Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1921-01-01
Thanks be said. ~But business

He strobe on toward the bank. The
Jew trotted along beside him. The
crowd followed
The old banker invited them back
into his private Office and shut the
door. 1t was the first time the Pearl
hunter had ever been farther In q bank
than the lobby. and only once In hia
life that far. The solid and substan-
tial luxury of the place was q reve-
iation 10 him, even a matter OF intense
curiosity. But the cumulative effect
OF 1t was to give him courage TO make
him feel he was somebody.
1t seemed to the Pearlhunter that
the banker was gone long time when
he went TO bring the pearl from the
safe. When he finally re-entered the
private office the owner OF the pearl
saw why. He had hunted up some
where about the bank small box
tiny Jewel case, covered with green
plush, and was carrying the pearl in
it-a little thing, but very graceful
and gracious. The act went TO the
heart of the Pearlhunter and immense
ly increased his confidence and self
respect, which was probably the very
thing the wise old banker hoped Il
would =1o.
Louie Solomon knew fresh water
pearls. Probably there was no great
er expert living. His first glance at
the Blue Moon. when the lid of the
tiny plush case was raised, betrayed
him. Forgetful of the level eyes
watching his slightest move, studying
his every expression. he pounced upon
the glorious jewel and caresSed II with
his hands. devoured 1t with his pro
truding eyes-the crafty trader lost
for the moment In the expert, the
Jew in the man.
But 1t was only for the moment. The
enthusiast vanished; in his place the
hard-faced trader. He Strengthened:
set the box, with the lid still up. on
the table that occupied the center OF
the Office floor and looked around at
the others.
$500" he said, with a slither OF
his hand toward the pearl--a gesture
only Louie Solomon could make.
"undt dot ISIS 1t for which de pearl
fishers should go crazy"
But even Louie Solomon couldn't
quite put over his accustomed bluff 10
the face of such gem. 1t drew his
eyes back in spite of him. Taking
lens from his pocket. he stopped over
1t again.
you no see dot flaw?" he said. art
err q short inspection.
The Pearlhunter took the lens ana
looked with quick. studied care Some
times the most perfect pearl will dt-
velop flaw in ripening.
NO" he answered, handing back
the lens. Neither do you"
1t was a straight thrust. The buyer
flushed and studied his man Who
was this Pearlhunter, anyhow
."Veil. how much you want it?"
al told you"
The jew ridiculed the idea with his
hands.
Il sought you make me some fool
ishness. You dond't can meant itT'
you've got a good chance to find
out"
The Jew stopped again over ths
pearl rolled it about upon the plush
cushion inside the tiny jewel case. took
small pair of calipers from his vest
pocket and measured 1t, not only to
determine its size but its roundness As
well. The old banker looked across
the table and winked at the Pearl-
hunter-a very distinct and unmstak-
able wink. A dry grin puckered the
young mans eyes. It's not every pearl
fisher that gets wiDked at by banker.
Solomon looked up after a while
and growIed:
II gift you Tree t0usan',"
The banker started. But the PEARL
hunter said:
IF 1t amt worth more than that
might as well go down to Mud Haul
and fish for bullheads."
Louie Solomon swore-a stiff little
run of what the Flatwoods calls keen
cussin'." His eyes stuck out; he
stormed back and forth across he
floor time or two. muttering 10 him
self in Yiddish, a language in which
he doubtless swore more comfortably.
II was the squirrel" whisky. Louie
knew better. too.
But the tempest was soon over. He
stopped at the corner of the taole, his
face smoothed serene as a garden
and ike a garden, the better for the
storm.
"Lonie. l many times say to mine
self, Louie. you got it too much big
hearted TO be pearl buyer yet. Too
much soft-hearted you got it. Hard
hearted pearl buyer should Dc. You
Gift TOO high, Undt you sell TOO low.
Misses Solomon, she die In de poor
house yet, hain'dt it? / gif you -four
t'ousan"
The PearIhunter glanced across the
table at the banker.
II reckon you might as well put It
back in the safe" be said. "He knows
my price, and he don't seem to want
10 do business"
The banker picked up the littsa
plush case, snapped the lid down, and
started fog the door. Taking the pearl