Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1909-10-22
]. FINLAA
Loan Office.

j. FlNLAA
Loan Office
Though it was nearly o'clock on a
drilling February night, in the outer
office shock headed hoy was address
ing envelopes preparatory to inserting
missives, which the addresses probably
would not receive with any exhibition Of
sinful pride. In some cases, doubtless,
they would roundly curse the man whose
signature endorsed threats, yelled or 9th
erwise, according to the standing of the
client and the prospect of his early com
pliance with the terms of his bond, now
reposing with many others in the big
safe in the inner room, where sat JAS
per Finlay with a telephone receiver at
his ear.
No" he was saying. Better not
count upon me at all. I'll turn up later.
It's miserable business, but I must see
it through"
| He listened for a moment to the reply,
and then proceeded: Il almost regret
that my name and relationship made me
old Jasper's heir begin to doubt
whether happiness can come from money
that has spelt blighted hopes, broken
hearts and widows tears"
Again there was silence while his
! friend made brief comments and asked
questions.
| It's a long story" Finlay resumed.
Il was in California when news came
that my uncle had remembered his
nephew on his death bed His managing
clerk, Abram Levitt, had been with him
/ from a boy and knew the business inside
out
Half an hour ago l ND my first call
at the office from which, 3t this moment
/ am speaking. | find Levitt presjs !,
the creditors to the fullest extent the
law allows My manager has been lend
ing money on his own account in viola
ton of my instructions. He lives in the
rooms over the Office, and l have Just
that hee may make a full disclosure of
sent him for other of his private books,
the extent to which he has launched cut
under cover of my name"
FInlay was advised by his friend 10
leave the matter in allegiance until the
morrow when ii would be advisable to
install an accountant TO inquire into
leVitt's breach of confidence, and bring
a VIGOROUSLY msavory business to a
conclusion. as the new proprietor was de-
termned not to sell it as a going con-
Germ, Finally he made remark that
brought Flnlay's eyebrows closer togeth-
er i'll protesting frown
Eight years too late. old man. said
Finlay Bellies father would hear of no
engagement between us, and shortly aft
erwards she married a stoekbroker. JEFF
ferson was his name. Although / had
no money and my prospects were a
. HOnhffnl plfanfitHr I
Belle would have waited for me"
Jasper tugged at his mustache while
listening to Townley Seymour.
"Eh! Whatl z" he exclaimed suddenly.
"Of coarse. I've been out in the world
and never heard a word of it. So bad
as that? Awful! Poor Belle! I'll look
her up tomorrow Good bye"
Jasper Finlay's mind was digging furi4
ously into the debris of eight busy,
crowded years.
1t was the voice of the shock headed
boy that recalled him to his surround
ings.
You mustn't go in there" he said.
The protest was evidently unheeded
for the door was pushed open, and from
round the doorpost appeared flower
like face, in which were set inauirinp
Ieyes OF the bluest shade imaginable. The
child timidly stepped over the threshold
with courage born of absolute relief
that its occupant was not o9re.like.
Are you Mr.. Shylock?'
Upon my honor, little one, | scarcely
know. Come and tell me why Won ask
Now, little one" he said, drawing her to
hlm between his knees. WHO is Mr.
him?"
| MIR. Shylock lends people money. and
when they haven't got any he wants it
back with lot more which he didn't
lend them" Finlay could not repress 4
smile ut this definition of usury @Ob
he's dreadful man" continued the child.
He makes mummy cry, and-and--
The dey---," exploded Finlay, biting
the word through sayagely with his
teeth.
The child's eyes sought his inauirinply
to gauge whether the meaning of the in.
terruption was friendly or otherwise
She was evidently satisfied by her scru.
tiny.
Martha says-she is my nurse. Won
know-she was mummy's nurse roo.
Martha says she would like to wiring
Shyloek's neck"
He deserves it" bluted out Finlay
savagely, who sent you horeY"
| came with Martha, but man took
her upstairs and left me to wait IN The
passage, so came in here"
/ Thank goodness you did," repiied
tmlay, with something suspiciouslv like
choke Now tell me your name.s
Belle Jefferson, and it is mummv's
name"
She felt the arm around her suddenly
tighten, and mtuitiyely she recognized ii