Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1906-06-20
A SILK COUNTER
COMEDY
"a Department store story
By H. BARRETT SMITH
Author Of Bat O'connor's Helper THE
Mercenary Artist. THE Buyers
Assistant" Etc.


go to lunch-Butler had grown fat in the
service. Alec, the youngest clerk-re-
Gently promoted from the stock room
was industriously sharpening pencil.
The Oldest clerk detested the young
recruit" Alec had bumptious spirits,
a ready answer-and Butler wanted no
back talk"
West, who came within the year from
distant country store. had uncon-
sciously acquired the habit of looking to
Alec for direction. To West this typical
city boy was wonder-a talking die
tionary, directory. an inexhaustible
source Of information
Butler was putting his soap-box under
the counter. The soap-box was used for
a seat when Butler felt tired Although
clerks were forbidden to sit during SELL
Ing hours, Buffers superiors pretended
not to see the soap-box. They saw only
Butler getting old and fat.
Mr. Butler, can see you moment?"
Butler glanced warily over his Shout
der. His fat-incased eye almost closed
as he regarded West.
II won't keep you. just want to let
you know that the boys are getting up
collection for Desher-we're each CIV
ing dollar and we thought you might
like to join US"
"Hey?"
West was struck dumb for moment,
but he remembered that he would have
made complete failure the first day
he stood behind this counter if it had
not been for Desher: and now Desher
was in need of cheer and help. Again
West put his audacious thought into
words.
Tut, tut" Butler said, when was
ayoung man got no such help. Me and
my wife saved enough to buy the house
we live in; we brought up a large family,
and we never got no assistance from
anybody"
"Then you won't give anything?"
I'm taxed SO cents month for the
Benevolent society,"" continued Butler,
holly. 81 give it all the year round and
that's enough" Butler lifted the
opening in the counter and passed out.
Alec, who h,td been watching. the
\ scene. rushed up and asked West
"A eagerly:
"How much?"
"Not red cent, said West. briefly.
Just then down the aisle came dap
per young man. He was newly attired in
q spring suit fedora hat and low cut
shoes. He wore cravat of marvellous
hue, and his socks made Alec turn quite
green with envy.
"Alec, what would you take that fell
low for?" asked West
"A SPORT" cried Alec, impetuously.
"A dead game sport!"
The stranger looked around unex.
pectedly His sharp. deep-set eyes grew
narrow when he saw the clerks watch
ing him. He gazed at them second,
then he smiled in friendly manner 1t
was such winning smile that both
clerks found themselves smiling back.
The young man, thus encouraged,
strolled over, and said with engaging
frankness:
Good morning" The greeting was
hardly the salutation of the average
shopper.
"Good morning" responded the clerks
simultaneously.
by George! envy you two fellows
working for your living-it becomes
devilishly tiresome having nothing to
do all day but ampse oneself"
~You should 60 to work, said Alec,
gayly. while West WINGED in response
to a kick There's the superintend-
ent's office there-I see he advertised
for help this morning."
what lark!" cried the young man.
.'I'm almost tempted to do it,"
He felt for his card case. and instantly
a strange expression came over his face.
He rummaged hastily in all his pockets.
How awfully awkward! Gentlemen,
I have cab waiting outside and, cam
didly, can't pay the cabby. wonder
i'll could borrow the money from you? ?"
He stripped of his glove, "I'll let you
have my ring. II one of you fellows will
let me have 1ive dollars you can keep
the ring as security and III come back
for it this afternoon
III l only had five dollars! " lamented
Alec, with grin. Nov, if Butler was
here There's the boy that always
has the Dough-
who's Butler?"
"Psstl" cried Alec, in terse UNDER
tone. Buffers millionaire!"
Did yon say millionaire?''
"Don't talk SO loud cautioned Alec.
'Butler doesn't like to have it known
that he's a rich mamie works here
with us as ii he hadn't cent in the
world"
''Where's Butler now?" interrupted
the stranger, lookin about.
"Out to lunch Come round in a
oduple Of hours and well give you an in
reduction said Alec, pleasantly.
aThat's awfully good Of you" the
Young man meditatsd deeply as hebrew
on his glove. Then he turned quickly
and walked away. The two clerks, in
very different states Of mind, watched
him in fascinated silence. But they
4 10th gave cryyof establishment when
they saw him disappear, not through the
.troat dnor Int by Way az the guporiu.