Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Banks of the Boneyard (Charles Kiler) [PAGE 71]

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On the Banks of the Boneyard

and was dismissed with the statement, "I never buy books for the house. Mrs. Johnson attends to that." Then the agent went out to Johnson's house and told Mrs. Johnson he had a work on "Early Christian Martyrs" which her husband wanted but he wouldn't buy it because buying books was her business. Mrs. Johnson said O.K. and paid him $5 for a copy. Then the agent went back to the law office and told Mr. Johnson that his wife had no money but wanted that book badly as she could use it in her Sunday School teaching, and Johnson bought one for another $5 cash. When he got home and had taken off his shoes and coat for slippers and house jacket, he said, "By the way, my dear, I bought that book for you;" she asked, "What book?" "Why the one about the 'Early Christian Martyrs'." Mrs. Johnson nearly fainted as she told him she had also bought one. Just then the train-hack passed on its way to the depot and sitting in one corner was the book agent. Johnson rushed to the door but realized he had on his slippers. A friend was passing so he asked him to "Go to the depot and hold that nice-looking black-haired man in the corner of the hack until I get there." The friend hurried to the depot just as the train pulled in, accosted the book agent and said, "Mr. Johnson asks for me to hold you until he gets here." The book agent queried, "Johnson—do you mean Lawyer Johnson—oh dear, I sold him a book and forgot to deliver it to him; would you mind taking it?" Of course the friend was willing to oblige and cheerfully paid $5 for the book. When Mr. Johnson arrived, the train was pulling out and he had another copy of the book about the "Early Christian Martyrs!" I assured the Bishop that I was not that kind of an agent, and started in on a most prosperous run of luck in Harrisburg. Those two names of the Governor and the Bishop opened many a door to me. I have never forgotten their kindnesses. Among the interesting people at my boarding house was the superintendent of the gigantic steel mills in suburban Steelton. He saw at once the advantage that members of my Library Association had over other people in buying books and getting their magazines at wholesale rates. He not only bought a membership but took me over to the mills and introduced me to. leading employees who lined up at the superintendent's desk to sign my subscription book. I rospenty was mine in a great big way.

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