The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-09-27

udy dIteT ledNlnS the nOSpltdl CareW
went down to the bank, cheerful in the
anticipation of the welcome that would
be his from his old business associates.
There was Brown, the assistant ac-
countant. They used to lunch together
every day. There was Wilson, the tell
er, and Jephson, his assistant, and
Loomis. the -teller--all good fell
lows Then he thought of the pompous
speech with which the president would
install him into his old place. Such
reflections were in harmony with the
mellow brightness of the morning. and,
as he walked toward the business CEN
ter of the city, he squared his shoulders
and dropped into the familiar military
swing.
1t was with a feeling of getting back
home that he climbed the narrow
brownstonc steps of the City bank, and
he found pleasure in lounging in the
hallway and gazing at the busy scene
before his eyes. II was familiar
sight to watch Wilson, in the telers
cage, ralling in and showing out gold
and greenbacks with the rapidity and
precision of machine. There was no
hesitation in his movements; the fleX-
ible fingers skinned each note as light
ly as a swallows wing flecks the suiA
face of stream. In the rear of the
room, Jephson was struggling with a
ponderous ledger, Brown was perched
upon a high stool. intent upon a page
of figures. Loomis was sweating in
his cell-like Office. arguing with delin-
quents who wanted their notes re-
newed.
There was a lull in the business at
the teller's window. and Carew crowd
ed eagerly up to the grating.
Hello, VIII. how goes it?" he said,
his face beaming with pleasure.
Wilson was scribbling figures on
small pad. He looked up with a frown.
what can do for you?" he asked,
coldly.
Don't you know me, Will? Oh.
That's rich"
The teller looked at him sharply.
II never. saw YOU" was his curt re-
ply as he returned to his figures.
Carew was just little embarras ssed.
~ haven't looked in glass for sew
eral months" he said, slowly. but the
last time I did l recognized myself as
Jimmie Carew."
The teller looked up quickly.
You Jimmie Carew?" he exclaimed.
"Well, never would have believed it,"
Carew laughed
"Well, guess years soldering and
three months in the hospital are enough
to change anyone's looks" he ex-
planned.
us that so? Been in the hospital?
What was the troubler"
yellow fever"
"Phew! YOU don't say? Well, you're
lucky to be on earth"
80 the doctors said"
How're you feeling now"
"Tip-top-never better in my life.
And I'm. anxious to get back to my
desk again. I've come to the conclu-
sion that there are worse places than
a bank, after all. Itll seem little
strange at first to buckle down to regu-
lar business hours, but I'll soon get the
hang of it,"
II suppose you know that Browns
been doing your work." Wilson asked.
I'm glad of that" answered Carew,
for he won't mind my coming back"
Il don't believe Brown will like it
any too WE'LL" said Wilson, obviously.
Just move aside minute, please.
What can | do for you, Mr. Johnson?"
A large, pompous man, hourshing a
heavy cane, strutted up to the window
and presented a check
Give me theNcash for this Wilson"
"Yes, sir" said the teller, politely,
picking up bulky package of green
BACKS, and moistening his fingers on a
sponge. "Small or large bills?"
Carew was a little crestfallen as he
packed away from the plate glass
edge; for he was not insensible to the |
ack of cordiality in Wilson's manner
md words, but he did not attach any |
particular significance to them; so put |
Ing unpleasant thoughts aside he made |
lis way back of the gilded grating and |
himself to his friends. Jeph- |
ION was glad to see him, and asked him |
wo or three perfunctory questions; |
hen the conversation fiiekered and |
vent out Loomis had time only to |
hake hands and say he would see him |
ater. Brown was visibly uneasy.
Are you out of the army for good?"
le inquired.
"Oh, yes" answered carew. II was
mustered out four months ago"
What are you going to do?" asked
Brown, rather nervously.
Coming back to the bank" an
wered Carew. |