Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-04-14
upon the unnatural lull in the sale Q

upon the unnatural lull in the sale Of
the Moore article.
The old superintendent, Craig by
name, who had been connected with
the establishment since his sixteenth
year. looked with grudging admira-
ton at the tall, strengthened youth,
with the keen black eyes Of his father,
and the broad shoulders, swinging
stride and 1.-the carriage that comes
from life in the open. According to
the lights of this old man. the ego
tism Of this boy was nothing short of
sacrilege.
Where asked John Meredith.
upon his first trip to the factory, "is
S. NJ. Moore?"
'In New York City," answered the
old man slowly. II would like to tell
you some things about your partner,
Mr.. Meridith, If you care to listen.
T."
81 wouldn't" snapped the son Of
his father. Il make it a point never
to hear gossip. At your age. Craig,
you should be above such things"
The look of surprise on the old
mans face was followed by sudden
flush Of anger. He eyed Meredith
peculiarly and bowed low.
"You own three-fourths Of this
plant, Mr.. Meredith. Your word is
law. apologize for my ill-advised
words"
"Well, don't let it happen again"
interrupted Meredith, half pacified.
The old craftsman bowed again and
left the Office.
Meredith settled Immediately into
harness. A letter of coincidence upon
the death of his father reached him
from s. NJ Moore, but no mention Of
business was made therein. &
'Too much blue blood in the veins
of these Moores," commented Meri-
dith.
On the fourth morning after the
beginning of the youths activities he.
as usual, called in the stenographer
who always took down his letters.
The summons failed to bring the
time-faded automaton with the &C
curate pencil whose ability he had so
admired. Instead came a young girl
with frightened blue eyes. She ap-
preached the mighty presence. II am
Miss Thomas, the new girl, she .ex-
planned.
Meredith eyed her critically Where
is Miss Nast?" he asked.
"She is i'll. believe can take your
dictation accurately.
Meridith rapidly began on his let
tiers. Occasionally he favored the girl
with an analytical glance. Her calm.
classic profile was ice cold, as she In
terested herself in the business at
hand.
'Is that all, sir?"
1T u.s." answered the youth, land
Il wish to congratulate you on your
rapidity. Hereafter you will take my
letters. Please remember"
He turned quickly to resume his
work, so quickly, in fact that he did
not catch the scornful little smile
that touched for passing second the
perfect lips of Miss Thomas.
A bright memory of the pretty
stenographer fingered to haunt the
young man. This irritated him. ~
am getting sentimental he rug,inat
ed. "But, by Jove. that girl certainly
has all the hall marks Of thorough
bred"
Meridith's egotism received a hard
Jolt in his dealings with the custom
ers Of the Moore Meredith product
Insted of increasing business by his
new ideas. trade lessened. Old Gus
toner's lmos. always good for 9
substantial order each month-curi
ously cut Moore-made stuff from
their buying list, nor could the con
Germs statesmen win reason from
them.
| AS time went on, Meridith's inter
est in his stenographer increased. She
/ was a dainty maid. calculated to wiz
| the regard of any and every one She
won more than this from her employer
but as yet lie was unconscious OF It.
| On a morning several months latel
the girl appeared, as usual. and seated
herself opposite her employer. The
! first letter dictated was to well
known jobbing house in New Yorl
city.
IN. Cronin & Co.," began John Meri
| dith. eve can't understand this sud
Iden severance of business relations
existing between our firms. We have
had no order from you for two months
Will it be against the ethics of, you
house to furnish us reason?
| startled exclamation caused hin
ito look up at the transformed face Q
| the girl.
| "And SO you have lost Cronin
;too?" stormed a thoroughly angry lit
tie voice. "Will you never learn you
llesson?" The maid drew herself L
Iher full height and stamped indie
rantly from the room.
John Meridith wondered why h
did not become angry with this ridis
ulous girl, and again probed for
treason for her sudden rage. Mer
ldith's admiring eyes had noted tn
superb queenliness OF Miss Thomas
LIT was the revealing touch. At las
John Meridith, millionaire and youn
business man, realized that he lovet