The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-25
CHAPTER 1.-THE ARREST.

CHAPTER lille AftlIE-S L.
The firm Of Messrs. Cranmer & Duff
was renowned in the commercial world
for its excellent business prestige. Ev-
erybody trusted it, believing it to be
sound affair. And so it was. Cranmer
& Duff were good business men, and
since they had put their money and
their heads together they had made
their piles of gold. They had implicit
faith in each others honesty and capa-
hility, and consequently they agreed on
most points, a thing which is in Itself
essential to success in any company S
undertakings.
And what was more natural or fitting
than that, when they met, as they often
did in connection with business mat
tiers, in their private room at the head
Offices, they should congratulate each
other on the lucrativeness of their joint
speculations?
MI Duff was the managing partner,
and was the less affluent of the two.
Mr.. Cranmer was the founder of the
great shipping business and was styled
the senior partner, not in point of age.
but because he had the most capital in
the firm and drew a CORRESPONDENCE
larger profit yearly than Mr.. Duff.
1t was Christmas eve. Preparations
for the annual meeting of outside per-
sons interested in the firm, a small in
terest, indeed, had just been concluded
on the previous day. 1t was limited
company So much the better for Gran
mer and Duff. So they thought, and the
fabulous profits that accrued showed
that their logic in this respect was very
accurate.
by the bye Cranmer," remarked Duff
in the course of their conversation,
what about that suggestion l made the
other day concerning James Fillmore,
you know? Have you considered it?"
ooh, yes. But L leave it in your hands.
You may do as you like in the mat
ter"
Yes, you leave everything to me. Mr..
Cranmer 1t is very complimentary, 1
know, but the question is, Will you
agree to make him a gift of a small
share in our business? Of course, 1 am
quite willing. You know, he cannot
possibly have sufficient capital to buy a
share, and his indispensable services in
our behalf deserve some recognition
We'll, maybe they do, Duff, maybe
they do" was the reflection of Mr..
Cranmer. He has done we'll for US, I
dare say. How long has he been in our
employ?"
Twenty years"
REALLY, so lOng?"
Twenty years this very month" re-
peated Mr. Duff.
"Well, had we not better have an in
terview with him." asked Cranmer.
"Call him in and acquaint him of our
intention. 1t is most fitting time,
Christmas eve, for giving a fellow a
lift in the world"
I'VE had better decide the matter
more fully first. In the first place, l
would like to be relieved of the post of
managerial least, in part-for l think
we could do better If l were free to
travel about" said Duff, with know
ing wink, which Cranmer perfectly un-
derstood. II know no other man." he
added sincerely, whom l would like
to see step into my shoes than James
Fillmore, for we owe him a great deal.
He has great ability and tact. He has
been at his work early and late; always
at his post, too, and he is most reliable,
I could trust him with a bank ] sug-
-sesr-rrat we present him with small
share That will insure him working
in our interest, for in helping us he
will be helping himself too. Let US APP
point him manager at say, salary OF
9400 a year, and no doubt we will be
the gamers in the long run. for he's a
shrewd mana business man in every
sense of the term"
so be it, then" assented Cranmer
"Of course / see your meaning is that
in helping Fillmore we shall be really
helping ourselves" he added after q
short pause. He was rather parsimo'
NOUS.
Exactly"
A very few moments had elapsed
when James Fillmore was ushered into
the presence of his superiors, whose
changed manner toward him mystifec
him at first.
sit down, Fillmore" said Cranmer
at the same time offering the astonish-
ed cashier a cigar, a very unusual pro
ceeding indeed.
James Fillmore complied, and hs
found himself seated between the two
heads of the firm.
"Ah, that is your position exactly
remarked Duff pleasantly, addressing
James Fillmore, at the same time nod
ding significantly at Cranmer
Il do not understand" said James II
q confused manner.
Il will tell you, James," said Duff
'You are seated between us. That is t.
be your position in future If you will
you are to serve us in a closer capacity
in the future than you have for these
last 20 years. We are going to reward
your perseverance and industry with {
share in the firm and the post of man
ager. You will henceforth be one O.
us, and I hope we shall get on well TO-
gether."
81 hope" added Mr.. Cranmer, "tha
you will follow as closely as you cal
the methods of business adopted by Mr.
Duff in your managerial capacity ant
that in your hands the reputation O
The firm will suffer no damage"
We have every confidence in you
Mr. Fillmore" added Mr.. Duff. wv