The Washington times., 1905-10-22

before me eyes, will yez?" shouted
the cop. 'I'll teach yez to speak to
ladies on me beat that yere not ac-
quainted with. Come along"
Elsie turned away with sigh as
the ranchman was dragged away.
She had liked the effect of his light
blue eyes against his tanned com
plexion. She walked southwark,
thinking herself already in the dis
trict where her father used to work,
and hoping to find some one who
could direct her to the firm of Fox
e. Otter.
But did she want to find Mr.. Otter?
She had inherited much of the old
cutters independence. How much
better it would be if she could find
work and support herself without
calling on him for aid,
Elsie saw sign Employment
Agency" and went in. Many girls
were sitting against the wall in
chafrsS Several well-dressed ladies
were looking them over. One white
haired. kind-faced old lady in rust
ling black silk hurried up to Elsie.
My DEAR" she said in sweet,
gentle voice, "are you looking for a
position? l like your face and ap-
pearance SO much l want young
woman who will be half-maid and
hah-companion to me. You will
have good home and 1 will pay
you $50 month"
Before Elsie could stammer forth
her gratified acceptance, young
woman with gold glasses on her
bony nose and her hands in her
jacket pockets seized her arm and
drew her aside.
Il am Miss Ticklebaum,' said she,
..of the Association for the Preven-
ton of Jobs Being Put Up on Work
ing Girls Looking for Jobs. We
prevented forty-seven girls from Sc.
curing positions last week. am
here to protect you. Beware of any
one who offers you job. How do
you know that this woman does not
want to make you work as a break
er-boy in coal mine or murder you
to get your teeth? If you accept
work of any kind without permis-
sion OF our association you will be
arrested by one of our agents.
"But what am I to do?" asked
Elsie. Il have ne home or money.
l must do something. Why am 1 not
allowed to accept this kind lady's
offer?"
Il do not know said Miss Tickle
baum. THAT is the affair of our
committee on the abolishment of
employers. 1t is my duty simply to
see that you do not get work. You
will give me your name and address
and report to our secretary every
Thursday. Web 600 girls on the
waiting list who will in time be al
lowed TO accept positions as vacan-
cies occur on our roll of qualified en-
pioyers, which now comprises
twenty-seven names. There is pray
er, music and lemonade in our chapel
the third Sunday of every month";
Elsie hurried away after thank
ing Miss Ticklebaum for her timely
warning and advice. After all, it
seemed that she must try to find
Mr.. Otter
But after walking a few blocks
she saw sign, Cashier wanted" in
the window of confectionery store,
In she went and applied for the
place, after casting quick glance
over her shoulder 10 assure herself
that the job-preventer was not on
her trail
The proprietor of the confection-
cry was a benevolent old man with
a peppermint flavor, who decided,
after questioning Elsie pretty close
ly, that she was the very girl he
wanted. Her services were needed
at once, so Elsie. with a thankful
heart, drew off her tan coat and pre-
pared 10 mount the cashiers stool.
But before she could do so d gaunt
lady wearing steel spectacles and
black mittens stood before her, with
a long finger pointing, and exclaim-
ed: Young woman, hesitate!"
Elsie hesitated.
do you know" said the black
and-steel lady, that In accepting
this position you may this day cause
the loss of hundred lives in agoniz-
ing physical torture and the send
ing as many souls to perdition?"
why, no." said Elsie, in frighten-
ed tones. How could l do that?"
Rum" said the lady-"the demon
rum. Do you know why so many
lives are lost when a theator catches
fire? Brandy balls. The demon
rum lurking In brandy balls. Our
society women while in theaters sit