The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-18
THE PLIGHT OF
 ADOIPHUS FINKE
BY T. M. SMALL.

bx He SMAALs
 (Copyrigllt, 1905, Daily Story PubA Co. J
 will tell the story and then I will leave it to any impartial reader wheth- erI was to blame in the slightest de- gree. I will also leave 1t to the same impartial reader whether any person living or dead egerHnad harder hard luck story to tell.
 In order that a proper understanding g of the awful catastrophe may be ha ], 1t may not be out of place to state that l, Adolphus FinikeL am an exceedingly particular person so far as my personal appearance and department are con- cerned ond prior to the disastrous incl dent I am about to relate always had been a most lucky individual, so far as maintaining a creditable appearance and making a desirable impression were concerned. And this, too, despite the handicap of very strengthened financial circumstances. I always expected that my style and address would enable me to make a good marriage if necessary. SO felt secure as to my ultimate fate. But I held this for a last card because could make so much greater mar riage if I could secure a commanding position in the business world and a reasonable fortune. But when l won the open favor of Alicia Rockelifter. niece of the great Rockelifter, who dominates a section of the business lQs had come. She has a great fortune in her own name anI the most dazzling expectations for the great RIockeliftcr, as everybody knows lets all his family fin on the good things he starts and Alicia's father is the possessor of many millions and she an only daughter. Be- sides the Rockeltfters are the very core and center of the most exclusive society of America.
 Clearly my great chance had arrived. There was but one obstacle to over come-and from it's nature felt sure could surmount it easily. Alicia's fa- ther was wholly subservient to the Ia = dies of the family and could be relied upon to coincide with any decision ar- rived at by the petticoateI section. But Mrs. Rockefeller was a danger point. She was not so strenuous that a suitor should have moneyfbut was adamant on the matter of style, appearance and address. I had never met Mrs. Ro.cke- litter. who lives in New York, and I had met Alicia during visit to our city, where 1t was case of love at first sight--at least on her part. When 'sht told me that her mother was coming and stated her apprehens nsions regard ing the mothers consent, I was filled with joy. If there were any spots where 1 could make good absolutely 1t was on style. appearance anl address. 30 IL VIII De lmdBlneQ that IL WIS with confidence and joy that the day was set for my presentation to the la>1y had selected for my mamma Law. !. We had thought best--Alicia and Ito let the first meeting come naturally rather than by formal pre-arrangement and so it was to be at coaching party. The party was to meet at a down town hotel. Mrs Rockelifter had been given a hint that I was the favored aspirant for her daughters hand, and I expected her to be in her most cold and keenly critical form. I preferred it should be that way. I gloried in the knowledge of my strength. I knew that victory was within my grasp and I was glad to have 1t d bit spectacular.
 The great day came. The weather was perfect and I could simply throw myself in the matter of clothes. I had given a great deal of thought to my outfit and had made a half dozen diff ferent selections depending upon the kind of a day. The weather permitted the most gorgeous and corfect of all.
 The affair occurred in the afternoon. We were to meet at o'clock, drive to a club in the suburbs. have a repast and return in the evening. I was com pelled to be at my desk in the forenoon and had my clothes sent to a Turkish bath room I frequented. and when 1 was released at 1 o'clock hurried thith-
 
 and good rub and a plunge and don my glad rags. The Turkish bath place was just around the corner from the hotel.
 I remained long enough in the hot room to become thoroughly relaxed, had my rub and was just being soaped when a great hue and cry was raised and one of the attendants came running back to the slabs yelling fire" at the top of his voice. Everybody ran toward the front of the building. where the stairs were and rushed down stairs. The rub ping room was on the second floor thought of my clothes in my room which was on the fourth floor, and hesi- tated There was considerable smoke. but when I thought what the afternoon meant to my prospects l felt desperate. Where could I hope to pick up proper clothing at that hour for my over- whelmingly important mission? In q second my mind was made up. I would get my clothes. I dashed madly up the stairs. At the second flight I met a big fireman coming down through the Smoke.
 Get out of this" he yelled: and git quick for your life"
 l darted back down stairs.
 Here, not that way" he shouted. The whole fronts ablaze. Run back and take the fire escape.
 Now, thoroughly alarmed, I turned and ran to the rear of the building and climbed down the fire escape. As I went through the window I realized my nakedness and hurriedly tied a towel about my loins. When I reached the ground in the alley I glanced up and saw heads protruding from the windows of the other blocks. Sugges- tions began to reach me before I got fairly down.
 "How's your hg-leaf?" shouted a shrill voice.
 Get your trousers creased" yelled another.
 Red with shame and humiliation, I