The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-04-04
CHAPTER L

CHAPTER L
N1TSHH Little Sonsof the Rich" were
gathered about the long table
an PettingiNrs studio. There
Il were nine Of them present be-
sides Brewster. They were all young,
more or less enterprising, hopeful and
xeasonably sure Of better things 20
<nne. Most Of them bore names that
meant something in the story OF New
York. Indeed one Of them had re-
marked, "a man is known by the
street that's named after him" and as,
he was new member they called him
Subway.
The most popular man in the COM
pany was young Monty Brewster. He
vas tall and straight and smooth
shaven. People called him .sclean look
sng.', Older women were interested IN
him because his father and mother had
made romantic runaway match,
which was the talk Of the town in the
seventies, and had never been forgiven.
worldly women were interested IN him
becanse he was the only grandson OF
EdWin Peter Brewster, who was many
times millionaire, and Monty was
fairiy certain to be his heir, barring an
absentminded gift to charity. Younger
wnnen were interested for q much
more obvious and simple reason-they
Hked him. Men also took to Monty be-
cause he was q good sportsman, man
among men. because he had decent
respect for himself and no great aver
sinatD work. -s
Ills father and mother had both died
while. he was stin a child, and as If to-
make up for his long reientlessness the
xrandfafhr had taken the boy to his
own house sand had cared for him with
what he called affection. After college
and some months on the continent,
2aspever. Monty had preferred to be
independent. Old Mr.. Brewster had
found him a place inithe bank, but be-
.yond this and occasional dinners Mon
az asked for. and received no favors.
at was a, question Of work, and hard
work and small pay. He llyed on his
salary because he had to, but he did
not resent his grandfather's attitude,
He was better satisfied to spend his
weakly salary" as he cailed.it, in:his
own way than to earn more by dining
seven nights week with an. old man
who had forgotten he was ever young.
1t was less wearing. he said.,
Among ahe Little Sons Of the Rich
4 shirthdays were always occasions for
feasting. The table was covered with
dishes sent up from the French res
stauram an dhe basement. The chairs
were pushed back, cigarettes were
lighted, men had their knees crossed.
Then Pettingill got up.
Gentlemen, y he began, eve are here
no celebrate the twenty-ffth birthday
nof ,Afr. Montgomery Brewster. / ask
:-you all to join me in drinking to his
long life and happiness. "
aeseS0 heel taps same one shouted.
Brewster Brewster all called at
~nnee.
For he's "a jolly good fellow,
z For he's a jolly good fellow!'
The sudden ringing of an electric: bell
scM of this flow of sentiment, and so
unusual was the interruption that the
zen members Strengthened .up as it.
.jerked into position by string.
teThe policer' some one suggested.
an faces were turned toward the door.
"A wailer stood there, uncertain whether
10 turn the knob or push the bolt.
<<Nuisance.7 said Richard Van Win
Gle II want to hear Brewster's
speech
speech. Speech Echoed every
where. Men settled into their places.
1<Mr. Montgomery Brewster" Pettin-
EMGnroduced.
Again the bell rang-loud. and long.
aRee nforcements. I'll bet there's
yafrol in the street" remarked Oliver
Harrison.
<|I9 It's only the police, let them in,'
said Pettingill. 81 thought it. was a
creditor"
The waiter opened the door.
Some one to see Mr.. Brewster, SIR
me announced.
els she pretty. waiter?" called Nc
Cloud
He says heis Ellis. from your grand
Gaf11eTs. sirr'
ssMyscomplimen.s to Ellis and ask him
sD inform my grandfather that it's aft
ar banking hours. III see him in the