The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1914-04-09

of the beach
Happy New Year. Jim said Dan
Mason. staring hard ut the we'll groom
Ell likeness of young Truscott.
Thanks. same to you. DAN" said
Jim. awkwardly conscious of his
changed appearance. Can | see you
alone?"
"CertaiRly-come In here" said Me-
ron leading the way into his untidy
| little Office
Dan" said Jim. looking straight
to begin all over again. Somebody's
| got to help me get start Will youY
Start doing what?" asked Dan
Working want Il job right here
in the store driving wagon. measuring
molasses and kerosene-anything so
it's work = FL keep straight = yon
needn't worry about that"
| Work in the store? Draw molasses: :
Why. Jimmy. your pa never would
have liked that boy" protested Dan
agllaSt Pm right glad you're going
to pick up. and you can count on Dan
Mason helping you on both sides: hut
now. / need a man in the Office and
Let me begin ut the bottom. Dan
and I'll work up to the office" said
Jim quietly Il am not too proud to
work. and want to reinstate myself
in the opinion of my neighbors When
Shall begin. DanT'
Tomorrow. Jim. and God bless
your muttered Dan. ----
The next morning when Jim Trus-
colt appeared behind the counter OF
Mason's store there was sensation
in the village. Dan Mason did rush
ing business that day. and it is safe
to ASSUME that one-half of the custom
erS came merely to catch glimpse
of Squire Trnscott's sou and heir bus
| tlins around with Il pencil behind his
ear, linen duster protecting his
clothes, and such Il grave courtesy OF
manner that almost made them forge,
that he had been an object OF con
tempt for three years.
Toward supper time trade slackened
and Jim found himself all alone In the
store. Mr. Mason had gone to supper
Jim looked around the long room. nov
in state of most unusual neatness
owing to his own energy iIl restoring
order out of chaos Dan Mason had sur
veyed him with twinkling eyes AM
had mercifully withheld the remarl
that tre,nbled on his lips. "A new
broom sweeps clean."
you've got good head for order
Jim," was all Dan Mason had said a,
he went out
Now Jim. although weary with th,
unaccustomed labor of the day. di,
not rest
He was engaged In the Fascinating
task of making pyramid out Of cake
of laundry soap, when the door open
ed and Milly Darrow entered 1t wa
evident that she did not know abou
Jim's employment in the store. 70
when she saw him standing there be
hind the counter in his workin
clothes, his handsome face DEATH
pale, Milly's pretty color forsook he1
and she leaned heavily against one g
the pillars that supported the ceiling.
What can do for your" asked Fin
! and. try as he might. his voice shoe
little
"What-what are you doing herei
asked the girl in wondering voice.
.I'm-I'm trying to make good" r,
piled Jim, his blue eyes dark wit
pain Its the beginning of the me-
{ year-and I'm turning new leaf-an
: next year-people will have differer
!. opinion of me-"
I'm glad-glad." she whispered
y always said you were a man. Jim!
: wish | could help you to win out
' your noble fight-but. then-l forgot"
t she broke off and hid her glowing fat
( in her hands.
0 Jim's eyes sparkled now as he lea
: ed across the counter "Milly."
said softly, "you can help-no one ca
d help in just the way that you can
only have faith in me-thats enough
+ "Faith?" echoed the girl, looking
d him with brimming eyes. ''I'ye g
l. faith. ,Iim-I've blamed myself for n
e having more-I should have help,
yon save you from yourself-but
s isn't too late-it's never too late wilt
n one wants to try to overcome the pas
o and the man who has fallen and ari
d en- again to take an honored pla
d among his fellows is greater than Il
10 one who has never been tempted
fall-who holds his secure position
!. cause he knows no other course! Tt
. time next year, Jim. they will all ;,
= knowledge that-that"- Her vol
"a broke as she turned away.
''Milly" said Jim huskily. you kne
| can't say word now-only th,
!, God willing. I'll be man once mo-
"a and year from now. next New Yea
- day. | hope my friends will be pro
: of me-lnstead of ashamedr'
. Il am sure. they will, .lim." sa
NJ Mi.ly quietly. and then In a practii
!, everyday sort of voice she asked fol
10 pound of tea and watched Jim VIII
- he wrapped 1t up in most bnsine
:, like manner, and as he gave 1t to I
their eyes met for brief instant
:, Good luck" she said brightly.
Thank you" he smiled back at h
- Sam Finney was the next conner
stood near the stove a long tin
: warmin. his red hands. while his n
eyes watched Jim with u skepti
light In their depths.
You're some hustler. Jim," 81
sam. after awhile.
~ III m nm" returned Jim absentl!
to NO. ,a o.,.;n .,t,,