The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-04-12

ICopyright, 1910, by Associated Lit
erary Press)
John Meridith, of Moore d Meri-
dith, at the sudden death of his father
came into possession Of his father s
share In this furniture mandatory.
Young Meridith knew about as much
about the making OF this line of
goods as he did about the scientific
production of Cheshire cheeses, which
was nothing at all.
Meridith. Sr., an elderly. active
man, had not taken death into his
scheme of things, and his sudden
passing found his son and only sur
yiying member Of his family at a
hunting lodge in Virginia with a num-
Der of his Nav York friends. The
youth took up the reins Of business
with remarkable seriousness
The older Merislith had been 4 man
Of many enterprises. lie had kept, at
all times, an observant eye upon OPP
portunity. and ayaiIed himself Of ev-
cry slip in tho business methods of
others,
When John Meridith. the obsequies
over, found that his father. without
bis knowledge, had driven a wedge
into the firm Of Moore, purveyors OF
Furniture to quality. he was inter
assea.
He decided to let other enterprises
run along in the hands of the capable
ones always to be found connected
with the Meridith concerns, while he
concentrated Nirila- methods tn-hear
upon the unnatural lull In the sale Of
SnE TUorg 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 tail, strong tawed 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 sacriiege.
Where" asked John Meridith
upon his first trip to the factory, lis
=. NJ. Moore7"
I'm New York city" answered the
old man slowly. 81 would like to tell
you some things about your partner.
MIR. Meredith, II You care to listen.
T."
Il wouldn't" snapped the son of his
father. Il make II point never TO
hear gossip. NJ your age. Craig. you
should be above such things"
The look Of surprise on the old mans
E6et WIS lollpNeG ny "a sudden flush
Df anger. lie eyed Meredith peculiarly
and bowed low
You own three-fourths Of this plant,
Mr.. Meridith. Your word IL law /
apologize for my iii-advised words"
y We'll don't let 1t happen again"
Interrupted Meridith. half pacif1ed.
The old craftsman bowed again and
left the office
Meridith 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
IF these Moores," commented Meri-
aith.
On the fourth morning after the be-
ginning Of the youths activities he.
IS usual called in the stenographer
who always took down his letters.
The summons failed to bring the
rime-faded automaton with the &C
curate pencil whose ability he had SO
admired. Instead came a young girl
with frightened blue eyes. She APP
preached the mighty presence II am
Miss Thomas. the new girl" she ex-
plained.
Meridith eyed her critically. where
II Miss Mast ." he asked.
"she Is i'll | believe / can take your
aictation accurately.
Meridith rapidly began on his let