Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1916-07-06

! ASAA AOihS IlOlu l1lc oSpoG W IlC uOlcl
is 25 cents, and for cartin' 'em from
their houses to the train is half a dol
lar"
With that Mr.. Beagle stamped out
eve got to fight!' Jacob rasped.
eve will not be trod on Well run a
competin' line and we won't charge
but half of Barney's old prices. Then
We'll see where he'll be with his mo-
nopoly!"
Meantime Barnabas Beagle hurried
to the printing Office and had printed
two huge placards. with black letters
on red paper, reading:
BARNABAs BEAGLE
BUS MONOPOLY
Prices Doubled and Custom Solicited
These he fastened, one on each side
of his bus, and drove noisily down
Main street.
Jacob Whittle, with the burden of
the campaign on his willing shoulders,
gave thought to ways and means.
First, it was clear, conveyance capa-
BILE of transporting passengers and bag
gage must be had. For an hour Jacob
vainly endeavored to scale this obsta-
Gle, but his indomitable will finally led
him to path that might reach its
crest
The path took the shape of the vii.
lage band wagon. a cumbersome affair
on wheels, consisting of huge wood
en- body, with long, parallel, cloth up
holstered seats. 1t was uncovered, but
would serve its purpose. 1t was owned
by Henry Richards.
Forth sailed Jacob to the Richards
home, where, behind the barn, stood
the objective vehicle. He summoned
Henry, who emerged from the barn.
You'd be willin' to do service for
the community?' asked Jacob, rub
bling his hands.
Depends some on the service" he
hesitated.
IF it was lendin' the village this
here band wagon for spell?" suggest
ed the diplomatic Jacob.
"Gratis?" asked Henry.
Gratis, nodded Jacob.
I'm that there case" Henry said
positively, II feel my public spirit ooz-
in out rapid. Besides, I've
AT this moment Barnabas Beagle APP
peared around the corner of the barn.
He glanced at Jacob and nodded. ~
came to see YOU" he said, addressing
Henry, "about rentin' this old band
wagon of yourn.''
"Rut - Hennv whoozod
II want to hire it for few weeks
declared Barnabas.
Jacob seized Henry by the arm.
Il was here first!' he said excitedly.
II came first"
ITO borrow, not to hire" observed
Kenny, who had resumed his usual
calm.
"I'll pay-I'l pay!" exclaimed Jacob.
How much?"
"Fifty cents day"
Barnabas grunted scornfully.
I'LL give IS CENTS" he said.
Jacob glared at the monopolist. "a
dollar" he shouted
"And a quarter" bid Barnabas.
"Dollar'n halfr' greaned Jacob, his
face working convulsively.
1.-TWO dollars" raised Barnabas.
Jacob hesitated until he saw Kenny
turn to his rival and open his mouth.
"Two'n a halfH' he beloved.
Barnabas was silent
Its your'n," observed Henny.
Cash in advanced"
Jacob paid over days rental with
reluctance, his eyes fixed on the pro-
prietor of the local monopoly with a
baleful glare. He even shook his fist.
"This'll come out of you, Barney
Beagle!" he vowed you'll be made
to payw
Barnabas smiled tolerantly, and
Henry Richards doubled up with sup
pressed laughter. Presently the latter
recovered enough to ask If Jacob de-
sired horses and driver.
II kin rent EN- to you and drive my
self"
GLOW much?"
1.-TWO dollars a day for the bosses
and dollar day for me-"
Jacob recognized the price as reason
able and closed at once. His campaign
against monopoly was costing $3.50
q day, and he was pledged to carry
fares at half Barnabas' old rate. He
hoped the opposition would be unable
to hold out long against such compet1-
ton.
The following morning the active
campaign opened. Henry appeared at
the depot platform on the seat of the
band wagon just as Barnabas drove up
on his bus. Barney's sign was still
displayed. On the band wagon was
legend which begged all public spirited
people to help break the monopoly and
save money at the same time. Prices
OF s cents to the hotel and 10 cents
/ elsewhere were offered. Barnabas Sc
renely made demand for quarter to
the hotel and so cents beyond
| The train drew in, and dozen peo-
! pie alighted. Two were travelling men
with heavy grips. and with glad shoufs