The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1914-03-27

light of real reproof in her incompar-
able eyes. 'I don't think there's any
doubt about it, Mr.. Jones. The trust
people realize it. If they don't, they
certainly wouldn't be willing to pay
a million dollars for It,"
They're willing to pay more than
| that for it," he told her, feeling for
| the first time a real interest in the
conversation. Before that he had been
absorbed only by the conversationalist.
Twelve hundred thousand they've Of
| fered."
She was not pleased. II didn't think
you knew that" she confessed. "They
made that offer to your uncle several
months ago."
"But what I've got to find out Is
this: Am l in a position to hold out
You see, friend of mine advises me
to hold out. Is business good, right
now"
why, yes. We did over hundred
and twenty thousand dollars last
month"
This was exciting news, and it ex-
cited him. "a hundred and twenty
thousand dollars worth of business
last month! Can go down to the
bank and get that money now?"
She laughed at his commercial igno-
rance. why, certainly not!"
For an instant his heart sank as he
contemplated saying what he felt that
he must say, sank doubly deep be-
cause he felt that the confession he
must make might possibly disturb the
good opinion OF him which he hoped
he had renewed in her peculiarly lucid
mind. But there was something in her
eyes that gave him confidence. And
there was nothing for it but confes-
sion.
"You don't understand" he ventured
stumblingly. This is-er-between
us. The fact is-I'm broke! am in
debt! | must get some quick money
and l want to know how much you
have in bank, right now."
Our cash balanee?"
YES
She thought deeply for a moment
Then she looked up with a smile of
triumph. "Over eighteen thousand
dollars. should say"
He was dismayed. "Only eighteen
thousand dollars! And you did a
business of hundred and twenty
thousand dollars last MONTH"
His manner worried her. 'T hope
you're not thinking seriously of going
over"
Going over where?"
ITO the trust
why? Don't you think the price
they offer is big enough?"
''It isn't question of price, Mr.
JONES'" she said, with flashing eyes,
''it's the principle of the thing"
You'll have to explain that to me-"
why, think of what you're selling!"
she exclaimed. "It is the thing your
grandfather worked for and handed
down to your father: the thing that
he worked for and handed down to
you; the thing that you should work
for and hand down to your children,
then to their children, and SO on and
on. Why, think of what you're sell
ing!"
He was little dazed, but. still, he
surely needed money. 81 don't see
where there's any sentiment connect
ed with the thing"
"You don't!" She gazed at him. as
tonished. and rose and stood beside
the table, looking down at him.
would you ruin the town in which
you were born? Why, your grand
father was the founder of this town,
Mr.. Jones! Would you see seven hun
dred men and boys turned out of their
employment? Would you see the very
bread and butter taken from the
mouths of families?"
He felt he must defend himself, ex-
plain himself. well, that's not my
fault. I'm awfully sorry, but | can't
help it. I don't see how I can help it."
Her voice was deep and sorrowful,
reproachful, warning. pleading, stir.
ring. I'D give it very serious thought
if I were you, Mr.. Jones'" Then the
timbre of enthusiasm crept into her
tones and stirred him deeply. "Oh, it
would be perfectly great of you to
stand by and protect the people of this
little town! You've a chance to do
something very, very big-a really
wonderful thing. l hope you'll do it."
He shook his head, but not emphat-
ically.
And l believe you WILL" she added,
and then her smile returned
Il must run along. now You'd bet
ter come to the office tomorrow, as
early as possible. There's great deal
to be done and SO many things to be
explained. I'll expect you at ten in
the morning, shall T?''
Can l make it quarter past?"
Very WELL" She turned away, but.