Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1907-05-09
CHAPTER w.
Little Bobbs,


l followed him as rapidly as posi-
BILE, hoping to overtake him and, at
least, persuade him to return to my
office until his excitement had cooled
somewhat, but | reached the street
only in time to see him turn the cor
ner and mingle with the busting
crowd
At the same instant little man, not
over five feet in height, and dressed
in coarse drab, Norfolk Jacket and
tightly fitting trousers, turned in hur-
riedly from the opposite direction and
collided with me with some violence.
Beg pardon, sir" he painted, recov-
ering himself with an effort and pull
ing off his cap respectfully Beg
pardon, sir I'm looking for Mr. Wares
Offices, sir. Mr. Frederick Ware, sir.
Is this the place, sir?" and he placed
his hand on his chest and gasped
noisily in his endeavor to catch his
breath.
"Mr. Wares Office is upstairs" I re-
piled, and | am Mr. Ware. Who are
you?"
Thank ye. sir" he said gratefully,
an expression of relief lighting up his
face. I'm Bobbs, sir. Little Bobbs,
they calls me, sir" Still holding his
cap in his hand he pulled his forelock
and bowed with the grace of an east
side dancing master
Very well, Bobbs," | said, com
pletely puzzled. Now what do you
want?"
"Why, I want Mr. Carney of course,
sir" he replied. I'm his man, you
know, sir, and he told me to meet him
here in half an hour"
so you are Mr.. Carney's servant,
eh?" | queried.
He nodded respectfully and touched
his forelock again.
We'll" | continued, "Mr. Carney
has gone and you won't be able to
overtake him, so there is no use in
your trying. Moreover, I want to see
you myself in the Office for a few
minutes"
He followed me upstairs and sat
down gingerly on the edge of a chair
twirling his cap between his hands
and twiddling his thumbs nervously.
watched him for a moment in silence
and then, an idea striking me, un.
locked the small cupboard in my desk
took out bottle and glass and, plac.
ing them before him, said s1licitously:
You are completely exhausted, Bobbs;
better take little of this"
His face was perfectly frank and
honest as he said, politely, Thank
ye kindly, sir, but never touch it. III
be all right in a minute sir"
! returned tho bottle and glass to
their places, fully satisfied with the Nc
suit of my little experiment and con
vinced that the fellow had spoken the
truth and could be relied upon in
every way.
How long have you been in Mr.
Carneys employ?" | asked, as turned
the key in the lock.
Three years, come next autumn,
he replied promptly.
And did you never drink anything
in your life, Bobbs?" | continued, fol
| was working out a definite line OF
questions.
We'll, sir" he rejoined, rather un
comfortably | thought, Il can't say as
I've always been teetotal, sir, an
used to take a drop now and then ant
again, sir. But since Mr.. Carney got
this way, sir, l gave it up entirely. II
wouldn't do for me to be drinkin' now
you know, sir
NO, it wouldn't" l said emphatical
iy. You are quite right, Bobbs, anG
you are faithful fellow to give it III
as you have"
Thank ye, sir said Bobbs.
How long has Mr.. Carney been il
this condition. / asked.
Bobbs looked at me in an unde
cided fashion for a moment and ther
blurted out, "Why, | don't know, sir
as l ought to be talkin of his affairs
SO much, sir. 1t don't seem to me as
it's quite right, sir"
/ appreciated the fellows devotion