Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-03

From the time when he strobe in and out
the doors of the First National as con-
sequential messenger hoy. John Gregory
had believed that he and his services were
Indispensable TO the bank. nor did the be
lief lose ground through the graduated
steps of bookkecper. teller, assistant cashier
and cashier.
To the First National Bank John Greg
CORY had given fifty years of his life ana
all Of his ambition. In return, his WORK
had come to seem something more than d
mere means of sustenance, and SO great
was his faith In the dignity, worth ana
significance of his position in the world oil
finance that even the sight of barred bank
window caused his heart to swell within
him.
1t was on r Monday morning that his cor
dial greeting to Cashier Harrison of the
Third National met with so peculiar re-
spouse. Harrison, usually very genial
man. gave an embarrassed nou, theh avery
ed his yes.
why, what" muttered Gregory, and
frowned He was still puzzling over the
matter when he reached the bank; in less
than an hour he understood.
At home that night the dumb misery In
his eyes sent quick ejaculation TO his
daughter Mabers lips. Even little Mar
iore noticed something strange and ala
1t was worse Tuesday, and worse sun
Wednesday. Questions, pleadings. re-
proaches-all were in vain. Not until Satur-
day did Mabel and her husband learn the
cause of it all. Then John Gregory, know
Ing that publicity was close at his heels
squared his shoulders and jauntily faced the
inevitable.
We'll children" he said gaily at the
breakfast table. I'm out OF a job. Then tc
his son-in-law: Charles, you don't happen
to need an errand boy-eh?'
Father" cried two shocked voices
What are you talking about?"
About job" maintained GregSory'
said l needed one"
But the-bankr breathed Mabel
A spasm of pain crossed the old man
heaVily-lined face.
After the lst of September my dear" he
he said steadily, the bank will be COM
bnation OF the First National, Third Ma
tlonal and Waverly National, under the
title. The Consolidated National Bank
Father, But-they'n need a-cashier
Most certainly-but only one where there
were three. They are to use our building
and Harrison of the Third National Is 10
be the cashier"
"Oh. I'm So began Mabel.
And So" cut In her father with Hght-
ness that did not quite hide the shake in
his voice, ''and so-Tm In the market for
a Job. Now how about the errand boy SON.
In-law?"
The DAYS that followed were hard for all
anxious to avoid adding one straw TO the
old mans burden, took their cue from him
and treated the matter with an apparent
lightness that contained not hint of SYM
pathy. though their attitude was one not
easily maintained.
In spite of the old mans acceptance OF
the situation his views on the matter were
plainly evident In his opinion, the bank
directors were making a sad mistake in
placing In charge man so young and In
experienced as was James Harrison. To
be sure. it would make little difference 10
himself in the end, he supposed-there were
plenty. of course. who would gladly avail
themselves of his ripe experience and train
ed judgment But he had always fancied
ending his days in the institution with
which he had been connected so long.
Doubtless. however, he could overcome that
somewhat childish feeling in time.
September came, bringing John Greg
gory's freedom from business One by one
the days passed, each being for him but
duplicate of the one before in restless wan
dering about the house and grounds. His
thin cheeks grew thinner and his step Ian