The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-06-09

(Copyrght)
 HHE Hon. Reginald Winthrop folded
 the morning paper and proceeded
 A for the fourth time to examine his Russia leather pocketbook. Its con- tents gainsaid its luxurious exterior q solitary two-dollar bill resting In lonely state in one of the compartments.
 It was a momentous question the Hon. Reginald was called on to decide that morning-nothing less than the choice pe- tween breakfast and no breakfast. Should he cable home for money, and go hungry until he got it. or should he see the thing through? Possibly a keen appetite had as much to do with the decision as ms native British inability to acknowledge himself beaten. Be that as 1t may, the Hon.. Reginald, as he rose from the park bench and buttoned his ulster, was or most unchrstian frame of mind. lie was inclined to blame Jack Mellor for 1t all. Jack having maintained that in his home citv of New York man who really wanted employment could have dozens or opportunities. He remembered, however, with considerable satisfaction that he had told Jack precisely the same thing about London, and he wondered grimiy II JACK had had as little foundation for the state ment as he. Possibly Jack, at this precise moment, was in the same quandary as himself They had been pair of fools, he told himself To bind themselves to such an agreement for even four weeks would have been asnine, but three months-it was suicidal!
 His misanthropy vanished with his breakfast, and the world looked brighter as he started out again, although ne Ieit that the twenty-five cents tip to the waitress had been an extravagance be- yond his means. Across the street card in a window announced that an elevator man was wanted. Winthrop crossed and went in. The days rush had not com menced: back of the counter a row or pretty shop girls looked at him curious ly, and feeling out of his element, he walked self-consciously back to where the elevator shafts rose behind an inn posing screen of brass and iron fretwork. As the next cage came into view. Win throp stepped in mechanically, and, seat ing himself on the leather divan, watched the boy as they rose from floor to floor.
 .Twelfth hoor," said the boy. Going up?"
 sYes, I believe I will" said Winthrop.
 We don't go any higher said the boy, smartly, "and the store balloon is out of order.
 The Honorable Reginald wakened from his trance, whereupon the boy laughed. too. and became talkative
 Elevator inspector or fire insurance?" he asked
 ''Try again." said Winthrop, amusedly.
 .They,re the only men I see riding LID and down without getting off some- where Basement-sporting goods, trunks, suit cases, bicycles, demonstration of Jap ansse embroideries linens and domes- ties"
 Upon my word" said Winthrop, these big American stores keep everything, from the food to eat to the people who serve it. Domestics. inoeed!
 The boy changed the door suspiciously and rose slowly to the first floor. Do mestics is towels he said contemptuous- Iy. roller towels, bath towels dish tow els. Coin to make another round trip?'
 T think shall" Habit asserting itself, the Honorable Reginald reached for conciliatory quarter, and listened to the 5insle with which it joined the other contents of the boys pocket, with the