Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1911-07-22
GRADGRIND'S
ERADICATOR.
The Tutors Luck and How
1t Happened.

been perpetually deferred My family
has meanwhile been increasing, though
my salary has remained the same. l
had given up any Idea of change in my
life when one morning the president
sent for me and told me that Professor
s., lecturer on chemistry, was to take
vacation and l had been selected TO
give lectures in his department until
his return.
During my lecture the door opened
and gentleman walked in on tlptoe,
took seat in the row of chairs far
thest from me and listened intently to
what was saying. As 1 have never
known any one except the students to
attend my lectures, was greatly sur
prised. However. retained my equa-
nimity. stimulated by the presence of
the stranger, and battered myself that
L was making my discourse extraor-
dinarily interesting. When l dismissed
the class the visitor remained.
Permit me to inform you. sir, that
the lecture | have just listened to is
the most interesting I have ever
heard"
concealed my pleasure at the mans
commentator as well as l could, and
he went on:
II am myself something of chem
list In small way and, being in your
town. awaited myself of the privilege
of hearing something on my favorite
subject. Your charming DISCOURSE
Are you a professional chemistT
Not exactly-rather a practical one.
1 have succeeded in combining proper
ties in way to produce a cleansing
material which l am now introducing
to the world. 1 am the proprietor of
Gradgrind's eradicator."
heaved a sigh of disappointment.
81 would be pleased to have you
make an analysis of the eradicator
and If you find 1t effective and harm
less will gladly recompense you for
your trouble"
"You wish a certificateT'
''That is what would like-not that
the eradicator requires anything but
trial. Nevertheless the public is in
| credulous and needs testimony"
what would the analysis and a
statement be worth to your
millions. but l am free to say that
in the beginning. till we sell the goods,
could make first payment of all
possess. Let me see." He fumbled in
his vest pocket and took out some
small change.
"Seventy-three cents is the total as
sets of one who possesses an embryo
fortune"
The mans pluck won me. "Give me
a sample" l said. II will analyze it
and give you the result, but l do not
care to take money from one poorer
than myself"
He gave me look of genuine thank
fulness and n sample. Inviting him to
return the next day after my lecture, I
went to the laboratory.
When Mr.. Gradgrind returned the
next day told him that his eradicator
contained several valuable properties,
but also an acid that would eat up
any substance 1t touched. He was
! cast down for moment, then. bright
ening up, said:
"Surely one with such a profound
knowledge of chemical properties can
find another to take it's place."
had caught the spirit Of investiga-
ton and told Mr.. Gradgrind that l
would try and If successful would
write him. He gave me his address
and departed apparently perfectly as
sured that l would succeed.
1 spent a month searching for an
agent that would eat up dirt, grease
and such substances without destroy
ing the fabric from which they were
to be removed and met with excellent
success. wrote Mr.. Gradgrind to
come and see me and received visit
from him. The only change in him
was that he had grown shabbier.
MIR. Gradgrind," said. II have dis.
covered the required agent"
'"Then. sir. your fortune is made"
my fortune?'
eyes. sir. If your agent proves salts
factory will give you half interest
in the business"
/ smiled, gave him the secret and
! dismissed him and the matter from my
mind at,the same time.
l neither saw nor heard from Mr..
Gradgrind for FIVE years, though every
house, barn and fence became gradual
ly covered with advertisements of
Gradgrind's eradicator, accompanied
invariably by the letters &c. and c."
Il ue Only lnteTeSI LOOK III Tue IudLteT
was as to the meaning of these letters.
Yesterday morning received a letter
furnishing a view of the manufactur-
Ing establishment of Gradgrlnd's eradi-
Gator Thinking 1t contained testimo-
malls, was about to throw it into the
wastebasket when something. knew
not what. induced me to open 1t. |
took out an account current of Grad
grind G. Co. with their silent partner.
Samuel Goswell, for the five years OF
their business and a check payable to
my order for $35S472. % to balance.
l am still tutor, for the unexpected
windfall came only yesterday. At the
close of the present term in June l go
upon an extended tour abroad. The
president of the corporation of the col
lege, to whom communicated my
purpose and my good fortune last even
ing. has invited me to return when.
ever I like as professor Of chemistry.
Nothing succeeds so well as success.
Daisy" female giraffe, valued
at $4,000, died at the Cincinnati Zoo