Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1914-03-13

Happy New Year. Jim. SAID Dan
Mason. staring hard at the well groom
ed likeness of young Truscott
Thanks. same to you. Dam" said
Jim. awkwardly conscious of his
changed appearance Can l see you
alone?"
"Certainly-come In here said Ma
son leading the way into his untidy
little office.
Dan" said Jim. looking straight
into the older mans eyes. I'm going
to begin all over again. Somebody's
got TO help me get a start Will your"
Start doing what?" asked Dan.
Working. want a job-right here
in the store-driving wagon. measuring
molasses and kerosene-anything so
it's work ri keep straight You
needn't worry about that"
Work in the store? Draw molasses?
Why. Jimmy. your pa never would
have liked that. boy" protested Dan
aghast. I'm right glad you're going
to pick up. and you can count on Dan
Mason helping you on both sides; but,
now. | need a man in the office. and
Let me begin at 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 he opinion of my n~eighbors. When
shall | begin. DAM"
Tomorrow, Jim. and God bless
you" muttered Dan.
The next morning when Jim Trus-
colt appeared behind the counter of
Mason's store. there was a sensation
in the village. Dan Mason did a rush
ing business that day, and it is safe
to assume that one-half of the custom
ers came merely TO catch a glimpse
of Squire Truscott's son and heir bus.
ting around with a pencil behind his
ear. a linen buster protecting his
clothes. and such a grave courtesy of
manner that almost made them forget
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. now
In a state of most unusual neatness.
owing to his own energy in restoring
order out of chaos. Dan Mason had sur
veyed him with twinkling eyes and
had mercifully withheld the remark
that trembled on his lips, "A new
broom sweeps clean"
you've got a good head for order.
JIM" was all Dan Mason had said as
he went out.
Now Jim. although weary with the
unaccustomed labor of the day, did
not rest.
he was engaged in the fascinating
task of making a pyramid out of cakes
of laundry soap. when the door open
ed and Milly barrow entered. 1t was
evident that she did not know about
Jim's employment In the store, for
when she saw him standing there be
hind the counter in his working
clothes. his handsome face deathly
pale. Milly's pretty color forsook her.
and she leaned heavily against one of
the pillars that supported the ceiling.
What can ! do for your" asked Jim.
and. try as he might. his voice shook
a little.
"What-what are you doing here?-
asked the girl in a wondering voice.
"T'm-Tm trying to make good" re-
piled jim his blue eyes dark with
pain. 'It's the beginning of the new
year-and I'm turning a new leaf-and
next ~year--people will have a different
opinion of me-"
I'm ~glad-glad,' she whispered. 81
always said you were a man. Jim! |
wish / could help you to win out in
your noble ight-but, them forgot
she broke off and hid her glowing face
in her hands.
Jim's eyes sparkled now as he lean
ed across the counter. "Milly," he
said softly, you can help-no one can
help in just the way that you an
only have faith in me-that's enough
"Faith?" echoed the girl, looking at
him with trimming eyes. i've got
faith, Jim-I've blamed myself for not
having more-I should have helped
you ave you from yourself-but it
isn't too late-it's never too late when
one wants to try to overcome the past,
and the man who has fallen and arts
en- again to take an honored place
among his fellows is greater than the
one who has never been tempted to
fall-who holds his secur position be-
he knows no other coursei This
time next year, Jim. they will all ac
knowledge that-that"- Her, voice
broke as she turned away.
"Milly," said Jim huskily. you know
l can't say a word now-only that.
God willing. I'll be a man once more
and a year from now. next New Years
day, ! hope my friends will be proud
OF me-instead of ashamedr'
81 am sure they will. .Iim." said
Milly quietly. and then In a practical
everyday sort of voice she asked for a
pound of tea and watched Jim while
he wrapped it up in a most business
like manner. and as he gave 1t to her