The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-04-25
The Square
Deal
BY Stacy E. Baker
copyright. 1872. by Associated Literary
PresS.)

Old Simmons of Simmons & Taer,
rushed frantically out of his private
office.
Prone" he bawled. Prone.
Frone.. Frone..," His fat face was
apoplectic. Startled bOOkkeepers bent
busily over ledgers. Office boys rushed
hither and yon on purely imaginary
errands. The ghost of smile on the
lips Of a pretty stenographer was
frozen to a taut line as the heavy
weight senior OF the firm bore down
upon her.
Where's Frone?" screamed the
boss.
II don't know" gasped the girl.
her ears ringing. He hasn't arrived
yet"
Hasn't, en-" roared Simmons.
Hasn't" He scowled. We'll. when
be comes send him In. dye hear?
Send him In" With an elephantine
shuttle he vanished officeward.
A startled quiet followed. Some
where. In a remote corner. a pin fell
from a clerks lapel. A boy giggled
Historically. The door opened and
Frone breezily made his appearance.
"You-yOu're wanted In the office.
SIR" the inundated stenographer ven
tured.
Fred Frone was good to look at.
His clothes fitted his 1.-the form we'll.
and he had q self-assured way with
him that made him the best road
salesman of the great firm Of Sim
mons & Taer
Prone tapped at the swinging doors.
Come In" promptly beloved a voice.
but even before this, the youth had
pushed his way into the Presence.
We'll, sir?" he calculated. with easy
courtesy.
"Sit down." growled Simmons. and
resumed writing. 1t was possible
five minutes before he glanced up.
Here" monosyllabled the boss.
He threw an open letter toward Prone.
who deity caught 1t. 1t read
"Messrs. Simmons & Taer,
New York City.
Gentlemen:
your Mr.. Frone called upon US last
week with samples and prices. We
also received a visit from Mr.. DObson
Of Meek 4 Metz. who. as you know.
are in the same line as yourselves.
THE time when either Of these gen.
tlemen called was inauspicious for
buying. We are now In the market.
however. but freely confess ourselves
unable to choose between the two
houses-all things. In our estimation,
being equal. Here let us say that
the Square Deal. following its Gus
tom in other departments. will buy
from only one china hOuse)
"a letter similar to this Is sent by
same mail to Meek e. Metz. The first
to reach us with a salesman will re-
ceive a substantial order and all fu.
ture business --providing. Of course.
responsible competitors prices are
met. Very truly,
The Square Deal Store"
Without a word Prone handed the
letter back. He looked at his watch.
"Well?" snapped the old man.
II have Is minutes in which to
make the first train out" answered
Frone.
It took the young commercial man
but an instant to annex his travelling
cases and start them before him for
the train Prone girdci for the fray,
was on the way. From the window
of his taxicah as he passed the Offices
Of Meek & Metz he saw Dobson. n
concCitcd figure with padded shout
ders and large checked suit make Il
hurried exit and hail passing car
rage
4 chair car attached to fast train
claimed the commercial gladiators.
Dobson lcercd at his rival as they
entered They spoke. Prone smiled In
the face OF his snug opponent. He
figured that. should they finish the
race tied. his powers of persuasion
would pull the order for his house.
Dobson. too. believed In himself.
The men were seated opposite each
other. Both produced magazines and.
oblivious to surroundings. interested
themselves in the contents.
Near the end Of an interesting story,
and with his mind again on things
mundane. Prone became vaguely
aware Of . delicate perfume.
A dainty arm touched the arm Of
the disturbed traveller. DO you
know" asked q sweet contralto voice.
whether We stop at any stations near
here 20 that can send q telegram"
Prone. who knew the road like
book. turned eagerly to the girl with
the great eyes. and answered Joyous
~. The wonderful innocence Of the
girl was q material fact and assured
him that this Was no palpable train
attempt to become acquainted. Prone
knew Of a town close by where one
who was feet would have time to send
the message and begged to do It for
her.
After maidenly hesitation his re-