The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-22

1 l am prefectly willing to act as business manager to the Franco-Midland Hard ware company, limited, at minimum salary of G500 "
 l did as he asked and he put the paper in his pocket.
 There is one other detail" said he What do you intend to do about Nav son's?'
 had forgotten all about Mawson's in my joy. I'll write and resign" said l. Precisely what l don't want you to do. l had a row over you with Mawsons manager. had gone up to ask him about you, and he was very offensive; accused me of coaxlng you away from the service of the firm. and that sort of thing. At last l fairly lost my temper. If you want good men you should pay them good price said I.
 " He would rather have our small price than your big one.' said he.
 Y" I'll lay you Aver said I, that when he has my offer you'll never so much as hear from him again. 'Donef said he. We picked him out of the gutter and he won't leave us so easily. Those were his very words"
 "The impudent seoundrel! l cried. i've never much as seen him in my life. Why should I consider him in any way? l shall certainly not write if you would rather didn't"
 "Goodi That's a promlse" said he. ris- ing from his chair. "Well, I'm delighted to have got so good a man for my brother. Here's your advance of Gl00 and here is the letter. Make note of the address. 126b Corporation street, and remember that 1 o'clock tomorrow is your appoint ment. Good night; and may you have all the fortune that you deservel'
 That's just about all that passed be- tween us. near as I can remember You can imagine. Dr. Watson, how pleased I was at such an extraordinary bit of good fortune. I sat up half the night hugging myself over 1t. and the next day l was off to Birmingham In a train that would take mo in plenty time for my appointment I took my things to hotel in New street, and then 1 made my way to the address which had been given me.
 It was quarter of an hour before my time, but l thought that would make no difference. 126b was a passage between two large shops. which led to a winding stone stair, from which there were many flats, let as offices to companies or profess slonal men. The names of the occupants were painted at the bottom on the wall, but there was no such name as the Franco Midland Hardware company, linn tied. l stood for few minutes with my heart In my boots. wondering whether the whole thing was elaborate hoax
  dressed me. He was very like the chap had seen the night before. the same figure and voice. but he was clean shaven and his hair was lighter
 Are you MT Hall Pycroft?" he asked.
 ''Yes." said l.
 "Ohl I was expecting you, but you are a trifle before your time had note from my brother this morning in which he sang your praises very loudly"
 q WAS lust looking for the offices when you came"
 we have not got our name up yet, for we only secured these temporary prem ises last week. Come up with me, and we will talk the matter over"
 followed him to the top of very lofty stair. and there, right under the states, were a couple of empty dusty little rooms, uncarpeted and uncurtalned, into which he led me. I had thought of a great office with shining tables and rows of clerks, such as I was used to, and I dare say I stared rather straight at the. two deal chairs and one little table, which. with a ledger and a waste paper basket, made up the whole furni- ture.
 Don't be dlsheartened Mir Pycroft," said my new acquaintance. seeing the length of my face. Rome was not built in a day, and we have lots of money at our backs, though we don't cut much dash yet Tn offices. Pray sit down, and let me have your letter"
 I gave it to him, and he read 1t over very carefully
 You seem to have made a vast impress sion upon my brother Arthur said he: "and l know that he Is a pretty shrewd