The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-12-13


wanted II. lie stammorod out some
thing, but the manager interrupted
him with gesture of dismissal be-
fore he could even say how thankful
he was.
"rhats nll right, but take little
time TO think il over; IL may have
more than ono side to 1t, you know.
Come back in fifteen minutes. OF
course you would like TO consult your
father about it"-phil WINGED slight
ly at that-"but there isn't time. You
might ask Appleton's advice, though,
/ II he happens along"
Phil went out, dizzy with exulta-
tion. The keen triumph of unthought-
of success set his blood to dancing
Here was his chance to "get close mp
to the band" =" and that was the first
principle Of business, Mark said.
Why should he take fifteen minutes
to think over it2
Then the thought Of John Warner
gave his triumph chill. Was IL fair
to shoulder faithful John out of his
rightful place in this way2 All
Marks glib sayings went babbling
through his brain TO answer that, but
somehow they seemed less inspiring
than nt first. Consult your father"
Well, what would his father say
about it?
That question was fashlight, and
all at once he saw the forks of the
road before him. The way he took
now he would travel in, for better or
for worse. Down he went among the
muddy weeds of the swamp, and
CROPPED for the fallen finger board.
lie found it, and he read it; then he
must choose.
''It isn't fair, and won't do i'll"
He had made his choice; bo would not
go back from il; but-''It's pretty
hard to give up such n chance as that.
Would be harder for the fellow tho
chance belongs to. thought" He
sighed, then smiled 'I know we'll
enough what father would say-'If
you are not quite sure its right, you
may be pretty sure it's wrong'-I've
heard him say it many time" lie
started for Mr.. Blacks Office again.
"He'll laugh at me for being silly,
but cant help that"
"Hollo, Philipr" There was Mark
Appleton, with more advice, no
doubt. "Iinow what I'm here for?"
Mark asked complacently.
"No."
''To apply for the Drew assign
, ment. II you can't reach what you
want, ask for it,"
"You won't get it. It isn't your
, turn, you know"
cts anybody's turn that can get
it, my friend. II can get it by ask
ing, so much the better for me. II
Warmers too green to ask for it, 80
mach the worse for him."
''Is that fair? 1t would 60 to
Warner without asking, if nobody
interfered. And you know as we'll as
do how much he needs it"
you're pretty green yet, little one.
The survival of the fittest, you know.
, That's business.
, SIS it? Then I'm all right, for I've
, got that assignment. Mr.. Black gave
, it to me not fifteen minutes ago"
{ Mark gasped, turned pale, then red,
| and was speechless with CONSERVATION
, for the space Of half minute.
| "Wha-a-a-t" he stammered then.
. "You-you don't say you've been
mean enough to take It'll What righ,
have you to it? The last one taken
: on, and you go cutting in ahead of all
5 the men that have been here for years
. Talk about mean thingsl 1 didn't
think you'd play such a trick on me,
: anyhow, after all I've done for you!'
"Oh, don't know" Phil had 8
malicious pleasure in the miserable
n logic OF the situation. The prize
0 is there for whoever can take it, yor
/ know. Never mind about the othel
: fellows. The place ahead of you il
: yours if you can get it, After yor
: get success there won't be any ques
i tons asked. IF you can't get Close
| up to the band"
0 "Oh, shut upl You've played {
}. mean trick on friend, and that's al
n there is OF it. trusted you, and yor
c went back on me-"
i "You? What right had you to it'
!, But there; it is a mean thing to tax,
n another fellows salary-I mean chance
just because you can; it would b'
:, just as honest to take his pocketbook
i / was just going in to tell Mr.. Blacl
Q that wouldn't have the job. Come
: on"
G Wondering whether anybody coul'
be such a fool as Phil Everett mad
IS himself out to be, but determined +
L make the most OF his foolishness
Q Mark followed him into the privat
4 office.
J, "Mr. Black" Phil looked straigh
|. into the managers eyes and spoke ou
" bravely. "Ivs thovgh II over abou