New-York tribune., 1906-10-28

once; but never, as YOU wish to die an honor
able man, attempt this kind of thing again.
Grateful, are you? Then have something
to ask of you, Ashleigh. Telephone to your
Office that you are going out of town to play a
match, and send message that l shall be
greatly obliged if Mr.. FramptOn could make 1t
convenient to call here as soon possible.
With your permission" the manager con-
cluded, Il shall keep the bill till have seen
him. and after we have had little talk, for |
going to advise him to watch you more
closely, and perhaps give him also hint, just
a bankers warning, your firms methods of
business, I'll burn the bill. 1t will be safer,
Ashleigh, in the fire. Well. good luck to you.
It's the very day for golf
1T is very good indeed of you to come, Mr..
Frampton, so promptly in answer to my little
message, as that unctuOuS parsonage entered
the room. There are one OF two things |
thought you and | might talk over IN quite a
friendly fashion. if you can spare me a moment
amid Your many good works, of which we hear
so much in our humber business world"
Delighted, | am sure, to come IN at any
time, Mr.. Stirton, and if there is any poor
service | can render, please command me /
am sure although your duties hinder you from
active participation, your heart is with US in
any effort which is made to raise the tone of
the city, which is not, alas! what we could
desire"
So glad you have anticipated my idea, for
If you only see your way to assist, am
certain that we shall be able to make life a
little cleaner in one department But before
| come to that, word with your permission
about your junior partner. hear that ne has
business talent. Are You satisfied with his
prinCiples?" And the banker turned the
search light upon Frampton's face.
Well, said Ashleighs partner, with impres-
s1ve intonatiOn, he has many natural virtues,
and they are, YOU know, very good in their
own place; but, if you press me, must confess
that | have had great doubts whether the root
of the matter is in him. OF course he is Young;
but he is too fond of games and dancing, |
and there are times, my good sir, when l have
wondered whether it was right for me to be |
unequally yOked with such partner"
Quite so; understand replied the banker.
"Still, you have had great influence over him,
and will hazard the suggestion that he has
done things for you that he would never have
done for anyone else But do think that YOU
ought to keep firrner hold upon his transac-
tlOns, for there was one lately which gave me
Just the slightest possible feeling of uneasiness
You are quite right, Mr.. Stirton," said the
other hastily; quite right. | have been so
engaged lately with rescue work that | have
had no time, absolutely none, to give to the
affairs of the firm. l told Ashleigh he must
be responsible for things. | gathered that he
had been anxious about finance, but that
everything had come right"
Yes, Mr.. FramptOn, that Is all very we'll,
and l have no doubt that Ashleigh thor
oughly understands you and endeavOrS to
carry out Your wishes, which is very nice and
a game of whist. But you can't put an
old head on young shoulders, and he might
make a mistake. And | am afraid YOU might
not be able to clear yourself from the conse-
quenCeS. Excuse minute. l just remember
that there is a paper here which requires
attention" and the banker took the bill out
of his drawer and held it carelessly in his
hand.
As Frampton seemed at a loss how to reply,
and glanced furtively at the bill. the manager
continued:
We all feel that Your character is a valuable
asset in the religious circle of the city. and
that any reflection on it would be a disaster
AS you are so much occupied with Your ex-
cellent works, and assure that during the
last few months you have kept yourself aloof
from business, there might you know, have
been-well-some hideous disaster. Don't YOU
think" this in his most gracious tone, but
with steady look in his eve, that the time
has come for you to retire from business
and give yourself entirely to your-what is
1t? conferences" During the last few words
the manager casually examined the signature
on the bill.
Do you happen to know, Mr.. Frampton.
who signs now for Atkinsons? But never
mind, that has nothing to do with our con-