human
The worst of it is, added Mr. Marcus,
gpt
They'll have a good chance, said Mr. Marcus' friend.
human
Really, my dear sir, I can't see how you could have made such a break. The idea of accepting a full-page ad. for 'Dr. Gurgles' Metallic Liver Pads,' only to find that there is no such thing on the market, and that you have been made the victim of a practical joker! I wish I had had charge of the business end of the thing, this would not have happened.
gpt
I dare say not, but don't reproach me, for I'm too much broken up to stand it. The question is, how are we going to fill up that page? I've been boasting, right and left, about the phenomenal amount of bona-fide ads. the first number of the _Bugle_ would contain, and now we are a full page short. And I've told a number of people that we were to have a page ad. from a well-known concern--something the _Banner_ never had.
human
Have you told anyone what the concern was?
gpt
No.
human
Then perhaps you could get some firm in town to take the page.
gpt
I'd let 'em have it at any price. But, no, it wouldn't do; I should have to own up how I had been victimized. Besides, it's too late now, anyhow. Why, nearly the whole paper is in type, and one side is printed.
human
Well, what are you going to do with that page?
gpt
I give it up.
human
Perhaps I can help out, sir,
gpt
You've been listening, boy!
human
I have; I couldn't very well help it, for you spoke in a loud tone.
gpt
That's so, Marcus, added the other gentleman.
human
A public restaurant is not just the place to talk over such a matter.
gpt
Well, said Marcus, glaring at Al,
human
I suppose you mean to go and tell everyone in town what you have heard?
gpt
I don't know anyone in town, and if I did I shouldn't repeat a word. As I just said, I think I can help you out.
human
You! How?
gpt
You said you'd let that page go at any price?
human
I did.
gpt
Perhaps I will take it. I couldn't afford to do anything like regular rates, but perhaps by helping you out I can get a lot of advertising almost free. I tell you frankly that is my object, and I give you my word that no one shall know anything about the transaction.
human
Well, said the former,
gpt
No. I am Allen Allston, advance agent of Wattles' New York Comedy Company, which plays here to-morrow night.
human
A lad like you occupying a position like that?
gpt
Just so, sir. Now, what will you let us have that page for?
human
Perhaps your employer would repudiate the bill.
gpt
I'll pay it myself, right here and now.
human
I'll take you up. You can have the page for one hundred dollars. When can I have the copy?
gpt
Not at all at that price, replied Al, coolly.
human
The page wouldn't be worth that much to us. I'll give you fifty dollars, cash now, and the copy in an hour or less.
gpt
Done! Give me the fifty dollars, and I'll give you a receipt for four hundred. But mind, mum's the word about this deal.
human
You may depend upon me, sir.
gpt
But, asked Mr. Marcus,
human
I'll get it ready, replied Al.
gpt
Your foreman will have it on time.
human
Well, said Mr. Marcus,
gpt
I hope so, said Al, modestly;
human
I think it does.
gpt
My overhearing your conversation was only blind luck.
human
Yes; but many a man would not have been smart and quick enough to take advantage of it. The successful business man is he who seizes upon the lucky accidents that others pass by, and turns them to his own advantage. You'll get along, my boy.
gpt
I don't know but there is something in that, the boy said to himself:
human
I'll look out for the lucky accidents after this.