The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-04-21
THE EVENING STORY
Tommy and the Telephone Steal.
(By Michael J. Porter.)

IshareS OF telephone stock ?"
Ten shares; market value. 1916
that's $3.50. The dividend is what
10 per cent annually"
Col. Stoneman nodded.
Not bad; not bad at ALL" confessed
little Tommy Sharp. city attorney.
wish could afford 'em."
You can," returned the colonel,
report favorably to the mayor on that
new franchise of ours. He'll believe
anything you say"
Tommy grinned boyish grin. 'T
suppose I'd ought to throw you out
of my Office" he said. 'sBut I can't
You're too big. and too imposing, col
fonel"
"Then it's all right?"
Eyes, it's all right. Your franchise
is steal, and I'm going to tell him
Tommy was still smiling carelessly,
but his calmness and his lack Of he
roles did not deceive the colonel. The
caller rose.
well, think it over. If you see
Afraid I won't, Colonel"
The big man paused. ''Well, there's
no use of our being enemies over it,"
he said genially. MY cars outside.
Come on and have a little ride"
Tommy rose promptly. go you.'
He chuckled as he locked the Office.
whats the joker" inquired the
telephone magnate
"Oh, I was thinking how similar
mems methods are under similar cir
cumstances," replied Tommy "Old
the garbage contract. He invited me
out for a ride in that rattletrap buggy
of his. I went; learned a lot, too, col
oneL Human nature is always human
nature. The only thing that spoiled
the pleasure of the ride was the vile
he T
the garbage contract, but 1 had to
smoke his cigar
The colonel's eyes twinkled appre-
ciatively, and unseen he slipped his
lcigar case back into his pocket.
by the way, Sharp" he said, my
wife and daughter are in the car.
Don't mention this telephone affair
before them. Women don't under
lstand-busineSs.
THANK heaven for that!" said
Tommy fervently.
Cecil Stoneman was twenty-one-
and delightful. She had gone to a
womans college and returned. I'M
spoiled, despite her own popularity
mother deserved much of the credit.
Mrs. Stoneman was a sensible woman.
Tommy Sharp, sitting in the ton
teau of the big car on turning seat,
enjoyed his ride very much.
The colonel smiled wisely, if some
what cynically, to himself as he noted
how their acquaintanceship developed,
Mrs. Stoneman, more elem entail and
withal a better judge of people than
her husband, because less logical, liked
Thomas Sharp. When they dropped
him after two hours at his lodgings
she invited the young attorney, cordi-
ally, to call.
He did, and fixed firmly the good
opinion Mrs. stoneman had formed
of him. After that he came to be
regular visitor. The. colonel, with
something of triumph and something
Of wearine ss in his smile, postponed
action on his telephone company's
franchise grab for a full month.
One evening he came down to the
city attorneys Office certain grim de-
termination about his mouth.
Special council meeting tonight,
Sharp
Yes"
ITO pass our franchise?"
ITO consider 1t. Colonel" corrected
Tommy.
well. where are your
Against it,
eTm going to lay my cards on the
-onel. I'm going to talk plain talk
to you. Man to mani You under
stand?"
Eyes; go ahead
I'm worth a million, Sharp"
That's lot of money
ssWeH, it's some. And there's only
one heir-my daughter. I believe she
likes you. Well-I'd hate to forbid
you the house, my boy"
''I see, Colonel. But we could meet
elsewhere, you know
The colonel smiled. I'm not afraid
Of that: you're both too honorable"
THANK you Then I'm to persuade
Mayor Braun your franchise Is all
right, Or
The colonel nodded
Nov face
was white. You'd trade your daugh-
ter's happiness = for some more
money!"
'Tut. tut. sharp; not her happi-
ness. She isn't more than mildly in
terested-yet.'
The city attorney struck his desk
with sudden passion. :.
"You can't put it across, COLONEL
You and your million and your
schemes I'll beat your franchise.
of ITSELF"
His voice went back to normal, and
he smiled whimsically. Excuse the
oratory, Colonel. I don't usually get
fattered you don't think me piker
any more"
what do you mean?"
''why. you've raised the ante from
twelve hundred and fifty dollars to
million. That's some irmp!"
Again the colonel found himself be-
ing laughed at.
The common council of Derwent
passed the new telephone franchise
with neatness and dispatch. Tommy
Sharp got up when the vote had been
taken.
mfr. Mayor, If there are no objec-
lions, would like to say a few words
to the council
Outside the railing Colonel Stone
man, who had been leaning forward
expectantIy settled back in his chair.
taThe franchise is a steal" announc-
ed Tommy. Mayor Braun, of course,
will veto it,
You bet!" said the mayor, tersely.
.sAnd you will pass it over the veto