Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-01-09
The Argus Daily Short Story
WHEN JIhiSEY PLUGGED THE GAME--BY w. F. BRYAN.
Copyrighted Associated Literary

: No thunder rolled. no lightning fash
ed, when James Henry Holden got his
job, but the proceedings We're not alto
gether without excitement. james
Henry entered the office with a de-
mand for the position offered in the
morning paper.
We've got Il boy" declared Royce,
the gray haired manager. You're too
late"
Il was to ten other places before i
could get here" explained James
Henry. (which is the kid you put on?'
Royce nodded i'll the direction CT j
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 package and some change on
lRoyce's desk
: ''Them's the pencils you sent for" he
announced. ''Wherell put my hat?'
Il told you we had a boy" said
Royce GROSSLY.
-1lu udo ain SA
James. Hes gone home to get his
eye fixed. and told him I'd take the
job, SOS he needn't worry"
For moment Royce hesitated. 1t
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, hn 4f ln
the boys sat waiting for their turn to
be called.
NO more fighting or out you co." 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 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 BcnSon'S home with some
message. and in these commissions he
delighted. Usually he carried 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 OWL unhappiness, ard like n
brave little woman she was trying
hard to make the best CT it. though she
found it 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 lie 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 ard 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 1t had slipped out at home
that the head clerk had a 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 alteration 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.
So matters stood when Jimsey, max
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 curve in the path
There was no installing 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 detour. When he caught
a better glimpse of the mans face hi
sauntered forward.
He came to stop before the couple
and hts hat was whisked off as b,
made sweeping bow to Marion. Thel
he turned to the man with look o
infinite disgust.