The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1911-01-22

n IHGy "dlhSu away lOStlIlSl
~ David was agitated with dread
~ that he might find the position
had been filled. He wanted to
run. But despite his suspense, he had
TO notice that the mayor was smiling at
all the women on both sides of the
street, and that every pretty one that
passed was followed by a look over
the mayors shoulder.
At the end of three minutes walking
they turned into a tenement of the bet
ter sort, on the large front windows of
whose first floor David read in gilt let
tiers, John Rogers-Real Estate"
Here's where | Iive-on the floor
above" said the mayor. You just wait
here in the hall minute or two while
l have a chat with Rogers"
The mayor entered the office, and
David paced the narrow hallway.
Would he get the job? No; this Rogers
would never hire thief. Anyhow. even
il Rogers would, some one else had
the job already. 1t couldn't be true
that he was at last to gain foothold-
even such poor fOothold; No; this was
r to be merely one more rejection.
At length the mayor came out, care
fully smothering the few hairs that
lined the top of his head like a sheet Of
music-paper. Rogers is waitin' for you;
go right in. I'll see you soon. Good-by."
He shook his hands and went out eau
tiously replacing his hat.
David entered. palpitant. The room
was bare, save for real estate maps on
the walls, few chairs, and desk.
Mr.. Rogers turned in his swivel chair
and motioned David to a seat beside
him. MIR. Hoffman has told ME about
YOU, hesaid briefly. and for moment
ne silently looked David over; and
David, for his part, did the same by
the man whose yes or mo" was
about to recreate or destroy him.
Mr.. Rogers was a slight specialized
man with dingy brown hair and a red
dis pointed beard; and If his plain
clothes had any characteristic, that
characteristic was obscurity. His face
and its apparent immobility would have
given the impression that his was a
Spulseless, craven nature, had there not
lIeamed behind his spectacles a pair OF
quick, watChful eyes.
DO you mind if I ask you about
YOURSELF" Mr.. Rogers said with quiet
ness, which David vaguely felt was the
keynote of his character.
ASK anything you please.
Mr.. Hoffman has told me OF your
unfortunate experience of the last four
or five years. Since coming out you
have made a real effort at finding
work?
David outlined the struggles Of the
past IOuT- nlOnlIS HOSoTS
him through without show Of emotio
other than an increased brightness of
the eyes, then asked:
Have you not, under such hard cir
Cumstances. been tempted to stea'
again."
David paled. and hesitated. A re-
formed thief who had attempted theft
no later than yesterday would certainly
not be employed. He saw his chance, so
near, fade suddenly away.
he Cd n q
tone. Then his voice became tremulous
with appeal. But only once! I was in
the act of stealing-but I stopped my
self: 1 could not. 1 took nothing!-not
a thing
David expected to see the face harden.
but II did not change. You know the
character of the work." the even voice
resumed. ut is not pleasant"
David's hopes rushed back.
THAT makes no difference to me-" he
said, eargerly.
And the pay is small-only sl2 a
month and your rent"
yes! Yes! That's all right"
Then" concluded the low, ever, voice,
G'if it's convenient to you, l should ike
IN have YOU begin at once"