The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1909-02-11
The
COURAGE OF EFFIE
BROOD

the respective general managers at
tho respective head offices understood
:, even better. and wrote emphatic
letters on the subject.
"you must offer Sir Julian every
rossible inducement to give us his
husiness now that he has dehSitely
decided to do it all in Bellington. IL
necessary, all commission on the ac-
count may be waived and interest al
lowed at Bank rate. The directors
,ook to YOU to do your best in the
matter. and will feel greatly disap-
pointed If you allow yourself to be
out-manoeuvred by your rivals"
30 said the general manager of the
south Midlands bank to Mr.. Grundy,
manager OF the Dellington Bank.
Mr.. brood and Mr.. Steele, local
managers OF the National United
Bank and the Royal Bank, were ham
mered at by their chiefs in much the
same tone, especially Mr.. brood.
And now once again Sir Julian
called on Mr.. brood. He stepped in
to MIR. Drood's private Office with
SNUG triumph on his fat face, as II
he looked forward to the enjoyment
of another bout of wits.
Il want to tell you" he said,
straight out, that Steele's people
are disposed to allow me half per
cent above Bank rate, and Grundy
saws he won't be beaten by anything
they can do. | thought I'd let you
know"
brood shrugged his shoulders.
Its an awful business. Sir Julian
ne said, land there won't be penny
profit in it, but I'll go quarter per
cent. better than that. Assuming
your credit balance keeps at about
sSO,O00. we will give you quarter
per cent. over Bank rate, and charge
you no commission on three
months agreement"
Sir Julian seemed surprised.
The deuce you will, Drood?"
since you say it. Sir Julian, the
deuce will. And I'll tell you why.
I'm rather ajar with my authorities,
and I'm afraid they'll remove me
from Bellington. II fail in this"
All" said Sir Julian. Don't dust
their boots for them quite as they
like, eh?"
expect that's 1t. l can't toady
to them or any one"
The great man laughed.
You're too Independent for your
Job, 1 can see, Drood," he said. well
thanks, I'll make note of your
amended terms BY the way. how's
your pretty young wife?"
Mr.. brood WINGED ever so slightly
Thank you. she is we'll" he re
piled.
We'll, look here, Drood," he said
after a puff of smoke, you can tel
her II you like that If | transfer m.
account to you it'll be more for thu
10! What's up?"
brood had risen sharply
Il won't have your account" h
exclaimed Il withdraw my offe
and wish you good afternoon.
Bless the fellow" said Sir Julian
sitting still; you're too touchy
They'll kick you out of your bert
here to certainty if | say the word.
Il don't care what they do. II
thank you to leave my office:"
Sir Julian jumped to his feet.
ME. leave your office! Are yo
out OF your senses, MANI"
We'll, SIR" said brood, hesitatin
before the fate he was challenging
perhaps | am little out of m
senses. I've had a good deal to pu
up with OF la.e. IL you will apolc
gize for bringing my wife into tn
matter"
Apologize for mentioning you
wife, Me apologize to you, brood
III see you hanged first. Go to tn
devil your own way. my frien'
Such airs!' He strode from tn
room into the general office, turne'
and gave poor brood the finishin
stroke OF humiliation in the present
of his own clerks. IN see yot
folks ct head office tomorrow
Brood" he said waving his han
with the cigar in it. They'll
deeply interested, | warrant. Goo,
day to you!"
brood made no reply.
He and his staff watched the rio
boor strut through the door he
open for him by porter.
I'VE have lost his accoun
Bridge" said brood simply to b
cashier, as he returned to his oW
pered.
brood recognized the great man
room.
SO it seemed. Straight from Il
National United Bank Sir julia
drove to the South Midlands Ban
Here, after very little parleying, M
Grundy offered the same enhanc'
terms as brood.
III let you know tomorrow
said Sir Julian curtly; and he ma
for the third bank in the town.
With still less parleying N
Steele was also ready to offer t