The daily Alaskan., 1911-10-25
The Solicitor By CELIA ATKINSON Copyright by American Press Asso-
 ciation, Isll
er CELIA ATKINSON

l John Gardner was down on bis luck. Be had been well born and well edn- cated. Then one misfortune after nn- other came upon him and the family ! to which be belonged just as he was ready Co make a start in tie and ! threw him, so to speak, on his beam ends. Be went about applying for position. but since be had had no ex- 1 perience in any department Of busi- ! ness he received no better offer than to solicit orders for a patent gas ! burner.
 Gardner, who had not yet worn out ] his good clothes and was afraid ot meeting some of his old friends who would know what he was doing, kept his samples down in the bottom of his pocket He had sufficient pluck. l however, Co drag himself from one house Co another. and whenever he was received by any one whom he was sure he had never seen before would proiuce gas burner and proceed Co expatiate on what a wonderful llcht it would make and how little gaS would be burned
 One morning be rang the bell ot residence. and the door was opened by a young girl He didn't mind solicit ing of old women. old men or serv- ants. but girls troublel him. He was about to ask 1T some one he was try Ine to find lived there, but changed his mind. concluding that as short a way as any Co make an excuse to 60 on would be to produce a sample. The girl would say she had no use for it and that would end the natter
 "I am canvassine for a patent gas burner" he began, when the girl much to his surprise. said, "Step in- side. uc did so, and she led the way to a drawing room. Then, asking him to be seated. she waited for him Co nrNreed with hls hsrangue. There was nothing left for him but to do so.
 This gas burner" be said, 'fs ar ranged Co separate the gas Into mi- mute streams. so that it will mingle freely with the oxygen of the air, pro. dpcinc a brilliant light and consum. Inc a minimum ot gas Instead of the enormous gas bills run ID by using the ordinary form of burner, the consumer finds himself or herself indebted to the company for a bsgstelle."
 Are you quite sure" interrupted the girl. that the company win not at the end of the month be indebted to the consumer
 Car7ncr looked at her with con strained smile, but, seeing no sign Of pleasantly and scarcely knowing what he was saying, staggered on.
 We scarcely claim that for it but we are willing to guarantee that the monthly gas bills win be reduced by @ per cent Of what they are when the o-iinsry burner Is used"
 At what price do you sell your bumeST
 At 10 cents each"
 ,T win take a hundred ot them. | suDnase you VIII put them on for me
 Large orders Ike that are usually nut on by some one from the factory.
 .I sn orrosed Co allowing Tom, Dick and Harry the freedom ot the house | shall expect you to put them on your self"
 "Ccrtainly, lt you wish it. wiu to- morrow at this hour be convenient for youT
 "Yes"
 Gardner bowed himself out aston, lshed. The most that was required Of him was Co introduce the burner lt was not expected that be would make sales of more than a few burners at lime. But hcre were hundrcd or de7cd nt 70 cents apiece. That would be SIN of which hls commission would be 60 per cent, or So He wos quite elated.
 The next day be called with the burpers and was received by the young laav. who informed him that her mother was indisposed and it was necessary that the house should be kert quiet. The burners, therefore could not be put on that day, but If he wop1d call the next afternoon at 8 o'clock the work might be done. She minated that no haste was necessary elthe-. in The burners being put on or l his proceeding with bis soliciting. She asked him into tbe library, where she introduced the subject of books, upon which she discoursed with as much volubiHty as he had used In demon strstinc burners When be departed ! he was a good deal puzzled Rut ke was more so when the next afternoon be called to put on the burn CTS A phseton was standing at the door. and wben he went inside the young lady. attired for going out was 1 putting on her gloves
 q think" she said, that I'll not have the burners put CD this after ] noon. To tell the truth, am a stock [ holder in 6 gas company, and your ! burners consume So little gas that l : fear a complication"
 What compIicationTr asked Gard ] ner. opening bis eyes
 Why, I am afraid that as a stock holder I shall become Indebted to my self as a consumer"
 The two stood looking st each other for few moments, when a smile