It looks like we don't have any summaries for this title yet. Be the first to contribute.
Learn more- Lucas is a fine poet, full of inspiration, but empty of food. He lives at Mrs. Spudds' boardinghouse, where there is a little drudge, called Jane, who adores him in secret. She steals food for him which she takes up to his attic, when the landlady denies him the privilege of her table, because he cannot pay his rent. At last she turns the poet out of the house, and in gratitude to the drudge he gives his "masterpiece" as he leaves for good. Jane is broken-hearted. Jane sees an ad for a prize poem for Bunkum's Potted Meat for which $1,000 is offered. She finds that with a slight alteration Lucas' masterpiece will fit the case. She sends it in, with her address. The poem is acclaimed as prize winner, and Jane is sent for. They offer her the position as ad writer at $100 per week. She is to write another poem for that day's ad. She wracks her brains, but can think of nothing, and she tells them that she will return the next day. The next morning she has not put in an appearance, and the editor is nearly crazy, for he is holding the paper for the Bunkum ad. Bunkum's offices are in an uproar, while Jane is studying "How to Be a Poet. By A. Barber. For Ten Cents." She finds it impossible to repeat her success, and they are frantic. In the meantime Lucas has recognized his masterpiece in the paper as Bunkum's ad. He rushes to their office to complain of the theft of his poem. Jane sees him, and tells him that there is a hundred a week in it for him. She explains, and Lucas sits down and writes another masterpiece as wonderful as the first. Bunkum's entire force is delighted with him. Jane says, "Well, I guess this is no place for me." Jane goes home to Mrs. Spudd, finds the door locked, and sits down on the steps. Lucas comes after her, gives her half the money, and they are both happy.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content