The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-07-19
Continued from rum Page.

Exactly so. That's my business. I
make it. Say the word and you shall he
my agent You shall pun it and sell 1t.
Salary. $4,000 for the first year and
commissions. Agreement for three
years"
Sparrowhawk signed. At the same
moment an earthquake ratified the
shelves and Jared the whole house.
"The mandatory is at work." quietly
remarked the old gentleman
Another shock stronger than before
caused Mr.. and Mrs. Sparrowhawk to
rush wildly to the door. When their
alarm had subsidized they turned to their
mysterious visitor, but he had disap-
peared.
Nearly three years of unexampled
prosperity had flown over the head of
Mr.. Sparrowhawk. duly authorized
agent of the Original Petroleum Com
pany." The company was in flourish
ing condition. IL was true that the
superintendent and agent had not met
since the mysterious interview We have
recorded. but this circumstance did not
seem to interrupt business. There were
certain unfailing wells belonging to the
company, one or two manufactures in
full blast and central office over which
Mr.. Sparrowhawk presided. How he
kept his books or to whom he was re-
sponsible was nobody's business. None
of the stock was in market and the
stockholders were unknown. sharp
people whispered foreign capltal'; MIR.
Sparrowhawk smiled Significantly, but
did not deny it,
Besides his town residence he had
magnificent country house erected on
the oil lands of the company and located
over one of the deepest wells in that
region. The house was warmed by
petroleum fires and lighted 10y its vapor
Here Mr.. Sparrowhawk had invited
number of guests on the occasion of his
retiring from the agcnCy--an event
which was to Ice duly celebrated. \
select and brilliant circle OF admirers
and friends of all classes and conditions
-clergymen. bankers. brokers. editors
and doctors--all of them more or less
Interested in petroleum-gathered on
that day. remarkable and peculiar
gayety held possession of the host and
hostess. Mr. Sparrowhawk had never
talked more ably. Mrs. :. had never
shone more brilliantly a, the head Of
her festive board.
The scene befJr, them represented a
vast temple brilliantly illuminated.
This was singuiarly effected 10y cir
cling row of statues placed on short
pedcstals at equal distances around the
temple-each statue cleaning with in
candescent bri,l.aucy. y closer iuspec-
ton revealed the fact that each figure
was represented 10y some well known
guest. Mr.. and Mrs. Sparrowhawk &C.
cupylng prominent central position
and cleaning with almost insupport-
able lustre. The bland features Of a
well known clergyman beamed Slor-
iously from "A conspicuous plinth on
the right. while prosperous banker
glittered and sCintil.ated on the left.
Suddenly attention was directed 10
the little old gentleman, who entered
covers like eXtinguishers. Str!ding up
to each of these animated burners. he,
one by one. gravely covered them with
an cXtinguisher, beginning with the
host and hostess, until the stage. lately
so brilliant, was left in total darkness.
slight Jnuffy smell. in spite of this
precaution, pervad,d the theatre.
The spokesman consulted "A moment
with the audience. and then announced
the word:
"EXtinguisher."
No answer came from the stage.
The word was repeated.
Still no answer. A little alarmed
he leaped upon the stage and lifted
the eNtinguishcr which covered Mr.