El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1911-08-23
(By Herbert Temple.)

4 letters in front of him. 1t was the
dullest month of the year. Hi
face grew longer and longer and whel
at last he got to the last letter, re
minder from the Washington Fire In
surance company that his policy must
be renewed, he struck the table will
his fist.
"a company of rascals," he growled
ct is four years now that L have paiC
them premiums without getting a cent
In return. They are robbing me-
He pushed the letter aside and
called his manager
81 think we had better start stock
taking tomorrow, while there Is moth
ing to do here. The men must dc
something for their salaries. / don't
propose paying them for doing moth
ing"
Afterward Newman walked through
the stockrooms until it was time to
close up. Then he made an extra
round to see that everything was Sc
curely locked and finished up looking
through the stock on the first floor.
The gas jet near the window was so
lit that the patrolman might look in
while passing by.
AS Newman passed, little bit Of
plaster fell from the ceiling just above
the gas jet He climbed up step
ladder and felt the ceiling. 1t was
quite hot.
"This is dangerous" he thoughts But
suddenly an. idea struck him. When
the policeman peeped in he could see
only the gas jet, not the ceiling
"a larger burner Newman thought
and plenty of excelsior and straw
above. The whole shop would be in
flames before anything could be seen.
1t was very fortunate I told them to
take stock tomorrow. Now we will
do that very carefully"
He went back to the office and made
out check to the insurance company
for the premium due.
Next morning he was in the best OF
humor, though business was as slack
as ever.
81 will take everything down my
self, Miller" he said to the manager.
Let the saleswomen dust the things
for you and count up as you go along.
A moment later they were in full &C
tiyity Miller counted up and Newman
put the figures down, but every time
the former said one gross, the latter
put down two. Everything was gone
over most carefully.
"T'll tell you, Miller said Newman,
when they had finished, II am think
ing of turning my business into
stock company, selling the shares to
our customers.
IF that is the case" Miller replied.
1--WE have been rather careful l had
no idea you were thinking of this
Several of the articles we have bought
In job lots might he put down at their
full value"
4 eko We
must be absolutely correct. I am
Mr.. Miller"
81 assure you 1 meant nothing
wrong"
Zone cannot be too careful in bust
ness Now 1 will take the lists home
with me and fill the amounts in"
When he had finished this job late
that night, Newman felt sure that IL
4 fire broke out he would not be the
oSer.
A week later a larger gas jet had
been put up and a lot of inflnmmable
stuff had been unpacked on the floor
above. That morning Newman said to
lis manager: Now that we have fin
shed stock taking. 1 think 1 shall run
down to Philadelphia and see If I
amt scare up some orders. I am tired
If these drummers who waste half
heir time in the hotels. 1t is orders |
want, not hotel bills" |
'.All rightI''
Newman left and when he reached |
he visited two or three |
customers. and really got some orders !
" cutting his prices considerably. |
These orders he mailed to New York |
n the evening.
Next morning he was up very early |
nd went out, but about IL he returned |
o the hotel. for more samples. he said. |
There is a telegram for you, Mr.. /
Newman said the clerk, as he asked |
or his key"
ooh, I hope my wife has not been
AIKEN sick. She never could stand the |
leat"
With trembling hands, he tore open |
he envelope and actually turned pale
"Oh. heaven" he cried. my store
as burned completely. / am a ruined
nan. Look what my manager wires:
Store burned last night; complete
oss. Meet you on Cortland street,
afternoon. Miller"
Newman told the story to everybody
Tho would listen to him and many
eally pitied him. When he reached
Cortland street, he found Miller wait
ng for him.
"Oh, Miller" Newman cried when he