The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1915-01-21


that"
Andrews doesn't know what he's
talking about himself" replied Miss
Slavin.
There was no more to be said But
each Of them knew that his time was
limited. And each one looked anxious
ly after Francis Greene as he passed
into his office every morning, to be
accosted by the harsh, aggressive
voice of Mr.. Nuttall.
Nuttall would not make a success
of the business. There was not a
man who would not have sacrificed
himself for the colonel; but Nuttall
didn't understand the needs of the
customers. A good deal of personality
had gone into the upbuilding of the
business. Nuttall was a machine-made
man. Under Nuttall the prestige Of
the old firm would soon be lost. But
Nuttall did not understand.
Days went by and weeks; and grad:
ually it became apparent that the colo
mel would not be able to remain long
at the head of affairs He blurted
out the truth to Miss Slavin one Sat
urday, as she sat in his room taking
dictation from him.
my doctor tells me I may have
twenty years before me-" he said.
But I've got to give up work. I've
got to turn affairs over to Nuttall.
hate the thought of leaving you all
especially you, Miss Slavin"
Miss Slavin, working diligently over
her notes, did not say single word.
DO you know you have come to me
every week for ten years, Miss
Slavin?" inquired the colonel present
ly. Except during your vacation, you
haven't missed a week And the 9TH
ers-how hard and faithfully they
have labored! I'm afraid Nuttall will
want to replace them-and l can't
hold out on that point, can 1, Miss
Slavin? And I'm a poorish man, you
know. Yes, I've spent and lost money
inexcusably. / don't see-what l can
do"
His voice trailed off as he went
cropping back over his past. The firm
had been all his .'fe, and it had had
all his devotion.
Nov you know as much about the
business as do, Miss Slavin,' he con.
tinued presently. eff only"
He got out of his chair and placed
one hand in a fatherly way upon Miss
Slavin's shoulder.
DO you think you are too young tc
learn to care for an old man of sixty
four?" he asked
20" gasped Miss Slavin, turning as
red as rose. She stared at him in
bewilderment-and then, turning, she
fairly ran out of the room.
Half an hour later Miss Slavin
breathless, found herself in the office
She was still completely flustered, and
at first she did not realize that some
thing was wrong.
What is it?" she asked, when she
had recovered her breath.
We're all to go, first of the month"; -
answered Peter Train.
WHAT" exclaimed Miss Slavin.
Fact. The colonel has just tele-
| phoned Nuttall he's willing to sell.
Miss Beardsley heard him on the tele-
first act-the mean dog! Why, he
didn't even wait to assure himself that
he had bought the business-just had
his secretary come over and give us
notice."
But" gasped Miss Slavin.
Miss Slavin!" shouted an office
boy. "Mr. Brooks wants to see you"
Brooks was NuttalIs secretary, and
his faithful servitor. He was a sleek
faced, smooth-haired man of about five
and thirty. He looked up quickly as
Miss Slavin approached his desk.
Miss Slavin," he said, "Mr. Nuttall
is about to buy the business and con-
templates change in the staff. There
will be no further need for your serv-
| ices"
Miss Slavin tried to speak calmly.
after the month";" she inquired, feel
ing her heart throb dreadfully.
"No, after FIVE minutes" responded
Brooks suavely. "Your salary will con-
tinue to the month end. That's all.
Good morning"
1t was not for herself she cared.
Miss Slavin could take care of herself.
She could get another position just as
| good; and she had saved over thou
sand dollars, No, it was for the buys"
as she always called them; Gregson,
with his white head, and Andrews,
and Peter Train.
Suddenly she walked across to one
of the telephone booths. Give me