Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-01
A SILK COUNTER COMEDY IA Department Store 0toSv)
 By H. BARRETT SMITH Author of Bat o'Connors Helper" ''Ths
 Msycenary Artist "'The Buyer's
 Ass!stant." Etc.
Copyright. i,as, by Jossph B. Bowl.s.,

Butler, at the head of the silk counter, puffed and groaned as hs prepared to so 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, 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 8 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.
 Mir. Butler, can see you moment?"
 Butler glanced warily over his shoul- der. His fat-incased eye almost closed as he regarded West.
 "I won't keep you. I just want to let you know that the boys are getting up collection for Desher-we're each giv- ing dollar and we thought you might like to join us-"
 "Hey?"
 West was struck dumb for moment, but he remembered that Re would have made a 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 I was young man got no such help. Me and my wife saved enough to buy the house we live in; we brought up large family, and we never got no assistance from anybody"
 Then you won't give anything?"
 I'm taxed 50 cents month for the Benevolent society" continued Butler, .hotly T give it all the year round and that's enough" Butler lifted the opening in the counter and passed out.
 Alec, who had been watching the scene rushed up and asked West eagerly:
 "How much?"
 Not a red cent" said West. briefly.
 Just then down the aisle came dap- per young man. He was newly attired in a 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 fel- low for?" asked West
 "A sport" cried Alec, impetuously. "A dead game sport!"
 The stranger looked around unex. pectedly. His sharp, deep,sst eyss aEsY. narrow when he saw the clerks watch ing Him. He gazed at them second, then he smiled in friendly manner. It was such a 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! I envy you two fellows working for your living-it becomes devilishly tiresome having nothing to do all day but amuse oneself"
 "you should go to work" said Alec, gayly. while West winced 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, have cab waiting outside and. can didly, can't pay the cabby. Iwonder if could borrow the money from you?" He stripped of his glove. .T'n let you have my ring. If one of you fellows will let me have five dollars you can keep the ring as security and I'll come back for it this afternoon"
 If only had five doliars," lamented Alec. with grin. Now. if Butler was here. There's the boy that always has the dough-"
 Who's Butler?"
 ''Psst!" cried Alec. in a terse under tone. Buffers miIlionaire!"
 Did you say millionaire7"
 Don't talk so loud cautioned Alec. Butler doesn't like to have it known that he's a rich man-he works here with us as If he hadn't cent fin ihe world"
 Where's Butler now?- interrupted the stranger. looking about.
 "Out to lunch. Come round in couple of hours and we'll give you an In- troduc,ion." said Alec. pleasantly.
 That's avfully good of you" the young man meditated deeply as he drew 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 both gave a cry of astouishment when they saw him disappear. not through the street door. but by vsy of the superin-