Graham guardian., 1921-03-04
The
Sleeping Partner
By ALVAH JORDAN GARTH

Everybody in Brocton was surprised
when the will of Eben DarrOw was
read and Ellis Burton was named as a
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 1t out OF pity"
declared n 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 fayorite arm
chair, induIging In his afternoon nap,
nm invarlnble adjunct of his daily rou.
tine.
ITS my great luxury, s2ooze," con-
feSScd Ellis frankly. "You see, for ten
years | lived with my uncle in the far
South, where, in summer time, nobody
works between 10 n. m. and 4 p. m.
It's hammock and nap, except for
the natives. I fell In with the sleep
ing habit"
For all his Incidence Ellis was great
favorite all around. He reverenced all
wOman1lnd, and had way of pettlng
the children that made him universal
ly popular. Ellis was generous to Il
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 pleasantfaced
guest, asleep In chair in the lobby.
81 don't like to disturb him." OBJ
served the newcomer.
"Oh, Burton wakes up ms easily as
he goes to Sleep" said bonlface. "Just
give him nudge. He'll take it friend
iy and natural" So the young man
went over to the side of the c0mforta-
bly, disposed slumberer.
Hello! What's up--a fire, or some.
thing likeT challenged Ellis.
mo, little matter of bdsiness,"
came the explanation. II am Arnold
Wells, and am looking for a business
location. understand that you own
the little vacant store opposite here,
and would like to know its rental"
"Oh, that's It, eh?" said Ellis.
whats going to be your line, Mr..
WellsT
"Why l have been running small
place down the line In automobile ac-
cessories. They have put the new
paved highway through Brocton, so !
'm planning to move to where the
prospects are best"
"Yes; but say, also own the corner
building. That's vacant, too. And
there's fiat 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 suggestion from Ellis that
his visitor expand his business prnpo-
sitiOn and take In the sale of auto
mobiles, as well as accessories, he fur
nishlng the capital. Ellis could sit
around the place and talk to custom.
ers making sure II was furnished
with a comfortable easy chair. He
need not fOrego his customary after.
noon snooze, and, II there was any out.
side work to do, what more pleasant
than cushioned seat In luxurious
ly appointed car? So bargain was
cemented, the big store was fitted up
and the brother and sister established
IN modest living quarters.
Ellis was aroused to n new interest
at the first sight Of Edna Wells. Edna
kept the books of the business, her
brother put In full time working up
business and the happy Ellis decided
that he had fitted right into au ideal
occupation, II his activities could be
so considered.
Just as the business seemed on n
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
BTocton she came to Ellis.
MIR, Burton" she said "you shall
not lose, after all your generosity
towards us, for II Arnold does not re.
cover his health he will make over to
you his share In the business, But