The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1910-01-12


pencil dropped from his fingers and
the memorandum was pushed aside.
He stared through the window be-
side him and the look of worry slowly
deepened.
ats no use to fight any longer" he
muttered, I'm have to throw up my
hands, Gle drew his breath sharply.
"How can / tell Ellen?" he half
moaned.
A step at the door startled him. He
looked around suddenly. A girl was
standns in the doorway, slender
girl, with a smiling face.
"A penny for your thoughts,
daddy, she cried, as she came for
ward and laid her hand on the old
mans shoulder.
snake II . million pennies, dear
said tlo I2cn, half seriously, "and
perhaps III betray them
The si.l dropped into the chair
beside the desk
"Do you wonder why l am here,
daddy"
If you want me to wonder dear.
OF course, I've ceased to wonder at
anything you do. Is this something
very special?"
"Yes, daddy"
"Then It can't be money"
"No, daddy"
Her lock was bright and yet ten
der
II am here, daddy, because I was
sure you wanted me. | know you
don't believe in that. But it is quite
true. l felt you calling me, daddy. |
felt that YOU needed me. Be very
fair, daddy. Wasn't | in your mind?"
His look grew gentle.
you are always in my mind,
Ellen"
She pattaj his hand.
"Yes, daddy. But wasn't I in your
mind more especially this morning?"
He hesitated moment.
"Yes.
He turned away rs he uttered the
word and stared again through the
window.
The girl drew nearer and her white
fingers tightened on his hand.
Nov, see here, daddy she quick
ly said, you are not playing fair with
me. You are keeping something hid
den that l should know. You do it in
a very clumsy way, daddy A child
could see through you. Come, now,
'fess up, daddy. Is it business?"
"Yes," he murmured
The girl suddenly smiled.
IL was afraid it was you, daddy.
was afraid you had been TO Dr. Ar
thur and he had told you something
you didn't want me to know. And SO
it's only the business? What about
it, daddy?"
He turned and looked at her.
Its in very bad way, dear" he
answered. 81 had made up my mind
to tell you to-day
The girl nodded.
"That's what drew me down here"
she gravely said. Go on, daddy"
His air of trouble came back.
1T looks, my dear, as If your father
was a bankrupt The mills have
been going wrong. The Acme syndi-
cate is too much for us. They under
sell us and their grip on the market
can't be shaken off. We are doomed,
Ellen, doomed"
The girl gently stroked the mans
hand.
That's bad, daddy, very bad. |
Know how you must feel after all
these years of toll and upbuilding.
But be philosophical, daddy-and
don't you dare worry about ME. II
can do my share toward supporting
the family-and there's no doubt I
need the discipline. I've been a much
Aampered girl, daddy, but you haven't
spoiled me. Cheer up, dear. After
everything else is gone, we will still
have each other"
He raised his eyes and she saw that
there were tears in them.
why, daddy"
She rose quickly and put her arms
about him. And for a little while
they were silent.
Now we really must cheer up,
daddy" she presently said, and smil-
ingly kissed his cheek. Don't you
laugh, but something tells me hope
and help are on the way"
He shook his head at her.
Il know of no way in which help
can come" he said
And yet it is coming" the girl
persisted. "You know my gift, daddy.
You will see that l am right" Her
gaze turned toward the window.
"Who is that, daddy"
He looked out.
A young man had paused in front
of the Office and was staring UP at the
sign over the door. He seemed to
hesitate. Then he moved along.
You are nervous, my dear said
the father. "Can't a presentable
looking young man pause on the side
walk without attracting our united
attention."
The girl suddenly held up finger.
"Hush, daddy"
Somebody was rapping at the door.
Come in" the father called.
The young man who had halted on
fha cidnuoI1x ann0aroI a.,