Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-06-29

relating his successes here absolutely
for the young salesman it only his determination
to succeed in spite of Elliott that kept his upper lip
stiff So he chung to the work. sold what he did sell by
a sort of bulldOgHerculeS method, and tried keep
his temper in answering Ripleys diatribes.
He and Elliott together next in the Miller
House at Stockdale There were number of travelling
statesmen in the town, and Elliott talking with
of them on the deep lounge as Drake entered Drake
passed him and went in to late supper. When he
out they still talking and porter, loaded
down with grips and cases. deserving the right of
by reason Of his burden Drake stepped aside in the
direction of the lounge. This made unavoidable his
overhearing what Elliott saying at the moment.
Crooked? OF course they re crooked the whole lot
of them The Winships fine honest but
this organization is rotten, crooked. This
Ripley they've got for sales manager IS SO crooked he
could hide behind corkscrew. They're going to smash
that house-you see if they don't. They've queered
themselves in this Valley now
Drake stood very still for moment deciding what
he should do. He had half mind grab Elliott by the
throat and punch him. But that @kid business.
and would only do himself harm One thing he promptly
determined to do, to let Elliott know he had overheard
He stepped to the of the lounge which Elliott
elbow rested.
Good evening. Mr. Elliott! he snapped, and with
out stopping walked out of the wide main door.
I ATER that night Drake loitered about the hotel
- lobby watching every door for Elliott. When the
latter came in the young man confronted him in
certain way. I'D like to speak to you minute, he
said, with marked omission of the others
ITO me? Sure. Let's sit down there, he threw
out hand in the direction of two unoccupied rockers
"What have to say to you think you'd rather have
me say privately"
"Oh, then by all lets go in the corner.
He led the way stopping only for moment to shake
hands with salesman who had just got in. aI'n see
you in second, Bob. he called back to him. Don't
60 out
When the two men had seated themselves, Elliott
leaned forward with assumption of interest and asked
"Well, Drake what is ito What can do for youo"
3In the first place you can keep your mouth shut
about and my house! Get that?' Drake spoke
quickly, emphasizing his words with foreinger Il
heard what you said this evening Ever since I've been
in this territory you gone out Of your way to knock
and my house want tell you L m good and tired
of it, and it's going to stop-rght-now!
Elliott regarded him in silence tapping his ngertps
together his mouth drawn into that thin-lpped ugly
smile of his. Drake went
you've always been knocker, I've known that
and now know you're iar!'
For one instant Ellotts tapping ceased, the smile
vanished and the muscles of his jaw frightened under
the skin The next instant they relaxed the tapping
resumed, and back the hard, set smile.
you know you lied to that about my house
up my business as long you and travel this Valley
I'll punch your fat head off," He thrust his face close
to Elliots token of earnest, then and roughly
pushed back his chair.
As he stood glazing his contempt Elliott looked up
him in silent For tense interval neither
moved. Then Elliott drew cracking match under the
arm of his chair and said in the most casual way:
"Say, Drake how'd you like to quit and go to work
for the SanfordLord people? He lowered his gaze
the cigar he studiously relighted
Drake saw red He took a step toward Elliott, his
hands clenched. "Work with youo7 he cried. why.
before get through with you III have you coming on
your knees to me for job"
Elliott blew the match and tossed away without
glancing up Drake staked off. And before the
younger had gone five steps he heard Elliott's
voice behind him calling cheery to the newly arrived
salesman:
"Oh Bob, let S go down and shoot the little pool"
And that the abrupt ending of the acquaintance
ship of Drake and Elliott OF they within
eyeshot from time to time and occasionally their
gances met for uncomfortable moment; but sign
of recognition passed between them thereafter.
Nov did Drake redoube his efforts to sell goods but
~ the task became more and more difficult. There