The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-05-18

Rheims, at Frankfort; the ContineEfal
air was full of flying machines. H&h!
It's pretty difficult to impress theIlav-
erage mind with something new. Why
shouldn't we cater to the poetic, the
romantic side of man? We've DON
Germs for everything else. The hct
is, mediocrity is always standing Ibe-
hind the corner with brickbats flor
the initiative. Believe me or not, Mr..
Jones, but this company exists, Che
proof is that you have the rug AMI l
have the scars"
But in these prosaic times!" 1{ur-
INJURED George, still skeptical.
"Prosaic times!" shifted Ryanne.
There's one Of your brickbats. They
swung it at the head of the first print
er. Prosaic times! My friend, this
is the most romantic and bewildering
age humanity has yet seen. There's
more romance and adventure going
about on wheels and steeI-bottcms
than ever there was in the days Of
Drake and the Spanish galleons.
There's an adventure lurking round the
nearest corner-romance, too. What
this organization does is to direct you;
after that you have to shift for your
self. But, like first-rate physical in
structor, they never map out more
than man can do. They gave me
the rug. Your bones, on such quest,
would have been bleaching upon the
banks of the Tigris"
What the deuce Is this company
called?" George was enjoying the con-
versation immensely.
THE United Romance and Adyen-
ture company, Ltd, of London, Paris.
and New York"
Have you any Of the company's
paper with your" George repressed
his laughter because Ryanne's face
was serious enough.
Unfortunately, no. But If you will
give me your bankers address IN be
pleased to forward you the prospec-
tus."
"Knauth, Nachod and Kuhnes /
am shortly leaving for home Eatter
send 1t to New York. / say, SUPPOSE
a chap buys an adventure that 81 not
up to the mark; can be return 1t or
exchange it for another?"
mo. It's all chance, you know.
The rules of the game are steel
bound. We find you an adventure;
It's up to you to make good"
But, once more suppose chap gets
a little too rough game, and doesn't
turn up for his dividends; what them"
"In that event." answered Ryanne
sadly, "the stock reverts to the gen
eral fund"
George lay back in his chair and let
go his laughter. You are mighty
good company, Mr. Ryanne."
well, well; we'll say nothing more
about it. But a moment gone you
spoke as if you were game for an ex-
/ plot"
II still am. But If ! knew the adj
venture was prearranged, as you say
and I was up against wall, there
would be the inclination to cable the
| firm for more Instructions"
Ryanne himself laughed this time
That's a good idea. don't believe
the company ever thought of such q
contingency. But repeat, our bust
ness is to give you the kickoff. After
that you have to fight for your own
downs"
"The stock isn't listed?" agar
laughing.
Scarcely. One man tells another
as tell you, and SO on"
"You send me the prospectus. Tn
rather curious to have look at It,
SCI certainly shall do So" replied
Ryanne, with gravity unassumed
"Ah! Here come Mrs. Chedsoye ant
her daughter. If you don't mind III
make myself scarce. do not care
to see them just now. after your hav
ing told them about the stoler
Yhiordes."
I'm sorry" said George. rising
eagerly.
'It's all in the game CALAMITY.
George saw him gracefully ma
neuver his way round the crush to
ward the stairs leading to the bar
Really. he would like to know more
about this amiable free-lance. As thu
old fellows used to say. he littl'
dreamed that destiny, one of thos'
things from Pandora's box, was pre-
pairing a deeper and more intimat'
acquaintance.
"And what has been amusing you
Mr.. Jones? asked Mrs. Chedsoye.
saw you laughing"
81 was talking with the rug char
He's a droll fellow. He said that h
had met you somewhere. but cor
, cluded not to renew the acquaintance
since told him that his adventure 4
part was known to you"
"That is foolish. rather enjo
meeting men of his stamp. Don't yot
. Fortune?"
|, Sometimes with dry littl
smile. 81 believe we have met hin
; mother. There was something II
miliar about his head. OF course, W
I saw him only from a distance.p
} Il do not think there is any res
i harm in him. said George. "Whs
made me laugh was singular props