Life — October 12, 1916 — page 26: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

WOOK FESS s XXX aa PO The Deal That Never Came Off (Or, Business Life in the Great City) .L be here on the noon train,” said the chief clerk. Whittler looked at his watch; he just had time enough to get it. “You realize, of course, sir,” said the chief clerk, “that he is a very important man, and judging by his letters he is somewhat peculiar. He has been living off in the country so long that he may not be used to city ways.” The chief clerk was never offensive; his interest in the business gave him cer- tain liberties. Whittler appreciated his advice. “T suppose if we can put this thing through,” he said, “it would make a dif- ference of twenty-five or thirty thou- sand?" “Easily, sir. Here is the letter.” Whittler noticed that the man’s name was Pentwind, and, thrusting the letter into his pocket, he started off for the train, He had come to depend upon his chief clerk; but here was a case where only the principals could act. The deal which was on with Pentwind necessitated a quiet confab together; and as Whittler went toward the station he planned the air tentatively: He would do the usual thing, in metropolitan fashion. He would take Pentwind out to luncheon, and they would talk it over. Twenty minutes later he was grasping the hand of a rather bewildered looking gentleman, who had stepped off of the train and looked around him somewhat fearfully. Above the din he leaned for- ward and shouted into Whittler's ear: “Tam going to get back as soon as I can, Not used to the city; hate it like the devil. Let's go to some place where we can talk this thing over.” “Just the place,” shouted Whittler, over the sound of trucking baggage and heterogeneous whistles—not to speak of distant clangings. “ We'll step right over and have a bite to eat.” He dragged Pentwind out into the street, pushed him gently into a waiting taxi, and they whirred rapidly away to the restaurant rendezvous. Whittler, taking his guest's arm, led him through the noonday mob, past hurrying waiters, until they finally suc- ceeded in finding two seats at a small table in a corner. Whittler picked up the menu, At this instant a loud burst of music almost took his country friend out of his chair. Pentwind leaned for- ward and shouted : , “We can’t talk business here. fearful!” “T can assure you,” said Whittler, “that this is the quietest place in town, You see, we are as far away from the music as we can get. You will get used to it in a few moments.” This is His country friend shook bis head dole- fully. Can't think! "\he cried. something and get out of here. you can't find some other place. your office?” They swallowed a hasty luncheon. Whittler rushed him out of the place, put him into another taxi, and they started for his office. Whittler put his guest down in the chair, The chief clerk, hovering in the distance, discreetly closed the door. “This is something like,” wind. Now about that—” (Continued on page 645) “Let's eat See if How is. said Pent- cr NEW YORK, 1916 OUR MODERN METHOD Woman says police burst into dwelling to seize sick baby. Declares they drew pistols and tore child from ber arms by force.—News headline.