Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-10-12
IT HAPPENED AFTER
THE BIG "LAY-OFF"
Jim, the Engineer Without a Job,
Finds "The" Girl in Time Of
Adversely. Il
BY FRANK n. JONES.

The chief clerk went from table to
table. pausing only long enough to
toss down q neat little envelope in
front OF some individual who was too
busy TO pay immediate attention TO
e.
One by one they picked them up,
tore OF the ends and glanced at the
contents. Some uttered mild exclama-
tons OF surprise, others gave free
won't 10 their feelings. still others said
never a word. but their looks spoke
volumes.
Jim was one OF the latter. His
square Jaw dropped as he picked up
the letter and rose from his chair.
There was no mistaking the curt and
business-like phrase:
Your services are no longer re
quired after the 25th instant"
II spoke little. but meant lots. He
read II again and again. then turned
20 join the uproar.
Jim tried to work: Il seemed q
battle where Il had always seemed
a pleasure. the very figures he wrote
seemed to jump up before him and
cry. you're fred"
He looked up. everybody was look
ing at everybody else. and no one
could quite collect himself
He threw down his pen In disgust.
rose from his chair. and stunning his
hands in his pockets he shuffied aim
lessly toward the outer once. He
didn't have any business out there.
but he wanted to go somewhere. and
not caring whore, he poked along out.
There was no one In the ONCE ex-
cept q girl who sat at a typewriter
over by the window. Jim had seen
her occasionally as he had been
through the office to and from work.
What struck him IN particular was
her simple dress and neat appear
ance.
He stood still in the doorway look
ing at her.
OH" she exclaimed. rather embar.
raised. II didn't know there was any
one in hero. You almost frightened
me-"
Are you fred. too2" was Jim's only
comment.
She hesitated a moment. glanced at
the letter. and said slowly:
Il suppose So"
When do you go?" Jim asked.
THE 26th, the letter says"
Same here" he answered as h
turned and started back into the draft
ing room.
She looked after him as he dlsap-
peared around the corner, somewhat
surprised.
The next two weeks were years to
Jim. II seemed as II the days were
never so long and the work SO tire
some.
At last the fatal 25th came. and
Jim. with some dozen other sullen In
dividuals. left the once that night TO
face the Job hunters lot.
AS he left the once and started
down the corridor. the girl came out
and Joined him.
She had a CHEEKY good evening for
him. but II hidn't have its usual effect
on him.
They entered the elevator and were
soon outside the building. Neither
seemed to know Just which way TO
turn.
II was Jim who broke the silence
with that question which had been
ringing in his ears for two weeks.
Got anything to do?"
Not yet" she replied. looking up a,
him. Have you"
No I'm in the same box as the
rest OF the bunch"
II suppose the only thing We can
do is 20 wait for something TO turn
up" continued the girl.
DO you keep house." asked Jim.
rather surprised.
Not very large one. just for
mother and myself Don't you live at
home7"
IN a home that costs three per
and you can't use the gas after II
O'clock" he retorted dryiy.
Now there's no use Of you looking
so ugly about IT," said the girl point
ing little gloved finger at him. And
Just to get even with you I'm going
TO invite you out 10 the house for
supper VIII you Gomez
Would he go? II took him a mo
ment 10 collect himself. He laughed
for the FIRST time in two weeks.
Sure: we'll sort OF celebrate"
They soon reached a small lodging
house on the outskirts OF the business
section. not unlike many other such
houses on the same and neighboring
streets. As they entered the hallway
Jim was struck by the quietness of
the place.
she took his hat and coat and led
him into tho parlor. so called for
convenience" she explained
An elderly woman rose from her
seat by the window and came forward
20 meet him.
Mother. this 10 Mr.. -" she was
for a moment TIL Jim came
forward with his name.
Andrews"
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