The Delta independent., 1915-03-05
THE LAST STRAW
ey GEORGE MuNsoN.

me- Why not end 1t all?"
Those were the musings of Harold
Lanark as ho stood upon the end of
the pier and watched the dark water
of the river flowing beneath him.
would be over.
At the age Of twenty-four he had not
succeeded in making good. He was
ashamed to go back to his fathers
home in the country. He had lost
his position the day before. owing to
cutting down of costs in the factory,
and he saw no opportunity of another
for long time. Then Cynthia's let
ter for a miserable little
Feeling pretty bad, eh. young MANI"
inquired a voice at his side.
The youth turned to find himself
looking into the eyes of man of about
fifty years. He was neatly dressed. a
diamond pin glittered in his cravat.
and he had all the aspect Of q we'll
to-do man of the world.
Now II l were to hazard a guess"
said the stranger. Il should say that
your girl had gone back on you"
"And I've lost my position and have
had nothing but Ill luck since l came
to the CITY," said Harold.
And SO you're meditating the final
plunge into the stream of Lethe. eh?
continued the other. "A swift and
rapid oblivion. But suppose. young
man. that death does not bring OBJ
livion?"
Harold had not thought OF that. He
had thought Of nothing but his own
miserable situation.
You have youth and health" con-
tinued the other. And you are not
penniless, surely?".
Il have five dollars in the world"
said the young man, with a hard
laugh.
Then what more can you want7"
the other inquired. You think you
are so badly on Now look at me. l
am nearly a millionaire. / have. in
fact. close on nine hundred thousand
dollars Yet am worse OF than you"
How, sir?" asked the other.
Because my doctor has given me
six months to live unless l drop ev-
erything and go West. To go West
means financial ruin just now. It
means the inability to stay and defend
lawsuit which will ruin my reputa-
ton. And I. like you. was meditating
the Anal plunge"
"I wouldn't mind changing places
with you. SIR" said the young man.
thoughtfully.
The other laughed mirthlessly. I'll
tell you what we'll do" he said. II
have-well. never mind how much
money on me. It is enough to en-
able you to live for = year. Give
me your Ave dollars and will give you
what have. Give me your name and
take mine-it Is q common one and no.
body will look twice At you on ac-
count of 1t. Give me the inspiration
OF youth and Ave dollars In my pocket.
and take the lassitude and disappoint-
ment of age and comparative anu
ence."
I'll do It," cried the other.
In a years time you will meet me
here again." the elder man continued.
after they had effected the exchange.
and Harold. with a bulging pocket
book. was beginning to think more
hopefully OF life. Meet me here then
and let US see how we have Jared. All.
It is the early struggle that gives one
inspiration to succeed" He turned
away.
Promise to meet me here at the
end OF Year," the elder man re-
sumed. wheeling round upon Harold.
Il promise" said the young fellow.
And your name?"
John Graham"
Mine is Harold Lanark."
They shook hands warmly and the
elder man departed. leaving Harold
upon the pier. gazing at the dark wa
ters In rapt establishment.
He went home. walking a mile and
more to the little hall bedroom which
he occupied in a rooming house. He
entered lit the gas. and pulled out his
pocketbook. The bulging bills dropped
out In great heap upon the table.
They were cigar-store coupons He
had been robbed OF his last FIVE dol
lars!
He sprang to his feet, and then he
perceived two letters thrust under
meath the door. One bore the stamp
| Of the company which had employed
him. He tore 1t open.
Dear Sir" II ran. after reconsider
ing our plans for the future we have
come to the conclusion that we made
a mistake In asking for Jour resigna-
tion. We are about to start a new
branch and can utilize your knowl-
edge Of trade conditions. Kindly re-
port for work tomorrow morning."
The second envelope was addressed
in handwriting which sent the blood
to the young mans head.
Harold. dearest" ran the letter.
"Wnn't YOu fnrgiYa ma for NV unkind-