The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1900-11-14


warning bell struck his ear, and when
he had finished his meal he rose up be-
fore the other boarders with the digni-
ty of millionaire and observed:
Madam the landlady, if not too
much trouble wish you would come
to my room this evening for your
check. like to balance my books once
month"
The shot told. The landiady's frown
changed to smile as soft as jelly, and
the three CT four boardcrs who had
been limiting that the major was a
deadbeat and would blk the house
felt large feeling Of awe steal over
them. Half an hour later the woman
knocked at the majors door and found
him seated with his checkbook in front
Of him.
My dear woman" he began. as he
motioned for her to sit down, your
trust and confidence in me are some
thing sublime-really sublime. am
not man given to emotion. but in this
case-in this case
You owe me three months room
rent and board" she said as he paused
to find other words.
THAT is the case exactly, as | found
to my surprise in footing my ledger
this afternoon Yes. For three long
months l have occupied this room and
sat at your table. and you have not
even limited at filthy lucre in payment
l don't exactly remember what Cleo
patra did to win unaying fame, but II
| she reposed tue sublime confidence IN a
man that you have reposed in me l
| don't wonder that her name IS engrav-
en- on the scrolls Of time forever more"
II have been trying to catch you for
the last month, but you have lodged
me-" replied the landlady with exceed
ing candor.
In other words. madam, have been
too wrapped up in gigantic specula-
tions to remember that | owed you a
few dollars. However, the fact re-
mains that you did not worry over my
Indebtedness"
"But l have worried. have been
afraid you'd get your trunk out and
I skip"
THE fact remains. madam" repeat
ed the major as he nlbbled at the pen
holder and looked into vacancy-"the
fact remains that you have not wor-
ried. You knew and felt that the debt
was safe You might have worried
about others, but about Major Crofoot
never. Ah, it makes me feel better
toward the whole world to have per-
son trust me thus! Such trust! Such
confidence. Such childish faith in the
midst Of universal wickedness"'
"And now you will pay me for 13
weeks at IS per week." she queried as
she laid the bill before him.
"My dear woman" be replied as he
rose up to walk about. why specify
the fight Of time? Why speak Of dol
lars? Thirteen weeks at $S per week
makes a total Of $104. Of course. but
should we thus brutalize sentiment?
Let me say that you have trusted me.
Let me say that you have put me down
as q man Of honor. Then let me repay
you for your confidence rather than for
your room and board. We will say
that hand you check for $500"
"You don't mean it, major" she ex-
claimed, with catch Of her breath.
II sit down thus. fill in check for
5000, so. tear it off and hand it to
you, and with it goes deeper feeling
than l can explain. If there are tears
In my eyes, you will please excuse
them"
81 knew you would pay. | told them
you were no deadbeat," said the over
come landlady as she held the check in
trembling fingers.
"And your confidence was not mis-
placed. Let me call your attention to
the fact that this check IS made out to
the order of j. Jordan. He is the treas
urer of the corporation, you know"
But what corporation:'
"The Universal Musical company,
my friend. The organization was per-
fected last week, all the necessary cap
ital paid in. and we shall begin Work
next Monday. Having an instructive
j feeling that you trusted me and wish