7
 Moo" said spdrry slowly, strug- gling to comprehend. Thank you just the same,
 Not at all" Duncan turned away.
 "You see,' Sperry pursued, T don't buy from drug stores; sell to 'em'
 Duncan faced about with new inter est in the man. "Yes? he said en- couragingly.
 My card.' volunteered Sperry, fish ing the slip of pasteboard from h!s waistcpat pocket He dropped his sample case beside the stove and pumped down in the chair. to the peril of it's existence. T don't make this town very often" he pursued while Duncan studied nis card. Sotnern & Lee are the only people l sell to here.