The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-11-24
The EVENING STORY
Burbank's Option.
(By W. Crawford Sherlock.


Its a COMPOUNDED shame, a beastly
outrage, a-a-a'-- Burbank was
so choked with rage that he could not
utter another word. His black hair
bristled, his eyes fairly bulged out of
their sockets and his big, red face was
purple as he dashed into Johnson s
office and threw himself into an easy
chair, putting and blowing like a por-
poise.
Have Trash cigar. Burbank" VEN
tured johnson, blandly. 'You have
been chewing away on yours until it
is pretty well gone"
NO, thank YOU" spluttered Bur
bank, glancing disgustedly at the mu-
OF the window. Cigars have lost their
charms for me just now. I'm about to
lose the best chance 1 ever had and
forfeit a cool thousand besides"
Tell me about it," urged Johnson
sympathetically. I haven't any money,
as you know, since the Joppa Trust
| Company went into the hands of re-
ceiver and tied me up, but perhaps 1
can suggest something to help you
out"
That Internal Joppa Trust Com
pany tied me up, too, or 1 wouldn't be
in this fix" groaned Burbank mop
ping his face energetically. johnson,
| I've got an option on piece of land
! that certain corporation in this town
must have. In fact, they about de-
cided upon buying it at the last meet
/ ing of the board of directors, but, be-
ing slow and old-fashioned, they de-
! ferred definite action until the next
meeting. 1 got an inkling of the game
and slipped down and got option
| on the property. The option expires
tomorrow at noon and I'm booked to
/ lose in thousand in cash and a dead
| sure profit of hfty-thOuSand at least"
Wont the owner take part cash
and the balance on mortgage? You
have some cash.
"The owner is trying to wriggle out
of the deal explained Burbank
scowling darkly. Il think he smells
a rat. He won't renew the option, and
unless the entire amount is raised by
noon tomorrow the deals off. [ have
arranged a mortgage for all 1 could
get, but [ need several thousand more
to make up the difference. There's
the rub, confound it."
"Have you tried to borrow the money
to make good?" inquired Johnson
lthoughtfully. IF 1 were in your place,
Burbank, I'd even go shares with some
one sooner than lose a chance like
that
Tried" shouted Burbank with re-
turning rage. I've tried every friend,
relative and acquaintance 1 have or
ever expect to have. With one accord
they all make excuses, even though I
offer to divvy up with them. One was
considering another investment, a sec
Ond had his money all invested and
into land speculations and so on. The
upshot of the whole matter, Johnson,
is that when a man is reported to have
lost a lot of money by the failure of
a company like the Joppa Trust, peo-
pie fight shy of him. 1 don't believe
could sell ten dollar gold piece for
eight. just now; everybody would think
it was counterfeit
It's a great pity. Burbank" re
turned Johnson quietly, land I'm aw-
fully sorry I cant help you. I've one
suggestion to make old fellow, if you
promise not to fly off the handle
Fire away" growled Burbank Ia
conically. i've quarreled with every
body else and l guess I need one
friend to talk to- Go ahead, but don't
be long-winded about it,
f'Nettie Rand has the money. She |
was in here this morning to ask my |
advice about investing ten thousand !
of hers which is now lying idle You
know her we'll enough to ask her and |
1 believe she will help you out"
The suggestion had the effect of an
electric shock upon Burbank. He
sprang to his feet, his red face sew |
eral shades redder and his eyes fairly |
blazing with wrath.
you're crazy, Johnson he roared. |
bringing his clenched fist down with |
a resounding crash upon the desk. do |
woman = especially Nettie Rand ?"
Then, turning on his heel he thun-
dered out of the Office.
Hell do it, all the same solilo-
quized Johnson as he listened to the |
loud clatter along the hall He never
leaves a stone unturned that may help |
him to carry a point. He'll be back
here in couple of hours to thank me
for my suggestion
Johnson words were prophetic. In
less than the specified time Burbank
returned. There was no trace of |
wrath upon his big, red face and he
beamed upon Johnson as he entered.
you're all right" he shouted as he
force that nearly dislocated Johnsons
shoulder blade. TRY as did. 1
couldn't get away from your suggestion,
so l went up to see Nettie Rand It's
all right, my boy. I'm fixed for life"
''She agreed to advance the money
to you. did she?" questioned johnson, |
somewhat puzzled by the exceeding
exuberance of spirits Burbank was
displaying.
Listen to me and I will tell you
the whole story. I went to the house
and sent my card up to her. In few
Nettie came down. N.Y. she
was pretty, dressed in a pink gown
with a lot of lace stuffed around the
neck and her hair all twisted up 50
daintily on the top of her head. The
sight of her so rugged UP took all the
breath out of me for a minute. I sat
down on a sofa by her side, and. as
soon as I could pull myself together
bIurted out something about going
into partnership with me. What do
you think she did. johnson? Why, she
drew up a little closer to me and, put
ting her head on my shoulder. said she
would accept me, although the way 1
proposed was somewhat uniquei"
''Whew!" whistled Johnson. That
wasn't what you wanted, Burbank
at least just now
Wasn't what I wanted" roared
Burbank, springing to his feet in the
stress Of his excitement ..Mhx. man. |