The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-01-28
ERIC CHADFORD'S ADVEN-
TURE.
BY LILA H. G0DsHALL.

A large brick building, four stories in
height, and bearing the sign, "HalPs
Storage Warehouse" was what attracted
Eric Chsdfords attention on this bright
October day. He had seen it often be-
fore; every day he passed it on his way to
the paper mills, half mile or SO up
the railroad; but it had never held his
attention as it did this morning-the
huge doors thrown wide open, and
through them be caught a glimpse Of the
ponderous elevator, heavily laden with
all sorts and kinds of furniture, just
about to ascend.
eff I were q man, now" he unused,
moving closer, until he stood almost
within the door; IT should like to own
just such place as THE"
"Hello, there, stand out OF the road!'
and, as he involuntary reiterated, Eric
Chadford's eyes rested upon boy about
his own size and age; foppishly dressed,
and with paper cigarette held between
his thumb and finger.
"I don't know as I'm very much in the
way" Eric replied, his face flushing as
he resented the insolently spoken words.
81 don't see any loading going on at
present"
"Don't your" replied the other with
sneer. Nevertheless, you had better
move on. We don't want any suspicious
looking tramps lounging around here"
HShame on you, Thomas Gratz."
And almost before the angry blood
had time to dye Eros cheek crimson. he
saw soldierly looking man come up
suddenly from behind them, and bend
glance of stern disapproval upon his
clerks face.
''Well, you know, Mr.. Hail." Thomas
began apologetically, but looking asham-
ed and a little bit frightened, "you order
ed me to keep the grounds clear of all
intruders, and since he would not 60
when first told, t"
81 don't see anything 50 very objec-
tionable about him." Mr.. Hall interrupt.
ed, turning kindly to Eric; and then,
after q moments keen survey Of his
flushed face, you can return to the
Office, Thomas, and hereafter very
sternly-"be tIile more careful of
your language"
Muttering something between his teeth
as he obeyed, and with a final glance of
contempt at Eric, the boy walked away,
but continued to watch them through
the office curtains, as Mr.. Hall in kind
voice sought to question Eric before al
lowing him to go on his way.
"Were you ever in a warehouse, my
boy? If you were not, and think you
should enjoy it, have time enough to
take you through now, and"-a little mis-
chievously-"to give you few hints, in
case you should ever want to go into the
business"
Eric smiled, but shook his head.
81 am very much obliged, but am ex-
pected at the mills in tsn minutes, and it
will take me that long to get there. Good
morning, sirr
And Eric touched his cap respectfully,
when Mr.. Hall detained him.
''What time will you be coming backP"
"At five tonight, sir; other nights at
six"
Every well; stop on your way back.
will be here, and will take you through
then. It will be a good punishment" p
speaking as il to himself-"to make young
Gratz stay twenty minutes or 30 over his
time" And then aloud, "very good-at
five O'Clock"
Promptly at five o'clock, Eric was on
hand, and entering the office was met by
a scowl from Thomas, who, after the first
rude stare, took no further notice of him
whatever, and purposely filled all the
chairs in the room, SO that he could have
no place to sit; but confident of Mr..
Halls good will, Eric did not mind in
the least, and when that gentleman ar
rived, went off with him at once, leaving
Thomas Tuning, and bordering as to
how he could best have his revenge.
The seven hundred rooms were reve-
lation to Eric as he followed his guide
up and down the narrow halls, and in
and out some of the rooms that were I'M
occupied.
What glimpses he caught of the fur
niture through the wooden stats, showed
him that the most of it was good and
handsome, and he looked in wonder at
the hundreds of pianos, sewing machines
and trunks, that, though close together,
took up so much space.
"Even thief would be baffled here
remarked Mr.. Hall, unless he broke the
SLATE, which would be considerable
trouble and take some time; and things
like this"-thrusting his hand through
. the bars, and bringing out large bell
would not be worth the carrying of.
Now we will go up stairs"
Just at that moment the whistle at the
speaking tube called Mr.. Hall away for
moment, and when he returned he
looked little excited, and was evidently
in a great hurry.
"It's too bad" he said, "but will not
be able to show you any more rooms at
present, / shall have to take the next train
TO @, which will pass here in three
minutes. But"-and Mr.Hall looked keen