Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-09-24

twelve stood forth a finished and resoute OF
his word Then, having all the facts at his
command and the future Of his mother to provide
for he made his hard careful plans for success, and
put his determined foot upon the ladder.
There was never anything to do with Tommy
oept to stand aside and let him rise. This they
room discovered at Hathaways great factory. where
no began by folding circulars and copying letters.
When he was sixteen they made him travelling
salesman.
That was the last day that his mother ever did
any work. BY another week he had moved her up
town. Three years later, when they took him on
hhe road because they needed him in the office, he
moved his mother again. BY another year they
we're giving him a salary which he could not think
of without bushing.
But Tommy had seen at the start that the way to
make money to save IT, and at twenty-three his
chance Hathaway wanted new capital to en-
large the business and was discussing the proposed
improvements with his partners and Tommy when
the latter blurted suddenly. Why not let me come
in7"
The general manager stared The president.
great Hathaway himself. looked out of the window
and smiled.
why you see, Tommy" he explained, this is q
matter OF such-an-such a sum-"
Yes" said Tommy. undismayed by the size Of
the figure. II know. could bring certified check
for 1t Thursday.
WnSre
money, Tommy"
81 have been drawing q lot OF money for the last
seven years." said DriscolI calmly. Then I've
been awfully lucky some Investments" and hs
mentioned two.
So Tommy went into the firm as treasurer but
he was much more than that. At the end Of his
second year the earnings of the nrm had exactly
doubled. Toward the end Of the third they had
doubled again. BY the end OF the fifth when
had
sandstil, the lines for the great mergerseven big
houses from Jersey City to Los Angees-had al
ready been laid BY the end Of the sixth year the
merger was an accomplished fact 1t was really
Tommy Driscoll of Hathaway's who had put tho
deal through though the papers did not say
Then Driscoll bought few more gilt-edged eecuri-
ties, a little more choice real estate, did o little
furthering figuring and found that he was in fair
way to become wealthy young But
suddenly, just when he making plans for play
ing business = really large scale. his commercial
career to abrupt close.
Tommy said his mother one night, as she sat
on side OF his bed and gently stroked his great
mop OF head. Il want you to give up the factory
-and--be q gentleman
"A what?"
"A gentleman" said his mother softly.
Yes M" said Tommy.
And marry" added his mother. her cheeR
against his. some nice girl--a lady"
"A what?"
"A lady" said his mother still more softly.
"Yes'm." said Tommy again
He took office in a downtown sky-scraper, eds
kaged stenographer, and spent hour there every
day. looking after his affairs which prospered
largely.
He approaching twenty-nine at this time
very big and simple, very pleasant to look at. very
FULL OF those eager spirits which all these hard
years had not been able to crush out OF him.
II believe I'll start and md lady" he said to
himself-'a LADY, and here he smiled for this
was Hathaway's most famous catchword. which he
himself had invented Who's the best thing going"
He was merciless to satisfy. Fifth Avenue. the
railroad stations. the park became his haunts. He
loitered near brownstone fronts. waiting for young
sprigs OF celebrated houses (whose names he got
from his morning paper) to emerge
Then one day his patience rewarded. She
sat In Victoria with maid. while a male attend.
ant and some baggage followed in a hanson.
Smith" said Tommy to his man. who be.
hind. follow that man in the hanson to the ticket
window. Find out where he's going and buy a
ticket to the same place.
ITO Oidcourt, SIR nlurmured Smith at the
designated tryst, handing Tommy the ticket. The
lady and the maid have Just gone on There are
two cars, sir, the Tacoma and the Latonia. The
lady and the maid in the Laconia. have got
you seats In both, sir"
me, Smith he said, for week Say. four trunks.
Tell my mother that have suddenly been called out
OF town and will write. Come on with the trunks
tonight. shall be at the principal hotel. Report
to me there at noon tomorrow. Tell me at that
time where shall lind Miss Beden-Miss Vespasia
Belden."
Very good. STR" said Smith.
With Tommy driving and Smith silent in the
tonneau, they whizzed up the beautiful white road
turned to the left and slowed down at a pretty
shngled house with low pillars and wide we'll fur
nished porches.
The clubhouse, Smith, said Drscoll sagely
"You are she is golfng this morning."
Tho nodded, and throwing on speed again
Tommy ran along beside the high white wall whicl
surrounds the club grounds all sides.
wait for here, Smith," he said.
il The wall was OF such height that SIX foot ma