Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-31
THE CURIOUS QUEST
Of MIR. ERNEST BLISS
by E. PHILLIPS 0PPENHEIM
Copyright The Frank A. Munsey Co.

he pointed to the stack Of letters
Zone hundred and twenty applications
from commercial travellers Of exper
Iience-men who know their job and
simply want the privilege of selling
the Alpha Cooking Stove. Will you
tell me exactly why you expect / am
going to chuck all these in your favor
-eh?"
Bliss looked at his questioner stead.
tasty. Mr.. Masters bdshy eyebrows
were drawn together in what was
meant to be terrify ing frown, but
underneath his blue eyes were shining
with furtive kindness.
Because this is my thirteenth ap-
plication for job, Mr.. Masters. and
thirteen is my luck number. II You
want another reason, here it is: am
done to the world, and If don't get It
shall either have to starve or go
back to-er-what I was doing be-
fore"
And what might that be-" Mr..
Masters demanded suspiciously
Nothing dishonest" Bliss declared,
but nothing very reputable. I, want
to raise myself, not sink back You
are good-natured fellow, Mr.. Mas.
ters; you don't want to see man"
The stove-manufacturer struck the
desk with his fist.
"stop!" he Numbered.
Bliss obeyed promptly. Mr.. Masters
was frowning more ponderously than
ever. The brown-haired typist, too,
had ceased rafting the keys Of her
machine and was looking up.
roA Jufv
young man." Mr.. Masters exposulated.
There are some things 1t is better to
keep to yourself. Now answer me one
question: Is this reference of yours
from these lawyer chaps bona-fide, or
isn't it,"
1T is absolutely bona-fde," Bliss de-
clared fervently.
Mr.. Masters moved toward the door.
We'll 60 and have a look at the
stove, anyway" he said "A child
could sell It, but you may as well look
1t over. Wait here one moment
He passed hastily out into the ware
house to interview loiterer who was
gazing at the model Of the stove.
Bliss was left alone with the brown
haired typist.
DO you think I'm going to get this
job?' he asked her.
She raised her head for a moment
and looked at him.
He perceived then that he had un-
derrated her attractions. She was tall
and little thin. Her eyes were large
and soft, her complexion clear, and
her mouth full Of character.
Bliss recognized in her from that
first moment some quality which
placed her in another world from all
the women with whom he had been
used to associate.
Il am afraid you are" she replied
"Afraid?" he repeated, a little
Afraid Is the word I used. Mr.
Masters Is far too kind-hearted. He
can't say no to any one. That is why
I added to the advertisement that all
applications must be made In writing
You are the first one who has disre-
garded it,
But tell me why you don't want me
to have the job?' he begged. II don't
see why shouldn't be able to sell
stoves as we'll as anybody else"
She looked him over critically.
There was the suspicion of smile
upon her lips which vaguely irritated
on his cane.
Are you going to take that about
with your" she asked.
He colored little.
"Of course not" he answered 1.-THE
fact is, brought 1t out with me to
take to the pawn-shop, but when I
started walking got so frghtfully
keen on coming here that l couldn't
spare the time
She turned back to her work.
We'll, 1t isn't my business" she
sighed. Sometimes ! almost wish 1t
were. Mr. Masters is a clever invent
or, but he hasn't the least idea how to
make money or organize things. II he
had happened to hit upon a really
first class traveller who took an inter
est in the stove and knew how to
place it on the market, 1t might have
been our salvation. that's ALL"
Bliss rose slowly to his feet He
was conscious OF a feeling Of almost
absurd disappointment The memory
Of the past fortnight rose up like a
nightmare before him.
Very well, then, he decided lit
tie doggedly, "I'll 60" He moved to.
ward the door
She stopped him.
Come back" she ordered That's
very nice Of you If you mean it, but
it's too late. Mr.. Masters Is one of
the most obstinate men in the world.
That is why said nothing. Now that
he has made up his mind to engage
you, you must be engaged"
"I'll go away If you say So" he per-
sisted.
mo use! He would never rest un.
til he had found you again.
you wish me luck anyhow he
begged.
Her lips relaxed little.
Il wish you luck with your sales"
she said 1--WE need orders badly"
"You shall have Them" he prom
Used.
What's that? What's that" Mr..
Masters demanded as he pushed his
noisy way through the door.
81 have just been assuring this
young lady" Bliss explained that If
I get the iOb 7 am going tn bring Won