The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1917-09-20
A Peddling
Partnership
BY WARREN MILLER

he was rich and ut the same time q
person OF intrinsic worth.
John was fond OF an outdoor life,
and his plan was influenced by this
taste. He concluded to rig himself up
a. IA peddler, travel through the coun-
try selling such articles as women
need and thus make the ACQUAINTANCE
or some girl whom he could study In
cognito. He bought an auto delivery
wagon and stocked it with tin pans,
pins and needles, hosiery, shoes, grid
irons and every article he could think
or that q woman would want
1t was bright spring morning when
Johns loaded auto was brought up be-
fore his house by his man Thomas,
whom he had charged with procuring
the outfit and John, rugged out in a
ready made suit he had bought at a
cheap clothing store and faded straw
hat, sailed forth and, taking the wheel,
started on his tour.
IF l don't get a wife," he said to
himselS IN at least enjoy myself"
Then aloud to Thomas, Forward to-
days mail to Waverly to Martin Ir-
vine. I'll keep you posted where to
SSllu II 1TOIu IuaC on.
Johnny drove Off, and a window sash
on the opposite side of the street was
closed at the same time. a few min
utes later girl emerged from O front
door beneath the aforesaid window and
hurried down the street
Johnny struck the road TO Waverly,
then began to stop at houses along the
way. He chaffed the wives, chueked
the children under the chin and other
wise made himself agreeable. The con-
sequence was that he sold his goods
readily, though he generally made his
prices to suit purchasers. When night
came he put up at the only hotel In
Waverly.
In the morning he breakfasted-on
spring chicken-and after the trivial
Of the mail started again on his trav-
els. he had not gone far before he
heard the rattling of a machine behind
him and pulled out to the right to let
1t go by. AS 1t did so Johnny saw
that its rear was got up to hold a sew
Ing machine which was strapped down,
and the car was driven by Il young
woman, comely, though plainly dress.
ed. who called TO him to know II the
road held good and for how long.
Johnny gave her the information she
desired, and the two fell into CONVEX
sation. The girl told Johnny that she
was sewing machine travelling agent
She also Informed him that her father
was comfortably of In this worlds
goods, but she didn't propose to sit
around waiting for a husband and
must have occupation
'By Jove," exclaimed Johnny to him
self, that's the kind of girl I'm look
ing forv'
John kept on one side of the road,
the girl on the othef, the two moving
side by side except when vehicles pass
ed, at which time John fell behind.
Il WISH" said John to her after
awhile, that we could make double
team OF II, joint stock concern, to
take In peddleTs goods and sewing
machines"
"Oh, we couldn't do that" said the
girl, who gave her name as Molly
Sparks, though I'd like to ever 10
much I sometimes feel afraid travel
ing on lonely roads,"
What's the objection to a partner
shipH" asked John
L don't think it would be exactly
proper People would takerus for man
and WIFE and when they found we
were not they'd talk."
John thought awhile, then proposed
that they should lay out q route to-
gether for the next day, the girl to
put her sewing machine In his motor
car. They would stop for the night at
different hotels, but travel together
during the day. The girl, with appar-
ent reluctance, Rssented to the plan.
and the next day they carried It out.
But they paid more attention to each
other than to peddling.
This method OF travel now kept On
until John was satisfied that he might
so farther and fare worse. The Girl
was far above the ordinary country
lass, and John saw an advantage I'm
marrying IN his own class. He pro-
posed 70 her, but at first was refused
on the ground that II she married a
peddler her family would disown her.
But John was bent on winning her and
finally got her consent 10 marry him
without saying anything about II at
home They could then travel toeeth.
er with more propriety.
They were married at n country
church and by a country parson. and
after the wedding John said they must
nave rest from work and they must
go to his home for awhile I'm the city.
His bride consented, and he took her
TO his palatial residence.
John looked ut his bride. expectino
to see astonishment depicted In her
face. Instead, she laid aside her
wraps az If she had alwaygiIived there
Didn't you think you were marry.
Ing o peddlerT' no asked In wonder.
NO / didn't I know I was marry.
Ing Johnny Cosgrove, millionaire
How did you know tbatY' asked
John, aghast
7 live few doors down tho street
aud have often seen you, though you
didn't know me. I saw you drive
away as O peddler. I didn't know
what you were going for, but ! thought
i would be a good chance 90 20 Tor
you and rake you In"
"Stungf said Johnny.
NO, you're not Two got money Of !
any own. I knew you were n GOOD |
catch and thought ia snare you, that's
aii. III make you a loving wife"