BREAKING IN A BOOK AGENT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XVI, 22 April 1899, Page 545

BREAKING IN A BOOK AGENT.

AN AMUSING EXPERIENCE. T am afraid that I once spoiled a good book agent,’ said the head member of a book agency. ‘We had got out an expensive religious book, and had advertised for agents to handle it.

‘Among the numerous applicants was a tall, lanky youth. I asked him if he thought he could sell books, and he said that he reckoned he could. ‘Very well,’ said I. ‘l’ll see what yon can do. Take this book and consider that I am your intended victim. The price of the book runs from 2dol. to 4d01., but you must always endeavour to sell the highest priced book, although it is no disgrace to you if you only succeed in selling the cheaper kind. If you succeed in selling me a book I will hire you. Now. go ahead.

‘He took the book, fumbled it awkwardly, and then stammered: ‘ “Ye don’t wanter buy a book, do ye, mister?”

‘I smilingly- answered that I did not. ‘“Better buy one,” he said; “I’ll sell to ye pretty- cheap.” ‘Get out of here!’ I yelled, pretending to be mad. ‘Don’t you see that sign, “Book Agents Not Wanted?” ‘ “I’ll let ye. hev one for Idol., mister, seein’ it’s ye,” said he, taking off his coat and throwing it on the floor. ‘I am afraid, ’ 1 began. ‘“Four dollars, mister, an’ cheap at the price,” he added, as he rolled up his shirt sleeves. ‘I didn't like the look of all these warlike proceedings, and declared the test off. But he refused, and gave me three minutes to “dig up” the price, of the book. ‘While I was trying to make tin. fellow understand that the joke had gone far enough he jumped at me. ‘I didn't stand the ghost of a show with the husky youth, and I soon

found myself on the floor, with the would-be book agent sitting upon me, ‘saying something alioiit a. book he would sell me “powerful cheap." ‘To save my life I reluctantly eon seated to take one of the 2dol. kind. He said he was sorry, but he only sold the Idol. kind. ‘He allowed me to get one hand loose, aud I produced 4d01., whereupon he released me, and wanted to know how soon he could go to work. ‘I kept my word and hired him. sent him as far West as I could, and then discharged him by wire.’- Exchange.