Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-02-20
When Jimsey
Plugged the Game.
BY W. f. BRYAN.
BY W. r. BRYAN.
copyrighted. 1903. by Associated
Literary Press.


No thunder rolled. no lightning flash
ed. when James Henry Holden got his
job, but the proceedings We're not alto.
gcther without excitement. James
Henry entered the office with de-
mand for the position offered in the
morning paper.
"Wc've got boy" declared Royce.
the gray haired manager. you're too
late"
II was to ten other places before ]
could get here" explained James
Henry (Which is the kid you put on;"
Royce nodded In the direction of a
small boy who was regarding his nice
ly polished boots with embarrassed in
for the information and slipped out.
lie was back again In an hour or so to
lay a package and some change on
Royce's desk.
'''fhem's the pencils you sent for" he
announced. "Where'll put my hatY
Il told you we had boy" said
Royce GROSSLY.
And had amt is" explained
james. Hes gone home TO get his
eye fixed. and told him I'd take the
job. So he needn't worry"
For moment Royce hcsitatcd. II
was bad policy TO employ boy who
had taken another's job. but Royce
was very tired of boys who lacked
spirit. so mt 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
grinmcd rs he crossed over to the
bench.
In two days he was "Jimsey' to ev-
cry one in the office with the exception
az BENSON. the senior partner and
even Benson thought Of him rs Jlmsey
on those infrequent occasions when lie
gave the lad any thought Mt all. He
was alert intelligent and always ready
30 perform services not strictly In his
line
More than once JImsey was sent up
town to Bcnson's home with some
message and In these commissions he
delighted. Usually he carried mes
sage 10 Mrs. Benson. and .Iimsey grew
adorlngly fond OF The sweet faced girl
who was the brokers' second wife.
Marion Chesney had married Benson
because her parents had given her no
peace until she had consented to make
the sacrifice that should re-cstablish
the Chcsney fortunes even ut the price
of her own unhappiness. and like Il
brave little woman she was trying
hard g make the best Of II. though she
found II very difficult nj times.
BENSON had sought mistress of his
home rather than of his heart He de-
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 .Insey took far more delight In
the trip than did Benson in the send
Ing or Marion in the receiving.
once ii had slipped out at home
that the head clerk had Il standing
order 10 remind his employer to send
flowers and things, and after that they
were flowers or candy to Marion
nothing more.
,Iimsey's frank admiration and lively
ways meant far more to her because
his boyish alteration was sincere and
his fricndiness 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 MS she laid The coin in his palm.
So matters stood when .Iimsey, max
ing short cut through the park on
the way to the street car line. came
face to face with Marion and man
as he turned curve In the path.
There was no mistaking the mans at
titudc. He was making determined
love to her, and she seemed mt least
tolerant IL not receptive.
Tor 0lA @lNNdil
then half turned TO retracc his steps
and made detour When he caught
a better glimpse Of the mans face he
| sauntcred forward.
He came to a stop before the couple,
and his hat was whisked off as he
made sweeping bow to Marion. Then
lie turned TO the man with look of
infinite disgust
Get on new lay, skinny" he de-
mandcd. You're or your beat and in
over your head. You'd better beat IL
or I'll tell the cops where the lead pipe
from Hennessy's new tenemcnts went
to. It's too bad you can't stay no long
er. but you get til outen here"
To Marion's surprise the man rose
and without word took hurried de
parture. Jimsey turned TO her with
mild reproach In his eyes.
Il know how you feel" he said
soothingly MS he watched the tears
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