Evening star., 1914-10-18
By ROLAND HUGINS

room, paneed all sides with dark walnut, and
almost bare of furniture except for wide, at-topped
desk which stood two shiny telephones.
Sharply at nine o'clock on Thursday morning Mayor
Saybrooks keen eyes gazing across that desk
young of about twenty-four years, looking
and rather we'll set up, who in was watching him
intently.
@Mr. Burwell, believe said the Mayor.
Walter did not waste any time on prelinnaries.
Eyes, Sir came to speak to you about Helen, and to
ask your permission to marry her"
well, there's nothing especially blameworthy about
that. 1 can understand how any young might
tertan the wish. You attorney, aren't you?"
Eyes, Sir"
3How much do you make year?"
about fifteen hundred"
"Own any property?'
Nothing except my office furniture"
3Well, you're poor; but suppose that is disgrace
while mans young" Mayor Saybrook walked around
from behind his desk, and resumed @Burwel, l never
judge men by their appearances. The who scowls
at you may be il-natured, or just nearsghted. you
see pious deacon of your church following young
man into saloon, you surmise, provided you
charitable that he trying to soul from the ways
of ntemperance But the truth probably is that the
deacon the building and has gone collect the
rent. So it is with you. You ap1 like decent
enough chap; but l should hardly want to give my
daughter into your keeping until l know you better
Does that seem fair to you?"
Entirely fair, replied Burwell.
accordingly have arranged something in the
of test. will, if you agree, have the corporation
counsel appoint you of his deputies. The pay isn't
large and the work tedious but III have the chance
to see you under fire. By the end of the summer
think shall have line your character and ability.
Now I going to send Helen away for couple of
months and want you to promise not to try to her
write to her during the time of the test. Are you
willing to agree to these conditions?'
Burwel flushed quickly. Certainly, SIR he
claimed. @And thank you for the honor. Your not
allowing to Helen for two months seems bit
severe; but in the circumstances I can't object"
Every good" said the Mayor extending his hand.
ACome around tomorrow, and III introduce you the
corporation counsel.
60 it was that Walter Burwel became cog in the
machine that ran the municipality and consumed
the taxpayers money. His chief task to prepare
briefs for negligence to UP at the September
session of the Supreme Court He worked early and
earnest young man, with political aspirations But al
though he craved brilliant career, his ambition was
mixed with liberal amount of civic patriotism; for he
believed every citizens duty take an active and
aggressive part in the great democratic task of self
government
Despite his separation from Helen, he managed to
pass pleasant summer. Corporation Counsel Prindle
and the other deputies away protracted vaca-
tons, that many of the responsible duties of
the city administration fell upon him. The various
officials constantly dropping in to ask his advice
Mayor Saybrook was uniformly friendly, though
comnittal, and if he kept close watch on the new
deputy Walter did not realize it. What Burwell en-
joyed most the little informal gatherings that the
members of the official family occasionally held in a
rathskeller after long, hot days toll At such times
when affairs Of state discussed without ndirecton
BurWel felt that he