Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1914-01-16

said Pembroke, still synpathetically.
How much did 1t total, do you
know" asked Broadway practically.
"That I can't say. We offered him
twelve hundred thousand for his bust.
ness and goodwill less than two
months ago. The proposition still
holds good, Mr.. Jones. We stand ready
to close the deal in forty eight hours.
I-er-realize that in your time of
trouble and grief it is hardly right to
discuss business, but 1t is vitally i'm.
portant that we bring the matter to a
closing point by Saturday noon, as we
are considering, at the same time, the
purchasing Of the Sprucemint com.
pany. Our preference leans toward
the Jones gum, but
Broadway, wide-eyed and speechless
for the moment, gazed at him with
dropping jaw. Wait minute. Wait
q minute. Who is 'we?' Who stands
ready with this offer?"
"The company of which have the
honor to be second vice-president, Mr..
Jones-the Consolidated Chewing Gum
Company of America"
Jackson approached him with an air
30 serious that it was almost fearful.
This change in the aspect of affairs
had been SO sudden that he was some
what overcome.
| Hold on. Let me get this clear.
Your people want to buy the Jones
Gum?"
I'VE do"
| For twelve hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars?"
"The top price,
After an instant's pause In which he
licked his lips with nervous tongue.
and stood poised as il to spring upon
his visitor: where's the money ?
Have you got it with your"
II can get my lawyers together with
in an hour. if you are ready to close
the deal"
Jackson was in a fever Of excite
ment. well, come on then. Let's get
them! What are you waiting for?
Let's get this all over with as quickly
Rs we can
/ DO you mean business?"
Certainly I mean business" Jack.
son gazed at him with definite re-
proach. Don't look like a business
man." He displayed the sack coat
Rankin had laid out for him that morn
Ing. Look at this business suit!" He
felt in his pocket, found what he
sought and was extremely satisfied.
And I've got lead pencil and every
thing. Certainly 1 mean business"
You'll sign the articles today?"
For twelve hundred and fifty thou
sand dollars I'd sign a murderer's con-
fession!"
Pembroke. who never smiled, looked
at his watch. TITS twelve o'clock"
'Is it?"
We'll meet here at two"
TIL be right here, waiting"
will you shake hands with me?"
Sure! I'll kiss you If you want me
to-"
Even this would not divert Penn.
broke to frivolity. "Mr. Jones, you're
doing business with great company.
Jackson nodded. You're the great.
est company I've ever met"
Two, then. Don't forget-two!"
Twelve! Don't forget-twelvel"
"Good-by!"
"Good.by!"
Jackson went with him to the ele-
vator, watching his every movement
with something which approached in
Its brooding care an anxious mothers.
BE careful when you cross the street!
Good-by!"
Returning to the table, he once more
read the magic telegram. That's the
hrst time knew that they could tele-
graph from heaven" he said fervently
just as Rankin entered
Il told the chef, SIR" said the butler
"and he says"
Never mind what he says. You tell
him he must stay. wouldn't have him
go for all the world. Go out and raise
his salary and give him my regards
You understand"
eyes, SIR"
Say, come here. Where do you live
~hen you're not here?"
I'm Harlem, SIR"
Got a fiat?"
"Yes, SIR
Like this furniture?" He waved
his hand at the extremely ornate con
tents Of the room.
!, Beautiful. SIR
TITS yours"
"Oh, thank you, sir! Anything else?'
mo; what else do you want? Get
out! Don't bother me. I'm a bust
ness man."