The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1896-09-03


II had taken decade to form, to ban
ish me to q top-foor. seven-room fiat in
Harlem?
was at the ONCE few minutes ear
lier the next day. and the first hting
that met my eyes was bunch Of violets
on Miss Wilkins desk. A few moments
later abe arrived. and swung around
In my chair for the purpose Of more
closely scrutinizing her to learn II there
were grounds for the ofiice suspicious.
She took up the flowers. bowed and
smiled pleasantly to me.
Good morning" ventured, and, to
my horror. felt myself smile, too.
AS the days went by the burden Of
suspicion that rested on me became
more and more irksome. Even In my
dreams saw the impudent eyes Of But
ternut. the CLASSY. cynical stare of High
stule and the Jealous gaze Of Books
upon me; felt her innocent smile of
gratitude to the supposed donor of the
violets. All day long my mind dwelt
upon my unpleasant position. and The
more ] pondered the more became con-
WINGED that the way for me to clear my
self was to expose the real donor of the
flowers. This decided. my plans were
quickly formulated and as quickly car
ried out.
Our store Is opened at 8 o'clock by
Mike, the porter. The younger clerks
are supposed to report at that hour, but
experience had taught me that the first
one is never to be expected until half
hour later. s
So ! went down at $780, let myself in
by my key and took up position In the
private Office. The door was left half
open. SO that a good view could be had
Of Miss Wilkins desk.
The hands Of the clock indicated ten
minutes to the hour. when heard a key
rattle. the door open and footsteps. That
was Mike. I could tell by the heavy
tread. heard him roll up the blinds
and advance through the open door, and
! saw him lay something on Miss Wilt
kin's desk.
'Is that you, Mixer" / called.
He quickly reached out his hand to
seize the flowers. but before he could
get them out Of sight was at his side.
My mind rapidly scanned the whole
situation. It could not be that this poor
Italian was spending his hard-earned
wages purchasing violets at 81 bunch
for our typewriter. He must be an
agent. and 1t behooved me to learn for
whom, If ever was to regain my DO
sition in the Office.
Mike" began. sternly. what were
you doing with those violets?"
"Givva de young lade." he replied sui
lenly.
See here. you rascal" cried. SELF
ing his arm, you might as well tell me
the truth. Who gave you those violets
to put on Miss Wilkins desk7 / won't
stand any fooling."
"Me givva de fiow." he growled. "Me
Iowa delade."
He was short and stout but so fat
that doubted not that my fifteen years
daily experience with dumb-bells would
stand me in good stead. / was angry,
terribly angry. as I felt that the moment
when could know all had come and
this man who had the power to clear me
refused.
Mike cried In q threatening tone,
tell me quickly who got you to put
those violets there or will shake you
within an inch Of your life."
Mike new tell. Leggo me-" he dog
gedly retorted.
mot until you tell me- replied.
grasping his arm tighter.
He gave q quick jerk that loosened
my hold and threw me violently against
the safe. and when regained my feet
he was running for the door as fast a.
his legs would carry him. Ns .g8
In minute I was on his back, we
were down together and rolling and
graphing over the dusty floor. AT length
emerged from the struggle. bruised,
bedraggley, but, triumphant mad my
opponent face downward on the floor
and was seated on his back, 80 by
humping his head on the floor by way.
Of emphasis ! said: NsA 49,
''Now. Mike. mean you no harm.
You and have always been friends.
and trust THAI we will continue so.
But sit right here until you tell me
who gave you those violets to put on
Miss Wilkins desk. Was It Mr.. But
ternut or Mr.. Brooks Or"
Mike new TELL" painted the postrate
porter. making a feeble and easily frus-
trated effort to free himself.
"And Mike Is right. / appreciate his
faithfulness," came quiet voice from
behind me. And looked up into the
face Of Cyrus Jute.
With heavy heart followed the
senior partner into his private room, He
sank Into his chair. and for time gazed
on me in silence as stood waiting the
coming Of the storm, for It seemed to
me that my offense Of fighting with the
porter would be ample Justification for
the infiiction of the most severe meas
ures. But instead OF downpour Of re-
proach heard: W.
well. Dockboy, I don't blame you
much. Perhaps should not have de-
ceived you, but you see I was Jealous.
had the violets put there. and then I
heard the boys whispering about you