The San Francisco call., 1910-03-06

BY LUKE THRICE
THERE is a moral, social and economic
force in the ordinary city directory that Rob-
ert Carter, social climber, could not overlook.
II brought to his attention one day while
he referring shat ponderous piece of literature
in corner drug store. Thereupon he was moved to
reflection.
He observed that though few and favored are they
who may read their names in the social register,
many and not all unfavored they who may derive
q similar delight in the directory. 1t was desirable,
highly So that R. Pendleton Carteret should some
day appear in the little guide to the elect That being
Of the question, for the time being what about
the larger and more common publication?
He ran over the leaves "Hemkin, Raoul w, pres,
-- Wall, h. - Madison av" Now, if man must
submit TO be herded with the crowd it just as well
that he should hedge himself about with degree of
excusveness There was world of possibility in
that pres" Henkin, Raoul W." might be president
Of anything from republic a chess club, but the
single word pres" served hold him aloft in a man
ner suggestive of dignity and reserve He aware
that he distinctly wished his own name might carry
some such attachment
And this is the manner, trivial as it may appear in
which Robert Carter started upon one of the most
Instructive experiences of his career 1t was small
thing, perhaps but he had made his remarkable ad-
vance into the fair, guarded Businesses of society
sn all things. The suggestion dwelt somewhere in
the corner OF his mind to bear fruit at convenient
oppo rtunity4
Th, opportunity came one afternoon during a
coaching trip at Lenox. Carter the guest of the
Nannardsy mot on the unsupported solicitation Of
Birdsan Mann ard, be 1t said, for the Vrgnian knew
exactly what value place upon that fat witted
knight OF the stable. The word had come from none
other than Mrs Mannard herself and had marked
e was sitting with young Janson Cutten on the back
seat and they had entered into casual discussion that
ranged from golf to finance The latter subject was
10 the fore.
Heard something about your fathers intended re-
organization of the -th avenue road" ventured
Carter. In simple truth Carter had no more knowl-
edge OF the doings of the til avenue road or old
Henry Cutten than any other reader of the daily
papers But he was an adept at assuming offhand
familiarity with any theme helpful in making
saton.
"Oh, yes" assented Janson, languidy, there is
something Of that kind in view"
Welcome news to the stock holders myself
among them," continued Carter.
so it would seem," nodded the other. From all
accounts the company in a fearful state. The
governor thought something might be done with it
It was Topped off from the Panurban system you
know, by court order, and Topping around in
helpless sort OF way"
What's he going to do?"
"He hasn't confded in me-" answered Ianson
dryly.
Then he went on with grmace Hes just begun
my practical training and I've not progressed far
enough be the inside"
"Oh, I didn't that said Carter, hastily. 81
interested in merely general way"
THE CAR LINE DEAL
ITS all right old chap. 1 knew you weren't aim
ing TO pump me-" smiled Janson. ITS fairly we'll
known, I'll go ball. how the governor and stand on
business But since you're interested ALL cast your
eyes upon me more carefully I'm slated for the new
vice president of the company"
He said this with such droll good humor and such
frank appreciation of its significance that Carter broke
into open laughter. Janson Cutten had been one of
the widest hedglngs of the years before
and his appearance any organization more serious
than at a dinner society at that time would have
served as rare joke. 1t had been rumored that Cut
ten senior had taken hand the regeneration of his
son and heir recently
"Still, why not?" said Carter moment later.
You'll have to serve your apprenticeship some
where"
Il suppose" returned the other doubtfully "But
shall hardly find the duties arduous. The vice pres
identshp OF the til railroad under Henry
Cuttcn is not exactly the place one would pick out
from which to reach hand into the seethng cal
dron Of finance l happen know that he offered it
TO at least others before he thought of me. He's
scratching for directors now"
Then Carter suddenly remembered the drug store
compendium OF popular information and the thought
it had raised. Drectori Why not? 1t would look
extremely we'll almost as well as pres"
Your honored father hasn't cast his hook into
these troubled for his directors yet, he sug-