El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-11-18

the scene of battle, Muriel Hfldage en-
tered Grey's office rather sorry that
the strenuous competition was coming
to an end.
AS they sat and talked in the room
that commanded the street she looked
out of the window. Suddenly she
jumped to her feet.
Why" she cried. heres Mr. West
ernI He has just come out of Book
cries. and I think he's coming here.
Western? That's the name of the
managing director of the concern. Do
you know him, Muriel?"
Yes. He is the rather vulgar faith
er of a very nice young lady, friend
of mine. This means victory"
Brotherton, the assistant, showed
the important visitor up.
Miss Hildage." he exclaimed, in
surprise. Delighted, I'm sure. And
I'll hardly need any introduction
Grey. your fiancee. How dye do, MI
Gregg"
He was positively beaming- He was
always game to the last, and always
prompt at coming to business
We'll, Mr.. Grey, you've given US a
run for our money. Suppose you couid
return the compliment Now I'm hop
ing this chance meeting with Miss Hil-
dage will give me a claim to your con-
sideration. because I've a proposition
to put to you.
The fact is we've got to clear out
from across the way. What. You didn't
know? Also we can't get suitable
premises
Suppose we come to terms. In
way, you see, I throw myself on your
mercy, seeing the unfortunate combi-
nation of circumstances
Grey looked at Muriel. Her cheeks
were crimson, and he broke in on the
mans loquacity quickly at sight CT
that.
IF you'll give me another call n
half an hour or so. III Sgo into the
matter with YOU" he said.
And the big man bowed himself out
The wealthy Miss Hildage looked Up
timidly at her poor partner
How people do jump to conclu-
sionsr she ventured to say
Yes And Muriel. it would have
been rather awkward for us to explain
to that vulgar little beggar. That's
why didn't. And you seemed glad L
didn't try"
pride in you better than the other
sort
Il grasped something that moment,
he went on in low voice. II begin to
see that you've always understood.
And now L know that pride doesn't
come first. 7 need you" =
While this scene proceeded to its
fitting climax, the assistant, who had
precipitated it, by informing Mr..
Western, unauthorized, that Grey and
Muriel were engaged to be married,
beheld the approach of Mr.. Western
and warned his employers.
You'd better bring him in, Broth
erton, and stay in with us And the
subsequent events rather astonished
him
Now, sir, I'm ready for your ulti-
matum," said Mr. Western. in his
bluffest of manner
TT is not very drastic" was Greys
reply. I'll sell you this business as
going concern on an independent valu-
alton There is only one stipulation
that you give Mr.. Brotherton here a
berth He's worth a good one. may
tell you he's about to be married, aud
as Miss Hildage is presenting him
with a block of shares in your COM
pany as a wedding present, he'll have
a special interest in his work"
Say no more, said Mr.. Western.
It's agreed. He shall manage the
branch Couldn't have a better mani
Thanks I'll go and get the necessary
documents fixed up at once. Cool
day.
The amazing success of the contest
with the big company remained q
day his wife explained to him.
Their shop was mine-I turned
them out. And the day Mr. Western
came over I had already been round
to take every shop in the town. 1t
was rather a shame, but-wen. it was
success. And I haven't begun to re-
greet the result. dear, yet.