Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-16
THE NEW NALET.

THE NEW VALET
The next morning Craig slept rather
late, then after lazy. luxurious bath hc
dnnned dressing-robe aud slippers, or
dered some toast and coffee sent to his
room, and set himself to the task of
completing the going-throuEh of his mail.
The bell at the hall door sounded
What can | do for you?" he asked.
admitting the caller.
y stout, smuoth-faCed man with con-
sidcrably more upper lip that lower
handed him card and bowed respect
fully.
m, Goulct Gentlemans gentleman"
rutherford read aloud and remembered.
Oh l see you're II valet"
"Ou m'sicu. NJ scu Kelley of the Kcl-
ley Employment Agency sent me around
here, Mseu rutherford"
craig looked kcculy and amusedly at
ms visitor, The canopicd lip and the
French went quecrly together
What's the NJ for?' he asked.
Michele"
You are looking for job-Aiichelc9"
"Oui, M'sieu."
say that again. said Craig. smiling.
The man obcyed uneasily
Why don't YOU say it in French"
asked Craig
II have said 1t in Trincn. M'sieu."
ITS beautiful brand OF Irish"
Rutherford asserted. But I'm glad Of
IT, I'm tired of Frcnchmcn. and don't
want 4 gcntlcmans gentleman Now If
YOU only knew where ! could find q
mans man-evcn If he were Irish"
NJ Goulets face grew radiant.
"Nis sor! We wouldn't mind an Irish
man, Sor?"
81 certainly would-if his name was
Michele Goulct."
Craig liked tho look of rcd-bloodcd
manhood and blue-eyed intelligence that
row took the place of the badly-assumed
French composure and elegance.
Me mithcr named me Mike Cooley,
Sort
do you drink, Mike" asked Craig. a
good deal more entertained tnan he
showed on the surface.
Il do that. sor."
''DO YOU smoke, Mke?"
When it's to me liking, sor.'
Pipe or cigar Mike"
(Which ever yc have, sor," Mike an
swcred with twinkle.
I guess you'll do" said Craig. glad
to find Il man whose honesty actually en-
joyed itself in the cXertion.
THANK yr, sor."
"Tust remember Mike. to keep your
hands off of me, and keep out Of my
way. I'm just able to get up and go to
bed alone. | have mind enough to de-
eide which shirt to wear; and I usually
prefer to put in my own buttons. The
less you do for me, the better We'll get
along. DO you follow me?"
Il do. sor,'' said Mike heartily.
Craig crossed the room and opened up
a Cellarette built into the wall
NV liquors and cigars are here"
THANK ye for showing me, sor."
Il did 1t so that you may know what
particular pace-to avoid. These are
for me. Mike" announced his new mas
ter with dehniteness that must make
it's impression on the new man.
"And Where will l find me own. sor?"
asked that worthy imperturbably.
From another this seeming impertnence
would have deserved rebuke; but from
Mike ii came as naturally as his brogue.
And the look of the man was of such
adoring loyalty that he was reminded of
similar expression which had lit up
young MaXwell's face.
Have we met somewhere before,
Nike" he asked.
"I caddied for ye once in the links,
sor." ne answered; "and | can name the
hunts we've been in. I've read livery
line"
That's all right, Mike. guess we're
doomed to agree"
lie was right. Mike was not ladies'
man, nor yet a gentleman's gentleman,
but mans man from start TO finish, lie
was installed at once; and Rutherford
prevented possible temptation by proyid-
ing "A bottle or so of the best Irish ever
distilled and a box of good cigars.
The new valet assisted at his toilet, and
Craig left him as much at home as If he
had always lived there, and set off down
town to enter on his new career in bank
ing circles.
Craig was eager to get to work; but
the caution that had always prompted
him to get good and ready before he
entered into any project now led him to
stop in at the specialists office. 1t was
the same doctor who had sent him abroad
after his accident upon the field; and he
now firmly opposed the idea of Craig's
entering anything so combining as business
for another six months at least,
Rutherford was disappointed, but went
on down TO see how things were getting
along In the bank, anyway II made him
feel somewhat reconciled TO find that
Ferguson, the cashier, was sorry not to
have him at once.
1--WE are all itching to show you how
easy jumping hurdles is, compared to
what we are up against" he said, look
ing with somewhat envious admiration at
the athletic figure and healthy, clear
eyed countenance. I'VE want you to see
how easy it is to come troopers in high
fnancering,"