The San Francisco call., 1908-12-20

ties and the Joy OF the season begsts
a mutual tolerance in the human race.
Even capitalist and laborer look as if
they had a common ground Of good
viii and would bury the tribal en-
nifty.
All San Francisco was out and Joy
rang out IN the laugh OF happy chill
dren viewing the teemtng windows.
But was on an errand which would
bring me cheek by towl with poverty,
want and vice. which ever rubs elbows
with the happy and gay 1t has been
written. The poor ye have always
with you"
had time to examine the loan
establishment before more customers
came in. Jewelry in piles cleaned IN
the showcases and the window teemed
with the product OF the goldsmith
Down the center OF the store strip
of heavy carpet formed a path lead
ing to a quiet. boxlike room In the
rear where private business was trans
acted. The lamentations of the ap-
pearing rich are held a sacred thing;
and weigh heavier IN the balance than
the wailings Of widows and orphans.
There was another entrances on SIDE
street with a sign bearing the device,
card customers entrance wealthy
patrons. including the little brothers
OF the rich.' trod the private way 70
the strong box of Dives
A Young girl stood outside timidly
peering into the room. IMlce $50
stepped forward, then. shrinking PACK
into the crowd OF sightseers. walked
away for few steps. She was neatIy
dressed and her face bore the imprint OF
modesty and gentleness.
she will come in" said the money
lender: its her first experience ana
she Is the only kind OF customer / dread
It's hard 10 turn them down; they are
girls from good homes and have nard
time 10 make living and keep straight
Often the pledge is worthless. but what
can I do?"
with a firm step the girl walked into
the room. Her heightened color ana
nervous glances betrayed the inward
agitation.
II have something TO pawn. sir" She
spoke timidly and laid down a plain
gold ring.
practiced eye he appraised It and read
the monogram. e TO z.
Five dollars all I can lend on that"
The girl took the ticket and left the
shop hurriedly, her eyes filling with
tears.
Her mothers wedding ring; that
kind of pledge is good. She will starve
herself 70 redeem that ring"
For time trade came in with 8 rush
Some men would look at the show cases.
keeping up a pretense Of buying until
uncle put them at ease.
One man tried to pawn a set OF teeth:
the loan was declined on the grounds OF
not being a good insurance risk.
Hard luck" he said. but It's just as
we'll. can't eat without money, and X
I pawn the teeth 1t would bother me TO
eat anyhow"
The private bell tinkled frequently
Uncle attended to the high class Gus
toners and his assistants doled out pail
try sums to pale faced clerks and work.
ing girls.
A painted denizen OF the alleys came
IN talking loudly for the benefit OF all
who chose to listen. She had tewelry 70
pawn. .
'I got hunch Charlie shook me for
a Seattle girl: gotta make a raise to
get UP there" On inspection the Jew
elry turned out to be phony and worth
less imitation She minced out. venting
her opinion on pawnshops In general.
with a few personal remarks directed
at this particular uncle
Uncle wiped the perspiratton from his
face: he looked mad clear through.
shes a bad actor. and we got lots
OF that kind. We have 20 stand IL
could get them pinched. but can't
spend my time prosecuting; besides
publicity In this business Is bad for
trade" He was called away to the
private room: diamond expert wanted
TO consult him. All the high class
shops keep experts. My attention was
called to a little drama enacted on
the pavement outside the store.
Look at that" said the assistant.
grasping my arm Another girl who
might have been a store or millinery
clerk. by her appearance. was standing
talking to man in an automobile. In
her hand was the small telltale bundle
For time she listened to the voice OF
the tempter. and then again retreated
as though coming into the pawnshoe
Once she came as far as the step: the
man alighted. and after wavering for
a few minutes. she accompanied him to
the automobile and was driven of.
''She who hesitates is lost" quoted
uncle. who had returned to the store
ROOM
'You think then" said T.
God knows he replied. I'VE see IL
every day: I'm q family man and can't
stop to think about the things 7 see.
II did. it would drive me out OF the
business"
my way homeward through the mob
of beIated. joyous revelers. the chimes
rang out.
Peace on earth and good viii toward
men. This story is true this Christmas
and many Christ days OF other years.
For it was written. The poor ye have
always with you.'s