The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-09-28

Copyright. 1913. By the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate)
" ENYON, who was the political boss
~ of Grasmere hacker of the prin-
= Il cipal bank, owner of the largest
general store, and richest man in the
country, never unbent to anyone but
ParkerS boy Jim. To Parker senior Ken
yon showed little courtesy. When they
met in the street Kenyon nodded II 50
disposed, but usually passed without no.
ticing him. If Jim was with his father It
was different. Kenyon never seemed to
tire of his company. The first watch Jim
ever had was gift from Kenyon. The
money that put the boy through college
was supplied by the rich man.
Parker protested weakly against the COL
Iege matter, but Kenyon. who was rough
and insstent, had his way. He was self
opinioned. bit soured by his failure to
do better in a worldly way and firmly be-
lieved if he had a fair chance he would
make his mark. He resented Kenyon $
manifestations Of regard for jim but as
Jim had real affection for Kenyon and
liked the big mans company almost as
much as Kenyon liked his he could do
nothing
When Jim came out of college Kenyon
put him in the store. Within year the
young man was made the manager There
wasn't a lazy. bone in the young fellows
body. He was bright, genial and enter
prising. Kenyon. who was a bit old fash
toned, frowned when Jim suggested
changes within and without the store
that were little short of revolutionary
but Jim argued SO ardently that the big
man consented 1t cost lot of money for
new floors, new shelves, new counters,
plate-glass windows, new lighting and
ventilating systems and strictly modern
equipment, but when the work was done
Kenyon, although he only grunted Sc
cretly was proud Everything was dis
played to advantage Everything was
classified and arranged to make the most
attractive display. From material
standpoint it soon was evident that Jim $
Judgment was good. The business in
creased. People found Un's store more
and more of magnet
Jim not only knew how to sell, but now
TO buy. He purchased prudently and
never allowed the store to get cuttered
up with old stock Now and then he
shocked Kenyon by selling goods below
cost rather than keep them until the fol-
lowing season. Jim argued that there
was no profit in giving store room to. stun
when the space could be used to better adj
vantage for goods the public would buy
This was not the old method but.as each
year showed an increased profit Kenyon
came to accept Jim's view of business.
For a young man with SO much authori-
ty and responsibility Jim's pay was
small. Kenyon never was noted for ex-
travagance toward his employees Each
Christmas he remembered Jim and once
a week he had Jim dine with him That
weekly meeting was the one the big man
seemed to enjoy the most and he never
permitted business or politics to interfere
with it.
Jim never asked for more pay He never
asked for a favor but once. and then it
was in halting. hesitating voice. There
had been change of administration at
Washington. There would be change
In the postmastership at Grasmere
''Father was talking about the post
mastership the other day" Jim remarked.
IT wish he could get 1t.
Kenyon scowled did he ask you to
speak to. me about it?" he inquired.
sNo-o not exactly"
xsnyon was silent for minute or more.
=