Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1919-07-03
The
Sleeping Partner
By ALVAH JORDAN GARTH
1919. by Western Newspaper Union.)

read and Ellis Burton was named as
beneficiary to the extent of ten thou
sand dollars in cash and two buildings
on the main business street Of the
town.
"Why, they were not very closely re-
lated" advanced our critic.
"Oh old Darow did it out Of pity"
declared a second. "You see, Burton
was born lazy. He has never had to
work, for he don't know how. The
old man knew he would starve if he
didn't leave him provided for"
When the friends of Ellis came
around to congratulate him, they found
him ensconced in his favorite arm
chair, indulging in his afternoon nap,
an invariable adjunct Of his daily rou-
tine.
Its my great luxury, saooze," con-
fessed Ellis frankly. "You see, for ten
years I lived with my uncle in the far
South, where, in summer time, nobody
works between 10 a. m. and p. m.
It's hammock and nap, except for
the natives. fell in with the Sleep
ing habit"
For all his Incidence Ellis was great
favorite all around. He reverenced all
womankind, and had a way of petting
the children that made him universal
ly popular. Ellis was generous to a
fault, never out of humor, and he did
not even get excited when he was In
| formed of his heirship.
| One day young man asked for him
! at his hotel. The proprietor of the
| hostelry indicated his pleasant-faced
guest, asleep in a chair in the lobby.
II don't like to disturb him." OBJ
, served the newcomer.
"Oh, Burton wakes up as easily as
he goes to Sleep" said boniface. "Just
! give him a nudge. He'll take it friend
j ~ and natural" So the young man
went over to the side of the comforta-
bly, disposed slumberer
Hello! What's up-a fire, or some
thing like?' challenged Ellis.
mo, little matter of business"
! came the explanation. II am Arnold
Wells, and I am looking for business
location. understand that you own
the little vacant store opposite here,
and I would like to know it's rental"
"Oh, that's 1t, eh?" said Ellis.
"What's going to be your line, Mr..
Wells?"
"Why, have been running a small
place down the line in automobile ac-
cessories. They have put the new
paved highway through Brocton, so
am planning to move to where the
prospects are best"
Eyes; but say, also own the corner
building. That's vacant, too. And
there's flat overhead. I suppose you
have family?"
"Only a sister,"
Ellis manifested a growing interest
In the clear-headed, intelligent young
man, who explained that he had less
than thousand dollars to invest in
the prospective enterprise. 1t all re-
suited In a suggestion from Ellis that
his visitor expand his business prOpO-
sition and take in the sale of auto
!. mobiles, as we'll as accessories, he fur
nishing the capital. Ellis could sit
around the place and talk to custom
ers, making sure it was furnished
with a comfortable easy chair. He
need not foregO his customary after
noon snooze, and, If there was any out
side work to do, what more pleasant
than a cushioned seat in luxurious
~ appointed car? So a bargain was
) cemented, the big store was fitted up
and the brother and sister established
in modest living quarters.
Ellis was aroused to a new interest
at the first sight of Edna Wells. Edna
kept the books of the business, her
business and the happy Ellis decided
that he had fitted right into an ideal
occupation, if his activities could be
: so considered.
Just as the business seemed on a
settled basis Arnold broke down from
overwork. His doctor insisted that
he go away for two months rest.
Edna was to go with him as his
nurse. The last evening they spent in
Brocton she came to Ellis.
d "Mr. Burton" she said, "you shall
not lose, after all your generosity
towards us, for if Arnold does not re-
cover his health he will make over to
! you his share in the business. But I
did hope" and her wistful, pleading
eyes caused Ellis to thrill, that you
would-woulde wake up. Oh, forgive
me! But if you would only take the
interest in the business you are
capable of, that would give poor Ar
mold new life and hope"
sYou dear, sweet friend!" exclaimed
Ellis, reused out of himself. you've
given me grand motto: Wake Upp
I'm going to do it."
ALI Brocton marveled just after
that. One man noticed Ellis on the
street at daylight and rubbed his
eyes, and looked twice. From morn
ing until night Ellis was moving
brisk1y about town, working up bust
ness or out among the farmers selling
them machines. When the hour for
/ b;c oooucfopood non arrived he 1ro,,I5