Putnam patriot., 1915-12-10

"Fd heard you were a model son said Rodney.
 At this Etery opened his eyes and stared
 Why that's just what father says about VOL" he exclaimed. He says i you're a great executive
 Well, I must admit that business life is very eongeniaI to me said Rod. | hey, mussing up some papers on his desk and employing his rubber stamp vigorously.
 'Oh, l don't consider it a compliment to be a success in business! Think of all the biighters who are, declared Ellery
 Yes. the bally rotters,n Peale inter jected, unable to keep still He had been observing Ellery all this time as if fascinated by this new specimen. Unconsciously he began to mimic him. If Ellery crossed his legs he crossed his. He even took his handkerchief and stuffed fl in his cuffs like Enery.
 Father keeps reminding me of your success every day" said EIicry plain lively Most irritating. Of course he's sore because l haven't bothered much about business. Oh. I've tackled a thing or two, but luck was against me-iust didn't happen to work out. Not my faHlt. you understand
 "I should say not You couldn't he to blame. came from Peale. who must talk.
 "Of course if I'd really devoted my self 10 business" EIlery went on. "but when you know you can do q thing if you want to why bother to do 1t if it bores youf"
 Good idea that" echoed Peale.
 EHery proceeded to explain that his father had been particularly offensive lately, so that he had decided to give a little time to business and make a success of it. He could, you know. It was really all figured out. Oh, quite. He had things all figured out. For the scheme he had In mind he had got to raise S7,500. and he wanted to talk about it. Peale and Rodney exchanged looks.
 Tin very sorry, Ellery," Rodney an swered, but moneys tight just now" But not with you" said Ellery. The way you're working you must be pretty rich. Heaven knows you ought to be-manufaeturing soap"
 But all my capital is invested all ready" explained Rodney. T can't undertake any outside ventures. Can I, Peale?"
 Not with my consent,s Peale agreed You ought to see our assets and liabilities.
 But Ellery went right on:
 This idea of mine is an automobile proposition. 1 really need S10000, and I've only got S2.500."
 At the mention of this latter sum Rodney and Peale walked over to FL lery at once and stood one on each side of him like state cOat-of-arms. Mon ey, They took a good look at him.
 "Elery, why do you want to go into the automobile business?" began Rod ney genially Its dangerous-un- safe
 ',The risks tremendous" Peale cor roborated.
 "Ellery, our families are old friends" said Rodney Now, if you really want to show your father you're a money maker why don't you buy some shares in our company
 .I don't care much about the idea of being in the soap business, Ellery protactad. rather Vulpar"
 But you don't have to be in the business" said Rodney eagerly.
 Absolutely not" said Peale.
 Its very simple proposition" Rod ney began again. 'All you do is invest and then sit still and deposit your checks when we pay dividends"
 At the word dividend Ellery gave pleased smile.
 "I say that sounds bit better" FL iery agreed.
 We're not letting the general public in." Rodney explained But it would be such q joke on your father for you make money"
 .sYes. wouldn't it?'' said Ellery, with yacuous laugh.
 II fancy he'd he mighty glad I had sense enough to go in with you" added Fllerv. But is it a safe investmentf' s'Why. we'd guarantee you against loss. wouldn't we. Peale?" said Rod ney.
 Absolutely" said Peale, with strong accent on the loot"