Putnam patriot., 1909-01-08
When Jimsey Plugged the Game.
 By W. F. BRYAN.
By Vi. E. RRYAN.
Copyrighted. Ias. by Associated
 Literary Press

gether without excitement. James Henry entered the office with de- mand for the position offered in the morning paper.
 We've got boy" declared Royce. the gray haired manager. You're too Iate.-
 sI was to ten other places before l could get here,' explained James Henry. (Which is the kid you put on :'
 Royce nodded in the direction of small boy who was regarding his nice ly polished boots with embarrassed in ferest. James rendered hoarse thanks for the information and slipped out. He was back again in an hour or so to lay package and some change on Royee's desk.
 'Them's the pencils you sent for he announced ..where'll put my hat?"
 -l told you we had a boy" said Royce grossly.
 And had aint is" explained James Hes gone home to get his eye fixed, and I told him I'd take the job. sos he needn't worry"
 For a moment Royce hesitated. It Wds pdd PoAies to tbffics q tVS W ho had taken another's job. but Royce was very tired of boys who lacked spirit, so at last he nodded his head in the direction of the bench where the boys sat waiting for their turn to be called.
 ''No more fighting or out you go." he warned. with frown, and James grinned as he crossed over to the bench.
 In two days he was "Jimsey" to ev cry one in the office with the exception of Benson. the senior partner and even Benson thought of him as Jimsey on those infreauent occasions when he gave the lad any thought at all. He was alert. intelligent and always ready to perform services hot strictly in his line.
 More than once Jimsey was sent up- town to Bensen's home with some message. and in these commissions he delighted. Usually he carried mes sage to Mrs Benson. and Jimsey grew adorngly fond of the sweet faced girl who was the brokers second wife.
 Marion Chesney had married Benson because her parents had given her ne peace until she had consented to make the sacrifice that should re=establish the Chesney fortunes even at the price of her own unhappiness, and like brave little woman she was trying hard to make the best of 1t. though she found it very difficult at times.
 Benson had sought mistress of his fI,at, of bfc 1a. lighted in seeing his wife at the head of his table when he gave dinners to his business associates. Like the plate and the wines. she did credit to his taste.
 Beyond that he gave her little thought He was careful to provide flowers and candy. but merely be cause he felt that this was expected. and Jimsey took far more delight in the trip than did Benson in the send ing or Marion in the receiving.
 Once it had slipped out Ut home that the head clerk had standing order to remind his employer to send flowers and things. and after that they were flowers or candy to Marion hing more.
 Jfmseyes frank admiration and lively ways meant far more tv her because his boyish adoration was sincere and his friendliness genuine. She came to watch for his appearance. and To Jim sey the quarter or half dollar that she gave him meant far less than the friendly pressure of the slim, cool fin- gers as she laid the coin in his palm.
 -I.<.,x yf.al- ing a short cut through the park on the way to the street car line, came face to face with Marion and a man as he turned curve in the path. There was no mistakfng the mans at titude. He was making determined love to her, and she seemed at least tolerant if not receptive
 For an instant Jimsey paused and then half turned to retrace his steps and made a detour. When he caught better glimpse of the mans face he sauntered forward.
 He came to A stop before the couple, and his hat was whisked of as he made a sweeping bow to Marion. Then he turned to the man with a look of infinite disgust.
 Get on a new lay. skinny" he de manded You're off your beat and in over your head. You'd better beat it or I'll tell the cops where the lead pipe from Hennessy's new tenemenfs went to. It's too bad you can't stay no long CT. but you get til outen here.r
 To Marion's surprise the man rose and without a word took hurried de parture Jimsey turned to her with mild reproach in his eyes.
 '.I know how you feel" he said soothingly as he watched the tears come unbidden to her eyes. You want 10 have a steady. and the old man aint no good for the mushy stun You can't get a filtration with no one what knows your push, but you don't want to get mixed up with no lead pipe thief
 .I am interested In charities" she explained, not realizing that she was making a defense to fifteensyear-old boy He spoke so Interestingly of the conditions he had studied. This was the first time that he presumed to be- come personai"
 He thought he had you cinched." remarked Jimsey. forbearing 10 add that he thought she was easy "You Nent to put the old man wise. be cause Skinny may try 10 hold you up blackmail, you know"
 T couldn't, coulda't"' cried the