Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-01-26

y
III ing purpose. "Mr. Graham, |
wish you'd let me come in
here for awhile. / don't care about
wages"
Graham lifted his shoulders resign
edly. "Wcll. my boy, it don't seem
right. but If you really want to work
here for nothing I'll be glad to have
you, and if things look up with me I'll
be glad 70 pay you"
Abruptly he found his hand graspcd
and pumped gratefully.
That's mighty good Of you, Mr..
Graham. When can startY'
why, whenever you like"
In n twiDhlng Duncan's hat and
gloves were off. I'D like to now he
said. Where can we get more sirups?"
unfortunately I'll have TO buy
them"
How much:" Duncan's hand was
I in his pocket in an instant.
"Oh, no; YOU mustn't do that" Sam
backed away in alarm. IT couldn't al
low it, my boy It's good of you
but
Either" Nat told himself. I'm
asleep or some ones refusing to take
money from me" tIe grinned cheer
fully "Oh, that's all right" he con
tended aloud "I'll draw it down as
soon as we begin to sell soda" He
selected bill from his slender store
evil 50 he enough"
"Oh. yes bat it wouldn't be right for
me to-
But by this time Duncan was press
/ ing the b.il into his hand. Nonsense"
he insisted How can We build up
trade without strip"
"But-but'-
And how can | learn the business
without trade" He closed Grsham's
unwilling fingers over the money and
skipped away.
Signing. Graham gave over the I'M
equal argument. "Woll. if you're sat
tsfed. My boy. But I'll have to write
TO Elniry for it
Telegraph"
"Tclegraph." Graham laughed That
would Kill Lew Parker, guess
"Who's he?"
Photograph operator and ticket
agent"
We'll, he won't be missed much. Tel
sgraph and tell 'em to send the goods
! c. O. D. Please. Mr.. Graham. We
want to get things moving here you
know. We've got to build up the bust
ness. Wen put out signs and-aud,
well. We'll get tho people in the habit
of coming here somehow You'll see
lie raked the poverty stricken shelves
with calculating eye. all Ms energy
fired by enthusiasm at the prospect Of
doing something. Graham watched
him with kindling liking and admira-
ton His old lips quivered 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 What" he
cried
Il was just saying you have wonder
ful business ability
You're the first man that ever said
that. wonder if it's So"
I'm sure Of it,
We'll" said Nat. chucklinG. W'U
write that to my chum He'll
"Oh. can tell" Graham interrupted
Now. / Well, YOU see, I've been a
failure in business. SO far as that
goes. Eve been a failure in everything
all my life"
Duncan stared for a moment then
offered his hand For luck" he ex.
planned meeting Grahan's puzzled
gaze as his hand was taken.
Wondering. Graham shook his head.
and gratitude made his old voice trem-
ulous. He put hand over Duncau's,
patting it gently.
II went You to know, my boy. that /
appreciate" His voice broke. ITS
mighty kind of you to buy the sirup-
very kind
Nothing Qt>tre sort. It's just be
cause Eve got great business ability
Duncan laughed quietly and moved
away. "W"'l want to clean up Bit"
said he "Cot II hroomF I'll raise the
dust n bit while you're ont sending
that wire"
You'll find one in the cellar, guess,
but--your clothes"--
"Oh, that's all right. Where's the
cellar
"Underneath," Graham told him sim
ply. taking down a battered hat from
hook behind the counter
Il Know. nut how do get there"
by the steps. You go through that
door there into the hall The steps are
under the stairs to our rooms. | live
above the store, you see"
Yes. GOodby, Mr.. Graham"
"Gocdby. my boy"
Duncan watched the old man move
slowly out of sight. then, with groan
sat down on The counter TO think II
over. 1T wouldn't be me if | didn'
make a mess of things somehow he
told himself bitterly. Now you have
gone and went and done 1t, Mr.. For
tune Hunter. You stand swell
chance of getting away with the goods
when you take a waSelesS job in I
spawned country drug store with NJ
trade worth mentioning and nothins
tc draw It with just because that ole
buffers the only human being you've
spotted In this burg.
"Wouder what Harry would say i
he heard about that wonderful bust
ness ability thing, But what in thun
der can we do to bring business to thi
bum joint"
He raked his surroundings with