The Yale expositor., 1906-04-13
mot on
the Ticker"

the board they had been exceedingly
busy, but at 11:3 there was a slight
lull. The long line of telegraph in.
struments clicked only systematically
and the tired operators leaned back
in their chairs to enjoy a few mo-
ments of grateful rest.
The chief, Joe Bagley, a man of ex-
ceptional ability. had worked with
characteristic energy, keeping his
own wire hot with messages to and
fro. With eyes and ears alert, he
seemed to take in every act of the
long line of operators.
For man of twenty-eight years, he
had a large experience Of the seamy
side OF life. Three years before he
had married an amiable girl of TWEEN
ty. -Four months later she developed
tuberculosis and gradually became
worse, requiring almost daily visits
from physician. Expenses increased
and Bagley's meager savings were
soon exhausted. He added to his in
come. first, by attending to his tele-
phone, in addition to his wire. and
later by working over hours on his
books.
On some mornings he was frightful
ly pale, his wife's coughing having
kept him awake nearly all night. Still,
with invincible determination, he
worked on, denying himself rest, re-
creation, everything. that she might
live.
The "boys" in the office viewed him
according to their respective natures,
some sympathetically. some pityingly,
some with quiet cynicsm. All admit
ted his marvellous devotion.
About two months before the doc
tors had decided that Bagley's wife
must go to a milder climate. They
suggested New Mexico. So, with high
hopes of recovery and many tears, she
went TO that land of sunshine and des'
olation, of barrenness and magnifi-
cent distances, of golden dreams and
disillusions. Her CHEEKY letters stimu-
lated Bagley to greater exertions and
severer selfdenial.
He sent her new dress; his trou-
sers became frayed at the ankles Sim
ultaneously with the disappearance of
his watch he expressed her a birthday
box containing many things which he
hoped would appeal to the poor In
valid's fancy. Her Acknowledgement,
a combination of affection and pathet-
ic hopefulness, filed him with delight.
For fully a week afterward his step
was more springy and his manner
more cheerful He seemed to think
her recovery certain. When he had a
moment of time he drew mental pic
lures of her in his little home-as she
was at first, bright, rosy, cheerful fill
ing it with an exquisite atmosphere Of
true womanliness.
Every day he reached the Office
early and remained late; with tireless
persistence he constantly strove to do
more and more His lunch, carried in
a paper, was eaten at odd moments.
He stopped smoking. He never drank
Although scrupulously clean and neat
in his person. his clothes more and
more betrayed to his friends his Sc
we're economy.
The nerve-rasping click of the in
struments had almost ceased. The
resting operators were talking to-
gether in subdued tones.
Suddenly, click, click, came a call
over a wire. man wrote rapidly on
a paper, paling as he did so. Then,
with trembling fingers, he handed the
rAper to Bagley, who read it at a
glance. Like flash, he sprang to his
feet and exclaimed, Boys, I'm up
against it, | leave for the west to-
night"
Instantly the room was in a commo-
ton. The men all gathered about
him.
'My wife is very SICK" he said
They expressed much sympathy,
but told him he could do her no good !;
that the doctor was doing everything
possible for her, and that he could not
afford to give up his position; such a
lucrative one was not TO be had every
day. But he kept repeating, 81 must
60 west tonight"
But, joe" persisted one man, why
do you go? You can't afford to give
up your place. Why do you COZ"
He threw back his head defiantly.
Suddenly his face softened with look
of tenderness, his lips trembled pitt
fully, his eyes filed with tears and
he faltered, I'm going west tonight
because love her"
, The "boys" met that afternoon, and
when they saw him of in the evening,
just as the train started. they handed
him an envelope containing $50. 1t
was heavy draft on their resources,
for operators are not saving class.
That $50 represented many a self-de-
, NAL, many a pinch; but all contribut-
ed cheerfully. Inspired by Joe's I'M
selfish love, one said he would give up
q drinking. Another said there would
be no more smoking for him, while
! Joe needed his help.
7 Four days later they received from
; Joe the following letter:
Santa Fe, N. M.-Dear Boys: Your
!. generous consideration fills me with
7 gratitude and softens my grief. II
, proves that, after all, true friendship