The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1916-06-03

II see," smiled Mrs. Bowscr. The
air craft man does all these things for
the fun Of it,
Moo. not exactly. One could hardly
expect thae
Then what sum does he wantF
Mr.. BOwser chOked mp. and his
Adams apple danced up and down.
and it was some time before his emo
tiOns would permit him to say:
He spoke of $500, but think can
beat him down little. or course.
when we get to Mars the inhabitants
will be only too glad to put us up ut
the best hotel free Of all expense. and
they will give lis our coal and provi-
sions for the return trip. Tell me plain
ly what you think about II.
II will tell you little story instead."
replied Mrs. Bowser "Three years ago
you gave an mir craft man $500 to take
YOU mp for little trip. You were strap
ved into a sent and away You went
The craft had risen ten feet when you
began to yell and scream and shout.
and you offered the man hundred
million dollnrs to descend. He accepted
tIlc Ouct, anu hVh W. "NAS
ned and once more on the solid earth
you handed him 90 cents and started
for home. Is 1t to be the same thing
over ngainT"
Mr., Bowser turned as red MS boiled
lobster, but for n wonder he held his
temper When he spoke again there
was not harsh note In his voice. He
said in a coaxing why:
but you see. my dear. all the condi-
lions are different this time. On the
previous occasion was looking for
novelty; this time ! am looking for
Mars and fame and money. 1t means
everything to me. There won't he one
scream even IL We have to go hun
dred million miles high"
Have you talked with any scientific
man about this?" asked Mrs. Bowser
"Why, the air man is q scientist him
self. II he says We can reach Mars
you can depend on 1t that we shall
land there In due time. He is coming
here this evening to talk the final ar
engagements over with me. expect he
will ring the bell at any moment. Then
have your consent, my dear?
INF. Bowser," she said very serious
ly, "let It be understood that II he don't
ask for any money tonight you have
my consent II he does ask you will
give the thing up, knowing that he Ii n
sharper"
"By George, but that is fair!' was
the reply Us the doorbell rang. You
stick to that, old girl, and Samuel Bow
ser will be in Mars in less than fort
night, and he will be relating to the IN
ilabitants thereof the wonders of this
world below"
The caller that Mr.. Bowser admitted
and took to the library would have
been spotted by detective as conf
dence man, but he looked to the man
who was going to Mars as an honest,
upright gentleman who wouldn't even
stenl candy from baby. Mrs. BOwser
didn't get look at him and therefore
could form no opinion. When the cOu-
ple had taken seats Mr.. Bowser anx-
iously asked:
We'll, do we gO?"
Does the wife consent?" asked the
air man.
"She does with great willingness.
She wants me to win the great fame
anu fortune that await me. So all Is
about ready, eh?"
"Just trifie, Mr.. Bowser." smiled
the man. what of the money"
"You said $500. believe"
"Just $500, and that is dirt cheap
for fare to Mars"
couldn't take hundred of, eh?"
mot a. penny, Mr.. Bowser. Mr.. Vim
cent Aston would probably pay me
s1.OO.OOO for the privilege you get
for paltry $500. I called this even
ing to ask you to advance me 800
on account. want 1t to buy heavy
clothing with. have ordered all wool
undershirts, sixteen inches thick, all,'
the maker wants me to pay tomorrow,
The balance of the $500 can be paid at
the First National bank In Mars. when
we get there"
Mr. Bowser made no reply. None was
needed. He was thinking Of the agree
ment with Mrs Bowser. The air man
didn't look so honest and upright rs
he had looked at the door
please do not fletain me, Mr.. Bow
SER" said the man.
II won't" was the reply. You can
60"
what do you meant"
You can go. sir, and the sooner the
betterr'
Then you have given mp the trip to
Murs?"
Il have. I am going to stay right on
this earth and make 1t my business Il;
look out for swindlers. Good night
sir"
Mr.. Bowser waited at the door for
n minute after the man had passed
out. and then put on his hat and coat
and took a walk. He did not want to
face Mrs. Bowser-not until he had
recovered from the shock. The good
woman waited and waited, and when
he came In at last she pleasantly In
. rrxxtE