The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1908-07-23

swiftly tuhu usual ull hi7 Aa@1 "e'
calm. He was even able to listen with
a vague interest 20 the conversation
Of two men who sat IN front OF him.
yes" said the elder OF the two,
~It's what I've always said, Every
man has a skeleton Ia his cupboard
Sometimes it's the skeleton Of wom-
an, sometimes OF a drunken father,
sometimes OF a lunatlc brother. But
there II Is. and although he keeps the
key OF the cupboard IN his most care
fully buttoned pocket. somebody steals
the key al last That's what happened
70 poor Bennett"
His companion acqulesced. and then
attempted feeble joke. This led the
conversation into a lighter vein, and
the subject OF skeletons was dropped
On the brain OF Kimber. however. the
chance words had made an impression.
A CLEAN came Into his eyes and spot
OF color glowed IN his cheek. His mind
worked with feyerish energy.
The bus paused at Lancaster Gate.
He allghted. and walked swiftly TO
westbourne Terrace. where the great
man lived. He hesitated for a mo-
nenf at the door. asking himself
whether he should knock OF ring. for
he was not used 70 visiting az ''swag-
GER houses. Eventually. with touch
OF brayado. be resolved 10 do both.
A man In quiet livery opened the
door.
rs ar. skinner at homer he asked,
boldly.
The servant stared az him. guessing
that be was from the Office, and ac-
cordlngly favorlng him with the con
tempt which all rlght-minded fiunkeys
feel for mere clerks.
Don't know. I'm sure be replied.
cnrciessly.
Then be good enough 20 inquire"
said Klmber. sterniy
The tone was brutal. and produced
tho desired effect. The man asked
him 10 step Inside. and inquired his
name.
Kimber took out bis card. and wrote
on il: -May see you. sir. for FEW
minutes on a very urgent matterg
you viii please give this 10 Mr.
skinner" he said. 4 am sure he ~iii
consent 10 see ne II he Is az home I"
The servant went away. and return
"a a moment later.
Just step in here and wait bit"
be observed. as he pointed 20 room.
the door OF which WIS open
Klmber obeyed There was mir
ror on the manteipieoe. He walked
10 Il and surveyed himself. Jovc:
how wonderfully young and well be
looked. The years seemed 10 have
-oilcd from him during the past ten
minutes. The dominating impulse
which had seized his brain had bright
ered his eyes. and brought a glow TO
his check. lie felt that be was ready
70 achieve anything. Anythlngl
~Er-what do you want. kimbery
asked voice. rousing him from bis
rereric. Facing round abruptly. be
saw that Skinner had entered the
room.
= took the liberty OF calling, sir. In
reference 20 this letter he replied. as
he took the note from his pocket and
handed Il 70 his employer.
skinner read the letter as though
he was not aware Of the contents.
-nsli,~ be said. as be returned It.
well. what about III"
Il have come here TO ask yon 10 re
consider your decision. SIR be answer
ed. land 20 tell you that I think you
have no right 10 dismiss me after my
long service
Indeed. Such things are done ev-
cry day. You must excuse my saying
10. but-er-you are getting a little
too old for us. We want younger men
Yes. that is what thought But,
all the same. sir. don't admit the
Justice OF H. can do everything that
a younger person can do. and perhaps
do Il better. As TO salary. I'm only
getting i've hundred dollars year.
and doubt II even a man half my
age would take much less"
skinner shuilied his feet impatient
~.
MY good fellow" he said. II really
can't waste time arguing with you
about the ethics OF commercial efficitn.
q. suppose have a right to DO as
/ choose In my own Office. Now. be
sensible and take your cruel like .
man. otherwise. may change n,y
mind about furnishing testimonials
when you want theml"
Kimbcr realized that the hour had
struck for action. He pulled himsclf
together, and approached his EN-
ploycr.
~Air. skinner" he said. ."you are an
ambitious man. know that you have
lust been elected TO the directorate Of
a City Company. and believe that
you contemplate running for Congress-
ne the next election"
skinner stared at him as though he
believed his clerk had suddenly gone
mao
"whaf the mischief has all that got
10 dp with YOU and your dismissnlf"