The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1910-09-09
CHAPTER VIII.

One morning in the early fall, q
few weeks after the return of Stennis
from abroad, Roger Hews called at
his rooms bearing a letter of intro
duction from Horatio Passavant. 1t
ran:
My Dear Mr.. Stennis: This will COM
mend to your consideration Mr.. Roger
Hews. who prefers TO do his own explain
Ing n to the object of his waiting upon
you. I am requested to say. however
and II gives me great pleasure to do So
that Mr.. Hews has upon more than one
occasion acquitted himself inteliigen,ly
and faithfully in matters of moment en-
trusted to him by this firm. and l be-
heve him to merit the utmost confidence.
Most truly yours.
HoRATlo PASSAVANT.
What can do for you, Mr.. Hews?"
inquired Stennis genially. dragging a
chair forward.
Il understand that your secretary
Is about to leave you. Mr.. Stennis, and
] venture to make application for the
post. It occurred to me that a per-
sonal call would be more satisfactory.
all around. hope I'm not too later"
"on the contrary. you are the first
In the field. How did you know that
there was to be a vacancy"
From Mr.. Passavant"
Il see." said Wilfrid. 1T was
through him that Mt. Jocelyn came
to me three years ago: If he sends me
As good man this time. I shall not
complain"
Hews bowed. In dress and deport-
ment-the former severely business.
like, the latter quiet and sedate-he
seemed outwardly all that could be
desired.
Stennis turned to the letter OF rec
ommendation. slightly at a loss what
to say next. This man was evidently
some years older than himself, and
no doubt eminently respectable.
Despite his experience of the re-
spect and Difference everywhere elici-
ted by his wealth and social standing,
Stennis had never quite gotten over
. slight feeling of embarrassment and
shamefacedness when dealing with
those of his fellowmen who might
In any sense be considered as de-
pendents. An acute observer would
have said that this hang dog trait was
convincing proof that he had not been
born to the purple. Your titled Eng
lishman. for instance. has no compunc-
ton or hesitation In ordering his serv-
ants around: they are to him. and al
ways have been. simply SO much fur
niture.
Il suppose ought to ask you some
questions. Mr.. Hews," said Stennis.
with a whimsical but engaging little
smile, but for the life of me ! don't
know where to begin"
Il am entirely at your service" muir
INJURED the lrreproachable Hews. who
was on his good behavior.
.Well-er-what experience have
you had? presume that's a fair in
Quiry?" said Winfrid tentatively.
"Oh. certainly. Mr.. Stennis. To se
frank with you. have never occupied
exactly the position of private sec
rotary. but have been employed at
various times in a confidential ca
pacity by several men Of affairs. and
the firm at Carboy. Passavant &
Cezine has also used me in some deli
cate matters. may say without hesi-
tation that ! am thoroughly familiar
with the duties Of such place"
Wilfrid nodded. Mr.. Passavant
transacss al my wsightier business.
you know; you would look after my
pefvaas correspondence. keep me
posted - to social engagements. 60
through tAe begging ietters-there's
devil q . lot Of them. ! can assure
you-puscAasa supplies. and pay the
biNA