University Missourian. [volume] (Columbia, Mo.) 1908-1916, 1915-07-09
LOVE INSURANCE
By Earl DER Btggers =
Copyrighted by The Bobbs-MerriIl Company

]
out?"
Mr.. O'Neill," said Mears impress
/ sively. "you have drunk with the staff
of the Mail"
"You two?' O'Neills face shone
with joy. GLORY be-dO you hear that,
Harry? These gentlemen all alone on
the premises" He leaned over, and
poured out eloquently the story of the
tragic flight from Mobile. 81 call this
luck" he finished Here we are.
broke, eager for work. And we find
you minus "a"
O'Neill stopped. For he had seen
sickly smile of derision float across
the face of the weary city editor And
he saw the bearded man shaking his
great head violently.
Nothing doing" said the bearded
man firmly. "Sorry to dash your hopes
always ready to pour another
drink. But-there are no vacancies
here. No. sir. Two of us are plenty
and running over, eh, Bill?"
PLENTY and running over" agreed
the city editor warmly.
Into their boots tumbled the hearts
of the two strangers in strange land.
Gloom and hunger engulfed them But
the managing editor of the Mail was
continuing what was this he was
saying?
mo, boys-we don't need a staff
Have just as much use for a manicure
set. But-you come at an opportune
time Wanderlust-it tickles the
soles of four feet tonight, and those
four feet are editorial feet Oh the
Mail Something tells us that We are
going away from here. Boys-how
would you like our jobs?'
He stared. placidly at the two
strangers. O'Neill put one hand to
his head
"See me safely to my park benc'..
Harry" he said. ut was that drink
on an empty stomach. I'm all in a
daze. / hear strange things"
Il hear 'em too." said Howe. See
here"-he turned to Mears-''are you
offering to resign in our favOr?"
The minute you say the word
Both of you?"
Believe me-" said the city editor.
you can't say the word too soon."
Well" said Howe. 81 don't know
what's the matter with the place bat
you can consider the deal closed"
Spoken like a SPORT" The beard
ed man stood up. You can draw
lots to determine who is to be MAIL
aging editor and who city editor. It's
an excellent scheme-I attained my
proud position that way. One cOndi-
tiOn I attach. Ask no questions. Let
us go out into the night unburdened
with your Interrogation points -"
Elliott, too, stood. The bearded man
indicated the bottle. Fill up. hOys.
| propose toast. To the new editors
of the Mail. May Heaven bless them
and bring them safely back to the
North when Florida's fitful fever is
past"
Dizzily, uncertainty. Howe and
O'Neill drank. Mr.. Mears reached
out a great red hand toward the bot
tie.
Pardon me-private property he
said. He pocketed it. 1--WE bid you
good-by and good luck. Think of us
on the choo-choo. please. Riding far
riding far"
"But-see here" cried O'Neill.
But me no butts, said Mears again.
Mary a question, l beg Of you. Take
our jobs, and if you think of us at all,
think of cleaning rails and speeding
u all. OHCe IuOTe-SOOu-Uy.
The door slammed. O'Neill looked
at Howe.
Fairies" he muttered. "Or the ID.
T's What is this-a comic opera or
town? You are managing editor,
Harry. | shall be city editor. Is
there a city to edit? No matter"
NO" said Howe He reached for
the greasy pack of cards. 1--WE draw
for it. Come on. High wins
Jack" announced Mr.. O'Neill.
Deuce smiled Howe. What are
your orders, sir?"
O'Neill passed one hand before his
eyes.
"A steak" he muttere1. well done.
Mushroom sauce. French fried po-
tatoes. I've always dreamed OF run
ming a paper some day. Hurry mp
with that steak"