The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-05-16
One Of the Cily's Own.

There were ructfons i'm the counting
house of Patterson & Dewhurst. One
or two junior clerks had received
more or less well-deserved "wigging."
and there was general feeling Of
worse to follow.
At last a small office ooy entered the
clerks office. and said. in a shrin
voice:
"Mr.Redbolt is to go to the governor
at once"
There was a mischievous grin on the
young gentleman's face, as IL 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 shade
paler when his name was called out, as
IL he, too. anticipated serious trouble:
but he set his lips and stiffened his
back. like man who Is going 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
"Reddie looks Worried" murmured
the cashier.
Perhaps she has refused him, after
all! remarked another.
Mr.. Redbolt made no answer to the
chan. but strobe briskly across the
room.
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 a furtive look as
he entered and then turned hurriedly
TO bundle of correspondence by his
1T a as,1 ....tA ~.
OF malicious satisfaction.
The two men formed an odd con-
trast. They were of about the same
age-28 or perhaps 30-but Ii required
no great insight to perceive the differ
ence in 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
imagine 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.. Dewhurst was clearly mas
ter OF the situation, and resolved to
use his power; his managing clerk
looked self-reEant. but perfectly re-
spectful and polite.
The ball was opened by Mr.. Dew
hurst unfolding a cantankerous COM
plant from an unimportant customer.
1t was the merest trifie. and quite un-
worthy of the occasion. Nevertheless
Joe Redbolt was by no means surprised
at the tone adopted. For some time
past the smallest opportunities had
been seized for fauitfinding. and he
knew by instinct that the climax had
been reached
How do you account for this blum
= M t..lx
His clerk gave simple, straightfor-
ward explanation, which. TO a reason
able man. would have been sufficient.
But Mr.. Dewhurst was not in rea-
Bonable humor.
1T appears TO me. then. that you are
not in any way to blame, Mr.. Redbolt." !"
he said cynically.
II think not
"You never made a mistaken"
mot very often"
"Who is to blame. then?"
There was q moments silence, and
bhe two men looked into each others
eyes.
You are. sir said Redbolt respect
fuly."I acted under your instructions"
This appeared TO give the unworthy
little tyrant his opportunity.
"You are more than half imperti-
nent." he said roughly.
81 give you my word that i don't
intend to be So" said Redbolt, with
perfect good temper.
Perhaps not: but I'm tired OF H..
You forget your proper position, and
have crossed my will I'm several ways"
Mr.. Redbolt colored rather painfully.
and his principal continued, with a
smile OF splteful triumph.
You understand what l allude TOP
The clerk bowed slightly.
Then I think you had better look
about for another situation.
Shall we calculate the month from
last Monday" inquired Joe Redbolt. in
a perfectly even. matter-of-fact voice"
"Eh? Yes" said Mr.. Dewhurst. but
won't ask you TO continue your work
here"
with that he pushed across the table
a little pile Of coins. which had been
counted out already. clearly showing
that he intended from the first to make
use Of the opportunity.
For the FIRST time Joe Redbolt looked
angry. IL was adding insult 90 injury
90 send him away at a moments notice.
az n he had dlsgraced himself.
II was more dangerous because ne
was distant relation Of the Dewhursts
by blood. The two young men had been
for short time az school together.
They he'd entered the firm together.
and R~dbo't had worried his way no by
sheer ab iif,f under old Mr.. Dcwhursts
eve. 20 responsible position.
Naturally. they knew the same people