Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 250, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1911 — James Craig and Eugene Had Thorough Understanding One Day. [ARTICLE]

James Craig and Eugene Had Thorough Understanding One Day.

2 James Crgig was down from Thayer Saturday. \ He owns a large amoiint ’df land at Thayer and favors improvements. He also knows from experience that a fellow has to look after his own interests some as he goes along. One day Mr. Purtelle asked him for the right-of-way along the side of his farm. Jim said he would give it on his terms. He said the land was well tiled and had a hog tight fence around iL A railroad grade would cut off one stretch of tile. He sai dthat if Purtel’e telle would put in a' hog tight fence on the new. line and run an eight inch tile on the east side of the farm and put up a bond that he would put the land back in as good shape as it is now if the road was built, he would sign a contract to give a deed for the right-of-way. Eugene said alright. Later Purtelle in cutting down trees, etc., got as far along as Mr. Craig’s line. He said he was going right through. Mr. Craig said he was not until he complied with the conditions. Purtelle again said he was. "If you do,” said Jim, “you will find me right in the corner of the field with a pump gun, and I’ll use it op you or the first man that undertakes to come On the land with tools to start business.” Gene never came any further. Mr. Craig had promised that he would not only give the right-of-way but would also give *2OO toward the construction of a depot. One day Purtelle came to him with a tale of woe. He needed *l5O. “So do I,” said Jinji “I need money alt the time and am not surprised that you need it once in a while.” “I need it desperately,” plead Purtelle, “and I want you to loan it to me.” ’ Jim said he would if Purtelle could put up the security. “What have you?” asked Jim. “I am going to put in a lot of work here,” said Purtelle. “I don’t care what you are going to do, I don't loan any money on such prospects,” replied Jim. “Mr. Craig, I am surprised in you,” said Gene. “No more than I am in you,” said Jim. Thus terminated a friendship that might have been very ( valuable to Purtfile if he had shown a disposition to be fair minded and honest. Mr. Craig is like most other men. When he found out that Purtelle was going to use bluffing methods he withdrew his friendship and now Purtelle wHI have to pay to get through a fdrm where the right-of-way would have been donated.