The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-11

celllnS Mr.. Goldcraft gaZe0 rlgldlV at the oppo-
site wall. Wilkins felt chill creeping over him.
You are probably aware, said Mr.. Godcraft,
coldly, that the question of a successor to Mr..
Bingle is before the board"
so understand, SIR
You also aware of the solitude with
which this board reviews the private character of
its employees"
Il am, SIR" answered Wilkins, with an aston
ished flush, which the directors marked as con-
firming Mr. Pompon
Then" said Mr.. Goldcraft, holding out the
note, perhaps you will be good enough to ac
count for that
Wilkins turned very pale "I-I-this is a
private matter" he SAID, in much embarrass-
ment.
Very well, We will leave it So if you choose.
But may tell you that your interests are grave
~ compromised.s
Good heavens" cried wilkins in dismay SIS
there any harm in borrowing a trifie from
friendl'
You are very intimate with Mr.. Flush, them
put in Pompon Sarcastically.
We'll, no, not lately. But we went to college
together. I've scarcely seen anything of him
Tor some years, but | had often lent him small
sums l looked him up when l wanted a short
loan. He was the only man | thought of-Im
not in the habit OF borrowing"
"Oh pshaw!" said Pompon. 1--WE all know
how your friend lives"
II believe he is rather fast said Wilkins,
whose economies had taken him much away
from mems GOSSIP
He's next to a professional gambler sir!"
roared Goldcraft
wilkins in amazement saw instantly the bear
ing OF the statement.
'You-surely you don't suppose I play cards
for money!" he said
That has seemed highly probable" put in
Mr. Pompon, especially as Moss Abrams told
Mr. Shaver that this note, with several others
which he did for Flush, represented winnings"
why, what can believe" said Godcraft.
II you can explain l am this board will be
Pleased"
There's nothing to explain-nothing more
than have said. [ wanted a little money and
went to Flush, giving the note as a mere mem
orandum. That's the whole story"
The directors looked incredulous.
Perhaps" said Goldcraft, las your interests
are at stake You might tell now you carno to be
IN need or money. Are you in debtF
Except that note don't owe anybody cent"
said Wilkins, and Pompon shook his head, as
though saying, what liar. Wilkins noticed
the gesture and went on.
Since my private affairs are up for discus
sion may say that | found myself deeply in
debt about three years ago Since then my
household has been conducted with such rigid
economy that paid off every creditor, principal
and interest, this month"
MIR Goldcraft shook the note significantly.
IF you really insist on it l will explain that,
too" said Wilkins, and could not help smiling.
Mr. Godcraft thought the smile fippant.
go on, he said coldly.
ia rather tell you privately Mr. Goldcraft,7
SAID Wilkins, recoiling from putting the presi-
dent in what he imagined would be an awkward
position.
And l prefer to hear you now." answered
Goldcraft.
IF you think, sir, you may see how it is your
self" said Frederick.
But Goldcraft looked still more offended. Viii
klns was becoming reprehensibly familiar, he
thought. In the worthy presidents memoran-
dun book for that was an item: See Bradder:
pay for cabinet" When he put such an item in
his memoranda he elected it from his natural
memory
Go on, said Goldcraft again.
well, if you will have it. A gentleman
whom hold in the deepest respect wrote to me
early this month, asking me to order certain
article from Bradder the"
Hold on, hold on" shouted Godcraft, bring
ing his fist down on the table with bang, and
bursting into a roar of laughter in which Will
kins joined.
''Whv. hang it all, Wilkins has been pay
ing my debts. Give me that note Pom pom
He's borrowed from Flush to pay for Il cabinet
for my wife. You COMPOUNDED young FOOL said
he, jumping up, and shaking Wikns's hand,
why didn't you tell me you were going to pay
Bradder! Get out now and we will finish our
business"
Eyes, I'm accountant" said Frederick to Jane
that evening. But it was a close thing" and
he related the afternoons occurrences.
Didn't say, you goose that you should have
told Mr., Goldcraft," said Mrs. Wilkins triumph
antly