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PAGE TWO | =[e THE BEMIDJI DAILY PIONEER : T FRIDAY EVENING, MAY 19, 1922 (Continued from last issue) - “It's fertilizer—an' if that ain’t agri- cultural stuff I hope my teeth may drop out an’ roll in the ocean. An’ it ain’t perishable. It perished long ago. 1 ain’t deceived you. An’ if you don't like the scent o' dead codfish on your decks, you can swab ’em down with Florida water for a month.” Captain Scraggs’ mate came around the corner of the house and addressed himself to Captain Scraggs. “You can give me my time, sir. I'm a steamboat mate, not a grave digger or a coroner’s assistant, or an under- taker, an’ T can’t stand to handle this here freight.” Mr. McGuffey tossed his silken en- gineer’s cap over to Scraggs. “Hop on that, Scraggsy. Your own hat is ground to powder. Ain’t it strange, Gib, what little imagination Scraggsy's, got? He'll stand there a-screamin’ an’ a-cussin’ an’ a-prancin’ —S8craggsy! Aln't you got no pride, makin® such a spectacle o' yourself? We don’t have to handle this freight o Gib's at_all. We'll just hook onto that barge an’ tow it up river.” “You won't do nothin’ o' the sort, Mac, because that's my barge an’ I ain’t n-go!n’ to let it ont o' my sight. I've delis my freizht alongside vonr steatuor and prepaid the freight wp o you to handle It " 184 “That’s the programme!™ “Adelbert,” erosued Mr. MeGuffey, “ain’t you got no heart? You know I got a half iuterest In the Vicior—" “0-00-0h " Captaln Scraggs groaned, and his gronn was that of a seasick passenger. When he could look up again bis face was ghastly with mis- ery. “Gib," he pleaded sadly, “you got us where the hair Is short. Don't in- voke the inw an' make us handle that codfish, G!b! It aln’t right. Gilmmme leave to tow that barge—anything to keep your frelght off the Victor, an’ we'll pull it up river for you—" “Be a good feller, Gib. You usen'ter be hard an’ spiteful like that,” urged McGuffey. “I'll tow the barge free,” walled Scraggy. Mr. Gibney sat calmly down on the stringer and lit a cigar. Nature had blessed LKim with a strong constitu- tion amlidships and the contiguity of | his tafnted tortune bothered him but little. He squinted over the tip of the cigar at Captain Scraggs. “You're just the same old Seraggsy you was In the green-pea trade. All you need Is a ring In yer nose, Scraggsy, to make you a human hog. Here you goes to work an’ soaks me a dollar a ton when you'd be tickled to death to do the job for half o' that, an’ then you got the gall to stand there appealin’ to my friendship! So you'll tow the barge up free, ch? Well, Just to make the transaction legal, I'll give you a dollar for the job an' let you have the barge. Skip to It, Scraggsy, an' draw up a new bill, guaranteeln’ to tow the barge for one dollar. Then gimme back $499.00 an* Tll hand you back this receipted freight bin.” Captaln Scraggs darted Into his cab- In, dnshed off the necessary document, and returning to the decl presented it, together with the requlsite refund, to Mr. Gibney, who, in the meantime, had come aboard. “Whatever are you a-goin’ to do with this awful codfish, Gib?" he de- manded. Mr. Gibney cocked his hat over one ear and blew a cloud of smoke in the skipper's face. “Well, boys, I'll tell you. Salted codfish that's been wnder water a long time gets most o' the salt took out of it, an’ even at sea, I it's left long enough, it'll get so darned ripe that it's what you might call offensive. But it makes good fertllizer. There ain't nothin' in the world to equal codfish, medium ripe, for fertilizer. I've rigged up a deal with a orchard comp'ny that's layin’ out a couple o' thousand acres o' young trees up in the delta lands o' the Secramento. I've sold 'em the lot, after first buyin’ it from the owners o' the schooner for a hundred dollars. Every time these orchard fel- lers dig a hole to plant a young fruit tree they aim to heave a codfish in the bottom o' the hole first, for fertilizer. There was upward o two hundred thousand codfish in that schooner an' I've sold 'em for five cents each, de- livered at Dunnigan’s landin®. T fig- ger on cleanin’ up about seven thou- e#and net on the deal. I thought me an’ Nells was stuck at t, but I got my imagination workin'—" Captain Scraggs sank limply into McGuffey's arms and the two stared at the doughty commodore. “Hit in the face with a fortune an' didn’t know It,” gasped poor McGuffey. “Gib, I'm sure glad you got out whole on that deal.” “Thanks to a lack o' imagination in you an’ Scraggsy I'm about two hun- dréd"an’ fitty dollars ahead o my estimate now, on account o' the free tow o that barge. Me an’ Nells cer- tainly makes a nice little split on account o' this here codfish deal.” “Gib,” chattered Scraggs, “what's “Gib,” Chattered Scraggs, “What's the Matter With Reorganizin’ tns Syn. dicate?” the matter with reorganizin’ the syn- dicate?” “Be a good pleaded MecGuftey. Mr. Gibney was never so vulnerable ag_when ane he really loved called him by his Christian pame. He drew an arm across the shoulders of Mec- Guffey nnd Scraggs, while Nells Hal- vorsen stood by, his yellow fangs flashing with pleasure under his wal- rus mustache. “Seraggsy! Mac! Your fins! We'll reorganize the syndicate, an’ the min- | ute me an’ Nells finds ourselves with a blll o' sale for a one-quarter inter est In the Victor, based on the actual cost price, w2'll tow this Lere barge—" split the profits on the cod- s cragss queried engerly “Certainly not. Me un’ N splits that fifry-fitty. A quarter o' them | profits Is too high a price to puy for your {riendship, Scraggsy, old deceit- ful. Remember, I made that profit after you an’ Mag had pulled wut o' the syndicate.” “That's loglc,” McGuffey declared. “It's highway robbery,” Scraggs snarled. “I won't sell no quarter in- terest to you or The Squarehead, Gib. Not on them terms.” “Then you'll load them codfish aboard, or pay demurrage on that barge for every day they hang around; an’ if the bonrd of health. condenins ‘em an’ chucks 'em overboard I'll sue you an’ Mic for my lost profits, git a judgment agin you, an’ take over the Victor to satisfy the judgment.” “You're a sen lawyer, Gib,” Scraggs retorted sarcastically. “You do what Gib says,” McGuffey ordered threateningly. “Remember, I 2ot a half (nterest in any judgment be gits agin us—an’ what’s more, I ob- Ject to them codfish clutterin’ up ray half interest.” “You bullied me on the old Magg'e,' Seraggs screeched, “but I won't be bullied no more. If you want to tow that barge, Mac, you buy me out, lock, stock and barrel. An’ the price for my half interest Is five thousand dol- lars.” feller, Adelbert,” Fou've sold something, Scraggsy,” Mr. McGuffey flashed back at him, obeying a wink from Mr. Gibney. “An' here's a hundred dollars to bind the bargain. Balance on delivery of proper bill-o"-sale.” While Scraggs was counting the money Mr. Gibney wns writing a re- ceipt in his note book. Scraggs, still furious, signed the receipt. “Now, then, Scraggsy,” said Mr. Gib- ney affably, “hustle up to the custom house, get a formal bill-osale blank, | fill_ her in, an’ hustle back agin for your check. An’ sce to It you don't change your mind, because it won't do you any good. If you don't come through now I can sue you an' force | you to." | “ont So yvou're buyin’ my interest, eh?” “Well, I'm lendin’ Mac the money, an’ I got a hunch he'll sell the interest to me an’ Neils without figgerin' on a profit. You're a jarrin’' note in the syndicate, Seraggsy, an' I've come to that time o life where I want pence An' there won't be no peace on the Victor unless I skipper her.” Captain Scraggs departed to draw | sm—— ap ffie formal bill of sale an2 Mr. Gib- ney, drawing The Squarehead and Mc- Guffey to him, favored ea= with a searching glance and said: “Gentlemen, did it ever occur to you that there's money in the chicken business?” It had! Both McGuffey and Neils admitted It. There are few men in this world who have not, at some period of their lives, held the same view, albeit the majority of those who have endeavored to demonstrate that fact have subsequently changed their minds, “I thought as much,” the commo- dore grinned. “If I was to let you two out o’ my sight: for a- day you'd both be flat busted the day after. So we won't buy no farm an’ go in for 'chick- ens. We'll sell the Victor an’ buy a little tradin’ schooner. - Then we'll go back to the South seas an 'earn a legitimate livin’.” “But why'll we sell the Victor?” Mec- Guffey demanded. of a boat.” “Because I've just had a talk with the owners o' the two opposition Iines an’ they, knowin’ me to be chummy with you an’ Scraggsy, give me the tip to tell you two that you ceuld kave your choice o’ two propositions—a rate war or a sale o’ the Victor for ten thousand dollars. That gets you out clean an’ saves your originsl capi- tal, an’ it gits Scraggsy out the same way, while nettin’ me an’ Nells five hundred each.” “A rate war would ruin us,” Me- Gaffey agreed. “In addition to sourin’ Scraggsy's disposition until he wouldn't be fit to live with. Gib, you're a wonder.” “T know it,” Mr. Gibney replied. ‘Within two hours Captain Scraggs’ half interest had passed into the hands of McGuffey, and half an hour iate the Victor had passed into the hands of the opposition lines, to be operated for the joint profit of the iatter. Later in the day all four members of the syndicate met in the Bowhead saloon, where Mr. Gibney explained the deal to Captain Scraggs. The latter was dumfounded. “You'll run without me, Gib" Seraggs declared emphatically. “I've had a-plenty o’ the dark blue for mine. I got a little stake now, so I'm going to look around an’ invest in a—" “A chicken ranch,” McGuffey Inter- rupted. “Right-O, Bart. 1t “Imagination,” quoth McGufTey. tap- ping his forehead, “Imaginotion. Scraggsy.” Three weeks later Mr. Gibney had purchased, for account of his now ab- breviated syndicate, the kind of po- er schooner he desired. and (he in- spectors gave him a ticket as wmsier. With The Squarehead as raate and Mr. McGuffey as engineer and general utility man, the little schoener cleared for Pago Pago on a day wi Scraggs was too busy bu. How'd you guess g tors to come down to the Jock and see; them off. And for aught the chronicler ot this tale knows to the contrary, the syndi- cate may be salling in that seli-esme schooner to this very day. (THBE END.) 2o RAGS ten rage--no buttons, bands or wooles eloth accepted. Pioneer Office BEMIDJI FLORAL CO. CHOICE CUT FLOWERS ANDG PLANTS Artistle Designs PROMPT ATTENTION GIVEN TO MAIL ORDERS J Bemidji, Mina. 512 Beltrami Ave. Phone 418-W Repair Work That Lasts = Plumbing repaired by us = stays repairedbecauseour = work is thorough and our = materials high grade, = Prices reasonable, g We have a pipe ma- chine that cuts and threads from 1 inch to 8 inch pipe. Roy V. Harker Sanitatior Zngineer Distributczs of Kohler Ware Phcne 122 113 3rd St. 0000000000000 “Gib, she’s a iove | T T I T T F I BRI f I F 3 17T 7" 7 T T 0 iFrr ¥y J 5 i3 1 NEYT L L L L 1 N a4 N N 2 K § F § § | Never Greater Savings " To Celebrate the Opening of ‘ces Radically Reduced OUR NEW STORE 10 DAY SALE STARTING SATURDAY, MAY 20 When we say “Stupendous,” we mean it! We have never quoted such wond§r'ful val- ues before—we want to move stock to make room for new goods that are arriving for this big, new store. We are right downtown where it is easy for you to find us— ON THIRD STREET — THE VALUES WILL SURPRISE YOU—YOU’LL WONDER HOW WE CAN DO IT CAMPERS WILL FIND THINGS OF INTEREST HERE! RUSSET ARMY Sl-_'lOES Shoes will wear well, nc better material goes intc shoes— . Special, per pair . . . $3.49] Nork Shoes, pair . . . $2.98 ROPE Army Sisal Rope, 3-inch, per foot ......... ...3¢ Army Mexican Govern- Rope, perfoot ....... 2c LEATHER SADDLES Just think of buying an all-leather, sewed Saddle MecClellan makz, that cost the Gov't three times as much, for .......$12.85 CERTAINTEED LINOLEUM All in first-class condition Heavy, plain brown and plain green, and assorted patterns, per sq yd.$1.39 FLORTEX Floor Cover- ing, comes 6 feet wide, fine for summer cottages, per square yard ....49c ARMY COTS Gold Medal heavy canvas| covered Folding Cots, can| be packed very handy in your car. Very cheap, at . .. .$3.25 WRECKING BARS Made of genuine tool steel, a very handy ar- ticle, each .. ...59¢ ARMY TENTS Just the thing for campers and at prices that make it easy to buy— 16x16 Class A Tents - 16x16 ‘A’ Tents. .$22.95 16x16 ‘B’ Tents. .$17.95 9x9 ‘A’ Tents . . ..$12.35 9x9 New Tents . . .$17.95 MACKINAWS at. . $5.95 O. D. BREECHES Fix up your uniform for the Memorial Day parade —per pair .......$119 0.5, Surp IRON BARRACK COTS The same room as a single bed, cost the Government a great deal more than we quote them. Special in thissale.. . $2.25 PAINTS All our Paint is Guaran- teed for 5 years; do not judge Paint by the price, we sell it cheap because we bought it cheop. As- .sorted colors including white; per gallon. .$2.25 Fishermen Attention! HIP BOOTS FOR $3.25 Brand new U. S. Rubber Co. make, no sportsman can afford to be without| them at this price; we have a good lot of them but they sell every time they’re shown. Knee Boots, special $2.98 KHAKI SHIRTS You can save money buy- ing here—you should see theseat ........... 89c VARNISH The best grade of Ambe- rock Varnish, not a cheap grade but sold cheap— Quarts ...... ..... 95¢c 3 Gallons . ... $1.75 By the Gallon . ...$3.25 200 NAVY WATERPROOF SUITS Here’s a snap for the man who washes his own car. tMade of waterproof twill |__soiled, but otherwise in good condition—Jumpers and Long Pants. We want you to see us Satur- day—these garments go| .. 10¢] ARMY COT TICKS Made of heavy “Indian Head” Muslin, used to cover mattresses and for ticks in the army, contain 4 yards of cloth—Satur- day they go at each. .39c For 6 or over, each.$1.25 P e e OILED CLOTHING Here’s just the thing for the man who must work] out in the rain. A suit made of black ciled slick-] er material—suit consists| of Jumper and Bib Over- alls, per suit . . ....$2.60 ROOFING No excuse for letting roof leak with the proper ma- terials for fixing them at these prices. Satisfaction guaranteed or money re- funded. Each roll con- tains 108 square feet. 1-ply, per roll 2-ply, per roll 3-ply, perroll .....$2.10 SLATE Shingle pattern Roofing, weighs 100 Ibs to the roll, per roll .... Plain Slate Roofing, weighs 80 lbs to the roll, perroll . two or three pieces. WINDOW SASHES Six 10x15-inch lights in sach Sash; were used in army cantonments; spe- cial price, per sash.$1.38 ARMY ALUMINUM WARE Canteens and Mess Kits, just the thing for the sportsman or camper— Mess Kits .........48¢ Canteens ... .. .4 [d O. D. SHIRTS. Regulation Government issues, get your size now, we offer them very spacial At e ....92.98 220-DENIM OVERALLS These are heavy, well made blue Overalls made for hard wear, special, ab eesdeis i 3% $1.19 WEB ARMY BELTS Special each ....... 23c Jus Army Goods Store NOW LOCATED AT 220 THIRD ST. (Next to Grand Theatre) = 1 ..... $1.39 .....$2.98 ..$1.98 some of these rolls are in 7 i 7 T fF R R 3 RO