The Washington herald., 1913-11-16

SaLc OF IHC IuOQCSI Shlltu ICSi-
dence at a good round clip, for
he had his usual scant seconds to catch
the S:z7. An elastic step at his side
suddenly swung into perfect accord
with his heel and to rhythm, and a
young voice, which nevertheless sound
ed like that of regular man. bade
him a very cheerful good morning.
"Mr. Hammond, l want job" was
the next remark of the voice. Capt.
Hammond frowned and turned to find
himself looking slightly upward.
straight into the grin of young Ma
poleon Smith.
Now the grin of young Napoleon
was the most infectious and ingratiat-
ing joy ever devised.
Meeting that grin, Capt Hammond
relaxed and smiled in spite of himself.
What can you do?" he asked.
Hustle" stated young Smith in re-
ply to the question.
This time Capt. Hammond laughed
outright
That's the most valuable asset you
can own" he declared. Your names
Smith, isn't it?"
Napoleon admitted that it was.
- The eight twenty-seven just then
whistled for Briarscot, and both men
started to run.
Bless me-" puffed the captain, when
they had pumped into seat and were
speeding onward, even golf doesn't re-
- store my wind. Do you golf?"
Not yet" replied Smith, shaking his
head and grinning.
Again Capt Hammond laughed.
But about that job?" suggested
young Smith again.
1Oh, yes" said the captain, and un-
consciously he frowned once more. Il
don't know of a thing at our place.
You say you've had no business ex-
perience at all"
None that | care to tell about," re-
piled the other, smiling reminiscently.
"All through college l served as a cor
respondent for various papers, and
through vacations l worked on general
assignments on the Courier. l could
go to work on the paper now, but the
occupation doesn't seem to promise
much of future?'
The captain nodded his head with a
jerk
Choosing a profession is like max
. ing a wise investment" he said. Il
understand your fathers estate didn't
cut up quite so well as was expected" ?"
No" returned young Smith cheer
fully. 1T totaled to exactly nothing,
and nothing to carry. You don't think,
then, that there is anything in your
place."
Not just now," said the captain.
However, I shall bear you in mind"
Napoleon arose and looked at the
captain and merely grinned.
Pardon me-" he said, Il see one of
the scouts of the Star up there; he
may know something" And he made
his vigorous way to the forward end
of the car.
Capt. Hammond strobe into his Of
fee and fired off his usual morning
question.
where's Blufing?"
Not down yet" said the girl of the
straw-colored hair, slightly worried.
About half an hour later, Blufing,
a young man with big straw hat and
puffs under his eyes strolled in, smok-
ing a cigarette, and, after moments
deliberation, decided that he might as
well work as not.
"Mr. Blufing," said the captain, I'D
like to remind you that the address of
this Office is 7Io Green Street, and that
We look forward with eager anticipa-
tion to the pleasure of your society be-
tween the hours of g and IL and I and
S. If those hours seem a trihe incon-
venient to you, you might state so in
writing and I'll put the matter up to
the board of directors.
"Very sorry, Mr.. Hammond" said
Blufing with a wink at the straw
haired girl "You see, we got caught in
a jam at"
"I don't give a continental what
held you" responded Mr.. Hammond.
''The point is that we want you here
at g O'Clock, with no excuse short of a
broken leg
On the second mail an excessively
large order soothed the captain some
what, and at noon the arrival of tall,
black-haired young lady with a color
in her cheeks which never came from
a chemists shop, soothed him still more.
81 suppose you have a lot of old
business engagements for luncheon,
haven't you, daddy? Now tell me yes"
she said.
But l am going to tell you no." re-
piled the captain, all smiles
Then" she informed him with a
mock courtesy, q am going to allow
you to buy some eclairs and things for
a stunning votInp iady fo whom vn,,