A Successful Book Agent.

Otago Witness, Issue 1942, 7 February 1889, Page 37

A Successful Book Agent.

Some years ago, says the New York Press, one of these agents visited a small hamlet in the State of Michigan selling " The Royal Path of Life." He had just nine books in his valise, and he was determined to sell all of them that day. The first man whom he approached was prominent in the church. " You had better call up at the houseand see my wife, for she bays all the books," said the man, good naturedly, But with the customary pertinacy of the guild the agent made a sale. His success continued until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, he had sold seven copies of bis boofc. He was anxious to get a^ay and determine^

to sell the remaining two copies, so he called on the wife of his first customer and, first being careful to ascertain that her husband had not been home since morning, he sold her ( one of his books. , When the husband came home he gave his . wife a parcel, saying : " There ; one of those confounded book agents talked me into , buying that book." „ "What!" exclaimed his wife, "a book! . Why, I bought one, too." When they compared notes they found that they were well supplied with "The Royal Path of Life." The man was furious, and while he was putting on his boots to go down to the station to get square with that " villainous agent " a neighbour rode by, and the irate . man shouted to him to detain that book ! agent at the station, as he wished particularly to see him. When the neighbour reached the station the train was in sight. "My friend, Mr wishes very much to see you before you leave town," he shouted. "Oh, yes," said the agent, blandly, ho wants one of my books, and I have just one left." " How much is it ?" said the man hurriedly, for the train was at hand. " Two dollars." " Here's your money." The train moved off, carrying the book agent, just as the excited church member, in hob haste, came in sight. His anger at the latest imposition may be imagined.