The mirror., 1923-05-10
BUCKING FATE
CONTINUED from page I

VI, tut! our experience ana ap-
parent initiative are your capital. I'll
furnish the building and equip the plant,
and we'll divide the stock equally between
US. Say, by Jove! we had better run over
and see your friends before we begin
Matching our chicks, eh?" concluded Bell
with chucke.
1t was light hearted Jim that led the
way up the rickety stairs to the plater's
rooms, and the two old gents were nom
plused with astonishment and joy as the
plan was unfolded to them. On the fol-
lowing day, the four men met at the Office
of Corporation attorney and affixed their
signatures to an imposing looking legal
document which declared the existence of
the Cooperative Plating Co.
Operations were soon began, upon a
small scale, in corner of the old factory
building, and, as work was turned out,
new contracts began coming in. A few
months later the old charcoal stove method
became too slow, and the Electro process
was installed. Also long row of lathe
like machines, consisting of emery wheels,
grease wheels, revolving fibre brushes,
and several cloth buffers. A number of
Jim's old companions from the Motor Sup
ply Co., including the old gent whom he
had first met on the train, were employed
to meet with the ever increasing demand
for their products. Bell, himself, assumed
the management, Hicks took his place as
superintendent, and the old platter was
made foreman over the entire plant.
Nate Stiles, once forlorn, detected, and
bankrupt farmer, became travelling solci
tor, visiting towns and cities and gather
ing orders for plating from hotels restau
rants, etc.
One day, as the train bearing Stiles
stopped at the little town of Butler, old
Hank Jones, the local Justice, in company
with his friend West and the Rev. Crich-
ton, entered the coach.
"Hello everybody" cried Stiles as he
rushed to meet his old neighbors.
Jones and West blinked in amazemert,
pushed back their G. A. R. hats, adjusted
their spectacles, and gasped "Well I'll be
switched I'll be hanged if it isn't old
Nate Stiles!"
"Allah be praised! 1t surely is good to
see you again, and you're looking as pert
as turkey gobler!" laughed Crichton as
he grasped the outstreched hand.
They were all bound for Metropolis to
attend Knights Templar convention,
and jolly crowd it was. AS Stiles re-
lated the events leading up to his good
fortune a "train butcher" entered the car
with the customary peanuts and candy,
chewing gum, oranges, bananas, and apples"
"Here ye are!" cried West. "What'll
ye take for the lot?"
The 'news butcher" was no more sur
Irised than were Vests companions, and,
after moments thought, he replied, 'Is
ten dollars too much?"
"I should say not!" exclaimed West as
he passed him crisp bank note, and then
grapsing his purchase began tossing the
contents of the large basket to all the ira
velers. "By Gosh! It's worth ten dollars
any time to hear of such good fortune.
By Heck Crichton you started this busi
ness when you stirred up Jim Hicks in the
store that night" The others agreed with
him and shook Crichton's hand warmly.
"Thank you gentlemen, but Jim Hicks
cnly saw chance to buck Fate. He did
it and won" replied the preacher unas-
sumingly.
"Say, gents, let's all 60 and surprise
Jim with call and a supper tonight,
eh?" interposed the Justice. All answered
"Aye," and the train rolled on.