The Press., 1909-02-03
} When Jiilsey Plugged the Game.
By W. F. BRYAN.
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated
 Literary Press,

No thunder rolled, no lightning fash ed. when James Henry Holden got his job, but the proceedings were not alto Rether 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 late" 4s
 "I was to ten other places before could get here" explained James Henry. "which is the kid you put OnT'
 Royce nodded in the direction of a small boy who was regarding his nice ly polished boots with embarrassed in- terest. James rendered hoarse thanks for the information and slipped out. He was back again in an hour or so to lay a package and some change on Royce's desk.
 "Them's the pencils you sent for" he announced. 'sWhereN put my hat?"
 "I told you we had a boy" said Royce crossly.
 "And had ain't 'is,'" explained James. Hes gone home to get his eye fixed, and told him I'd take the job, SOS he needn't worry"
 For a moment Royce hesitated. It was bad policy. to employ a boy who 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, withss4a 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 infreqUent occasions when he gave the lad any thought at all. He was alert, intelligent and always ready to perform services not strictly in his line.
 More than once Jimsey was sent up- town to Benson's home with some message, and in these commissions he delighted. Usually he carried a mes sage to Mrs. Benson, and Jimsey grew adoringly 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-establish the Chesney fortunes even at the price of her own unhappiness, and like a brave little woman she was trying hard to make the best of it, though she found 1t very difficult at 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. r,
 Beyond that he gave her little thought He was careful to provide flowers and candy. but merely be- and Jimsey stook far more delight in the trip than did Benson fin the send ing or Marion in the receiving.
 Once 1t. had slipped out at 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 nothing more.
 Jimsey's frank admiration and lively ways meant far more to her because his boyish adoration was sincere and his friendliness genuine. She came to watch flor his appearance, and to Jim- sey thesquarter or half dollar that she gave him meant far less than the friendly pressure of the slim, cool fln- gers as she laid the coin in his palm.
 So matters stood when Jimsey, mak- ing 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 a curve in the path. 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 Hetrace his steps and made a detour. When he caught a 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 oH 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 tenements went to. It's too bad you can't stay no long CT, but. you get t'n Outen here."
 To Marton's surprise the man rose and ithQut word took hurried de partdFe, Jimsey turned to her with mild reproach in his eyes.
 ''I know how you feel" he said soothlngly as he watched the tears come unbidden to her eyes. You want to have steady, and the old man ain't no good for the mushy stun. You can't get filtration with no one what knows your push, but you don't want to get mixed up with no lead pipe thief"
 T am interested in charities" she explained, not realizing that she was making defense to a ffteen-year-old boy. "He spoke so Interestingly of the conditions he had studied. This was the first time that he presumed to be- come personal"
 He thought he had you cinched," remarked Jimsey, forbearing to add that he thon9ht she was ''easy." "You want to put the old man wise, be- cause Skinny may try to hold you up blackmail, you know"
 ''I couldn't, I couldn'tw cried the girl with a sob.
 But you must" insisted Jimsey firmly. If you don't <ef, he'll make up all kinds of stories, and yos.il have to put up or stand for 'em."
 "But you can't understand" she be. gan, and Jimsey sagely nodded his head. He was wise far beyond his | years.
 T know" he conceded. "You two a ln't never had eno0d Aoh& Sops -zo,, |