The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1915-01-29

overpowering to allow of that. He
| cleared lis throat efficiently,
It's this way. Mr EiIicc. hare
| money. sir. Ia invest. Not much, OF
course, hot over $4,000 or $4,000. Dni
It's all my capital, and I'm worried
about II, SIR
Worried, Albert? Iou worried?'
Ellice darted quick. suspicious
glance at Jernigan's face, but the book
keeper was gazing soemnly ut the
huge. Gathering factory. The trustfu
look i'm his clerks eve reminded Ellice
Of confident child. For the moment
Jernigan resemblcd n devotee in the
presence OF Il benevolent idol.
Your father, | understand, III IGe
safe investments" resumed FL ice.
"Why not stick to them?"
They don't suit me, SIR" said the
boOkkeeper. Il was wondering if Ru-
dale mill could use the money for
awhile. could turn il over to you
tomorrow, and then | wouldn't have
to worry any more"
Although conscious of an insane de-
sire to laugh, Eliice was nevertheless
curiOusly relieved. In his present
mood, eager for any mOrsel of solace,
he could convince himself that Jerni-
gan knew almost as much about the
financial condition of the Rudale mill
as he did. And here was the book
keeper DESTROYS of placing all his
money at the disposal of the plant.
Ellice bit his lip. Was it possible that
his own anxiety was III founded, i'm
aginary?
''rhen wouldn't have to worry any
more" repeated JernigaD.
NO." Ellice murmured, mo, / sup
pose you wouldn't. Got plenty of faith
in the old concern, have you, Albert!'
Faith to burn, sir, as the boys say.
Why. think Of all the faith in the old
mill there is in this town. Mr.. Ellice,
Think of the hundreds of men and wo-
men and children that trust in the
mill, the same as they do that the
sun shines! Gather all that trust in q
lump, and q fellow would have q reg
ular rock of comfort to stand OH,
wouldn't he:"
Ellice started queerly.
II didn't know you were such mys-
tic" he rejoined in changed voice.
Excuse me, sir. | have notions. but
that's only common sense. And about
that money of minc?'
Without answering Ellice turned
away thoughtfully, and the two stroll
ed in silence TO the wooden bridge that
spanned the mill stream. They leaned
on the rail. looking over the river. An
hour ago Ellice had leaned on the same
bridge rail and stared for long time
into the Reckoning depths of that rest
full river. At the evil remembrance of
that black hour be shuddered penitent-
~ and touched Jernigan's elbow be
side him.
LET your money stay where il is
he advised. 81 can't believe that you
have right to worry, Albert. You've
got the trust OF your family to nerve
mill hands and the village. We ought
to stand on that trust and fight for K.
both of us, oughtn't we? That's
enough to keep us busy. Worrying'~
no good
"What bOthers me-" veuturpd .lerni-
gan, are the years to come the fu-
ture."
Ellce peeled Il silver from the rail
and tossed it lightly on the surface Of
the shadowy current.
That's the way the future takes Us,
l guess" said he. ITS up to US to
keep aAoat, that's all, end to hold the
best course we can. The future? It's
big river, Jernigan. a big, big river.
There's no map. Worrying wont help
us to travel it,
no. SIR" muttered .Jernigan.
For another minute they watched the
stream as it glided steadily away into
the mysterious darkness. Then Eliicc
glanced across the bridge ut the great
mill.
To the fancy of Ellice, with Jerni-
CAMS words ringing in his mind, the
mill became thing of life, personn
entity, radiant Of confidence and trust
He felt. with joyous thrill of regain
ed manlness, that he would he worthy
of its friendship and of the friendship
of his people. He Strengthened his
shoulders happily, as if they had been
released from Il painful burden
Good night" he said, "and thank
you!'
"Thank me. sir? Why
For a match" improviscd Eilice,
cigars from his pocket.
Twill you smoket'
Il think not Jernigan declined.
"It's late. Good night. sir!'
Although the street WAS quiet and
deserted, while Jernigan hustened
homewGrd under the elns it seemed to
him alive with the mighty heart of ali
beating in unison with his
own. vcxed by the same solicitndes
and conquering the same fears. As he
passed each lowly cottage he thought
Of the humble men ana women therein.
who faced the future with no different
bravery from that required of kings
and queens. If John Ellice could sub
due anxiety over large affairs with
such self reliant courage surely Jerni-
gan could likewise surm0unt his in
fnitely smaller cares.
Cnlatching his gate. he whstled Il
tune.