The Afro-American advance. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1899-19??, 1900-08-18
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: One Of the City's Own J
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


hurst. One or two junior clerks had
received more or less well-deseryed
"wigging." and there was general
feeling of worse to follow.
At last a small office boy entered
the clerks Office and SAID in a shrill
voice:
Mr. Redbolt is to go to the gov
ernor at once"
There was a mischieyous grin on the
young gentlemans face. as if he knew
what was coming. and most of the
others. delighted at their own escape,
chuckled. like many people do when
some one else is in trouble.
Joe Redbolt turned just a shade
paler when his name was called out,
as if he, too, anticipated serious
trouble, but he set his lips and stiff
fened his back, like a man who is GO
ing TO make the best of bad job.
''Good-by. Reddie. dear!" said some
body, with an unpleasant sneer. "If
the governor gives you a rise, don't
forget TO stand drinks
freddie looks worried" murmured
the cashier.
Perhaps she has refused him after
all remarked another.
A moment later he was in the pri-
vate office
Young Mr.. Dewhurst, who had man.
aged the business since the death of
his father, gave him furtive look as
be entered, and then turned hurriedly
to bundle of correspondence by his
side and selected letter with an air
Of malicious satisfaction.
The two men formed an odd con-
trast. They were of about the same
ages or perhaps 3o-but it re-
CURED no great insight to perceive
the difference al their characters.
Redbolt was tall, straight-built and
frank-looking; his principal was
small, insignificant and obviously one
Of natures sneaks.
One could imagine Redbolt being
foolish, but never -cowardly; one
could lima CINE Mr.. Dewhurst being
sly, but never generous.
The interview was unusual: there
seemed to be something in the back
ground about which neither man
spoke. Mr.. Dewhurit was clearly
master of the situation, and resolved
to use his power; his managing clerk
looked self-reliant, but perfectly re-
spectful and polite.
The bali was opened by Mr.. Dew
hurst unfolding a cantaakerous COM
plant from an unimportant customer.
1t was the merest trifie. and quite un-
thx Of h. hn1o
Joe Redbolt was by no means sur
prised at the tone adopted. For some
time past the smallest opportunities
had been seized for fault-finding, and
he knew by instinct that the climax
had been reached
How do you account for this blum
der?" said Mr.. DewAurst suspi-
ciously.
His clerk gave a simple. straightfor-
ward explanation. which. to a reason
able man, would have been sufficient.
But Mr.. Dewhurst was not in rea-
sonable humor
1T appears 10 me, then, that you
are not in any way TO blame, Mr.. Red
bolt?" he saih cynically.
Il think not"
You never make a mistaken"
Not very often"
who is to blame, them"
There was a moments silence. and
the two men looked into one another's
eyes.
"You are. sir" said Redbolt, re-
speetfully. II acted under your in
structions"
This appeared to give the I'M
worthy little tyrant his opportunity.
You are more than half imperti-
nent!" he said roughly.
Il give you my word didn't intend
10 be So" said Redbolt, with perfect
good temper.
Perhaps not, but I'm tired of it.
fou forget your proper position. and
have crossed my will in several ways"
Mr.. Redbolt colored rather pain
ialy, and his principal continued,
With smile OF spiteful triumph:
You understand what / allude TOP
The clerk bowed slightly.
Then / think you had better look
about for another situation"
sAdA4 we GateuiA1t the mDnth from
last Monday ?" inquired Joe Redbolt.
Ia perfectly even, matter-of.fact
voice.
Eli. yes" said Mr.. Dewhurst. But
! won't ask you to continue your work
here"
With that he pushed across the Ia
ore little Pile of coins. which had
oeen counted out already. clearly
sso"ing that he intended from the
asss to make use of the opportunity
For the first time Joe Redbolt looked
angry. II was adding insult 10 in
Iafy TO send him awGy adrift at a
4oHSut's notice, as If be had dis
gFaeed himself.
a. WAS the more outrageous because
se was distant connection OF the
Dswhursts by blood. The two Young
4en had been for short time at school
sesther They had entered the lrrn
Sethsr. and RedhoIt had worked his
Ay Up oy sheer ability, under old