The Washington times., 1905-05-07

THE iTnpudent scoundrell' I cried
1--WE never so much as seen him In my
life Why should I consider him in any
way2 1 shall certainly not write If you
would rather 1 didn't
Good. That's a PROMISE" said he.
rising from his chair. We'll, I'm de-
lighted TO have got so good a man for
my brother. E.,ere's your advance OF a
hundred pounds and here is the letter
Make a note of the address. 126b Cor
poration street. and remember that
O'Clock tomorrow is your appointment
Goodnight: and may you have all the
fortune that you Deserve
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. / sat up half that
night hugging myself over it, and next
day I was off TO Birmingham in q train
that would take me In plenty OF time
for my appointment. I took my things
to hotel in New street. and then
made my way TO the address which had
been given me
1t was quarter of an hour before my
time, but I 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 professional men. The names of the
occupants were painted at the bottom
on the wall. but there was 10 such
name IS the Franco Midland Company,
Limited. / stood for a few minutes
with my heart in my boots, wondering
whether the whole thing was an eIab-
crate hoax or not, when up came a man
Inn IL
chap L had seen the night before, the
same figure and voice. but he was clean
shaven and his hair was lighter.
Are you Mr. Hall Pycroft?'' he asked
Yes. said l.
"Oht I was expecting you, but you
are trifie before your time. ] had a
note from my brother this morning in
,, which he sang your praises very loudly"
7 was just looking for the offices
when you came"
We have not got our name up yet,
for we only secured these temporary
premises last week. Come UP with me.
and we will talk the matter over.R
l followed him to tae top of very
lofty stair. and there. right under the
slates were a couple of empty, dusty
little rooms, uacarpeted and incur
tanned, into which he led ME. L had
thought OF 4 great Office with SflninS
tables and rows of clerks, such as l
was used TO, ami / dare say 1 stared
rather straight at the two deal chairs
and one little table. which. with a
ledger and waste-paper basket, made
up lhe whole furniture.
Don't be disheartened Mr.. Pycroft >
said my new acquaintance. seeing the
length of my face. Rome was not
built in day, and we have lots CT
money at our backs, though we don't
cut much dash yet in offices. Pray sit
down. and let me have your letter"
l gave it TO him. and he read il over
very carefully.
You seem TO have made a vast i'm
preston upon my brother arthur said
he; .'and / know that he is a pretty
shrewd judge. lie swears by London
YOU know; and I by Birmingham; but
this time I shall follow his advice
Pray consider yourself definitely en-
gaGed."
What are my duties?" 7 asked
You will eventually manage the great
depot in Paris. which will pour "A food
OF English crockery into the shops of
hundred and thirty-four agents in
France. The purchase will be completed
ii, week. and meanwhile you will re-
main in Birginshan and make yourself
useful
How 4
For answer. hc Vw big red book
s1F = 4 STzvlf,