El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1912-10-18
UNMARRIED
By Leslie Thomas.

-XCITEDLY George Hardman read
the letter again to his wife bent
- over his shoulder.
'Winterden Brothers-they want me
to call. That shows there's some
chance
Lets nope So dear. But will Gran
bury's let you leave your work this
They can't refuse that. surely. after
advising me to look out for another
place because they're giving up bust
/ ness altogether very soon"
But George. fancy your not telling
me anything
Her husband avoided her gaze.
! "That-that- doesn't matter much
now, does it,"
NO, not really. Oh, won't it be
! lovely if Wintcrden Brothers decide
you'll suit! Three pounds more every
month
"Thatu be useful, eh?" George Hard
/ man still turned his head aside. We
( managed all right till the Riddles came:
/ but nOw-wel I know what a struggle
} you have sometimes with the house
/ keeping; and there's no chance Of saw
/ ing anything for rainy day
/ ITS rather worrying, dear; but
! you've never complained, so why should
! 1? Bonnie and little Ada-they do
/ cost money, it's true" She sighed, then
/ kissed him. Still, were lucky to have
/ such darlings."
She helped her husband into his over
! coat
Couldn't I bring them to meet you
/ after you leave Winterden's? We'd
] wait at the corner Couldn't I come,
/ George"
He shook his head almost confusedly.
Mo; I don't think so, Nell"
She looked up at him disappointedly.
All right then. Here's the address.
At the nearest corner, mind But
shan't be able to stop more than a mo-
ment. III have 70 get back to Gran
I bury's."
"0f course, dear. But you can tell
me the news"
II it's good -
I'm sure il viii be. Now goodbye,
or you'll be late"
George Hardman stared down at the
pavement Is he passed along the street
4 wonder" he muttered-I wonder
what shed say II she knew the trutn?"
He pulled out q torn fragment OF a
newspaper and read the advertisement
[ again.
Required - Competent boolzkeeper
[ and accountant not over So Then one
! word seemed TO stand out from the
rest
"Unmarried.7 Hartman set his lips
IT'S risky he told himself, but
I've never been found out yet"
Through the morning he worked me
chanically. He thought of the approach
ing interview with Winterden Broth
crs, and when the time came he felt
nervous and uneasy.
He discovered half a dozen or more
applicants in the waiting room at Wn-
terdens. They eyed him as he sat
down.
An office boy poked in his head
Mr.. Snaith-"
Left alone for a few minutes, Hard
man bent forward, elbows on knees. He
clenched his hands. He might be sent
away without an Interview, he reflected
bitterly.
Then Snaith reappcared. frowning a
little. and took his former seat
I've got to stop a bit longer. It's
between you and me, ] reckon
HarGman's name was called, and he
moved forward. Inside. he found the
head Of the firm and manager.
Your references Jones & Wix'-
'CranbuTy & Co You're still thereT'
Mr.. Winterden turned. Deacon. get
through to Cranbury's on the phone,
please.
George Hardman fingered his hat
nervOusly while the conversation
started.
Mr. CranLury speaking? Pardon my
troubling yOJ, but an employee of yours
is applying for position here. Hard
mans the name reliable man. Yes,
yes: thank you. You didn't wish to
discharge him. All, 1 understand Good
worker? Single"
Hardman flinched. although he knew
what the answer must be.
Much obliged, sir. Goodbye" Mr.. /
Winterden set down the receiver brisk /
". Just ask him the usual questions,
Deacon, will yOU2'
George Hardman's replies seemed 10 !
give satisfaction. He began to feel /
more confident
you'd be prepared to come for a |
week on trial? Hm-well, kindly wait J
outside"
Then snaith was called back. and
finally Hardman once more. He could ]
hardly believe his ears.
For Week-thats all we zuaran-
tee. But it simply depends upon your /
self whether you're permanently en-
gagged Start next Monday please I
$3.50. Good day
He passed down the stairs exultant- |
y. His heart was light Surely his /
money troubles would soon be over.
Instead OF on Monday. as arranged, !
kindly attend here tomorrow at H."
George Hartman was puzzled as he /
read the short typewriter note next /
morning
a dull presentiment seized him. Why
should Winterden's wish TO see him
again so soon?
Mr.. CranbUry CrudSingly gave him
permission to absent himself from work
once moro, and he set out half reIuct-
antly.
Outside winterden's he caught sight
Of familiar figure. Henry Snaith
laughed unpleasantly.
Halo, You've come, then? Yes, I
was asked to be present, too"
Il thought thought"
You thought you'd got the job for
sure, Ell? Not yet, my boy"
But why
I'm here as a witness. Your games
up Had a slice of luck when I saw
you Yesterday. Quite A family party,
wasn't it?"
George Hardman understood. He
gave a stifled cry.
You followed me?"
Just happened to be close bv.
Guessed at once that she was your
wife"
You've told Them"
Snaith sneered.
What d'you think? Now they'll want
a little explanation, too. Shouldn't be
exactly surprised if L cut you out after
George Hardman choked down A
lump in his throat and followed slowly.
he was promptly shown into the senior
partners office
You have wife and family. yet