“Tell you what I’ll do,” offered Arnold. “In return for the news story, I’ll run an advertisement for you. Would that be satisfactory?”
“Swell!”
“It’s a deal then. I’ll draw up something appropriate.”
Jim rode home feeling proud and important. The recent article about himself and Ticktock, even though it had caused rather unfavorable comment from his father, had made the boy hungry for fame. When the Gazette arrived Jim was waiting at the mailbox. His article was on the front page carrying what seemed to Jim enormous block headlines.
New Business In Springdale
Pony Express Incorporated formed by Jim Meadows
Mr. Jim Meadows, local young business man, has announced the formation of a new enterprise in our community—The Pony Express Incorporated. This business offers a variety of services to Springdale residents. The owners, Mr. Jim Meadows and his horse Ticktock, will drive cattle to market, provide speedy reliable messenger service, do chores for farmers absent from their homes, perform light freighting jobs (anything moved that can be carried in a burlap bag), or even baby sit providing no changing of diapers is involved.
Mr. Meadows and his horse, who were recently mentioned in this paper, are full and equal partners in the new business. The Pony Express, Inc., will use R.F.D. #2 as its address, telephone Springdale 6207. Mr. Meadows, the president, will take all telephone messages, as the horse is a silent partner. The advertisement of the Pony Express will be found on page 3 of this issue.
Springdale is fortunate to be chosen as the seat of this new enterprise. The variety of new services offered will no doubt make life richer and fuller for everyone. It is not yet known whether the Springdale Rotary Club will extend an invitation to Mr. Meadows and Ticktock to join the organization.
While the article was much changed from its original form, and the last paragraph was entirely new to Jim, there were still enough of the original words remaining to make him feel that he had appeared in print. Glowing with pride he turned to see his advertisement. It was equally satisfactory.
Turn Your Odd Jobs over to
The Pony Express, Inc.
(Ticktock and Jim, sole owners)
Errands run, quickly and reliably
Pigs caught
Cattle herded or driven anywhere
Confidential Messenger Service
For anything that man and horse can do
CALL ON US!
Phone 6207 Ask for Jim
Jim said nothing to his parents but let them discover the article themselves. His father was first to see the paper. He read the news item and advertisement, grinning with amusement and pride.
“So you are in business now,” he said. “How did you get all this free publicity?”
“Wrote most of it myself,” answered Jim frankly.