The Argosy, December 1905 — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

104 “Rib—how much do you make? What is your pay?” * Seven dollars a week, sir.” Mr. Giddlethorpe went off in a roar of laughter. ‘‘Seven—seven dollars a week!” he cried. “ And you want to marry Emma! You are crazy! It wouldn’t buy her shoes. You can’t support a wife on seven dollars a week.” “J did not ask to marry her while I was earning that. I asked to be per- mitted to pay her attention. I may meet a peddler and rob him some day.” Mr. Giddlethorpe laughed heartily. “Do it! Get some old guy—get any- body! Make some money, and then— we'll talk.” “PH try: 10> -arr.- Mr. Giddlethorpe was not ugly; on the contrary he offered Loran a cigar. The young man left and began to think. The process of thinking was some- thing new to one who, since he left school, had sold ribbons to women. He sat in his little bare room with his aching head resting in his hands. He thought of scheme after scheme. Not one of them dazzled him with its latent possibilities. . Then a grim sort of smile spread over his face, and he went to bed and slept. Loran met Emma several times, but did not speak a word to her of the love that was brimming in his heart. Emma grew to like him. Then, two months after the interview with her father, Loran called again. : “ Hello, Mr.—er—Ribbons, is it?” laughed Mr. Giddlethorpe. “Loran,” said the young man gravely. “Tam nota ribbon-salesman any more.” “ Lose your job?” “JY resigned. I looked about and struck a good thing. I am in the min- ing business now.” Mr. Giddlethorpe stared. “Mining! How did you get into mining ?.” “ Well, I don’t mind telling you. An old uncle of mine had a share in a silver mine down in Wild Cat Gulch. It was supposed to be played out. Well, he told me about it, and I offered him ten per eent on all I could take out of it. He let me have it. J am doing well.” THE ARGOSY. Mr. Giddlethorpe set his thinking ma- chine going hard. Here was a young man who had jumped in a short time from a ribbon-clerk at seven dollars a week to a prosperous mine owner. “Do you own the whole mine?” he asked. “ Well,” said Loran, “I control it. I did sell a few shares. I got seventy- five at the very start. I’ve been paying my uncle three hundred dollars every week. I think I’ve got a good thing.” “That is what I should certainly call a good thing. What are the shares sell- ing for now? ” “Oh, they are not selling. In fact, there are none for sale. The old shaft is just as good as a new one, and every- thing was clear gain from the start.” “Yes,” said Mr. Giddlethorpe. “I should say so. And you went in without capital ? ” “ Didn’t own a dollar. There are a thousand shares, and I own seven hun- dred. I could use a little capital for the smelter. If you wanted a couple of hun- dred shares, I might let you have them.” Mr. Giddlethorpe studied a moment. “JT bought mining stock once and got stuck. I would not try it again without seeing the mine.” “ Well, Wild Cat Gulch is not far. I have a good horse at the door, and we can drive out.” “Great Scott, man, not to-night! ” “Oh, we could be there by midnight. I own a small hotel. We can put up for the night and give all day to the examination of the mine.” “Oh, I can’t do that. What are you selling your shares for? ” “A thousand dollars.” “ Well, I couldn’t take two hundred. Pll take ten.” “All right. That will build a new smelter.” “T should say so. check.” “But I haven’t got the certificates of stock with me.” “Well, a young man who has devel- oped the business talent that you have is worth trusting. Here’s’ the check. Mail the certificates to-morrow.” Mr. Loran calmly placed the check in his pocket. I'll give you a COMICLOOokKs (C@