Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1915-02-26

now. eh? By Jove. it's fine to see the
old concern more prosperous than everI
Well. what can l do for you:"
Jernigan was not deceived by his
employers labored nonchalance. The
vision at the window had been too
overpowering to allow of that. He
cleared his throat d%i6idently.
Its this way Mr.. Ellice. / have
money. sir. TO invest. Not much, of
course. not over $4,000 or $4,000. but
it's all my capital. n FIN worried
about it. sir"
worried. Albert? You worried?''
Ellice darted a quick. suspicious
glance at Jernigan's face. but the book
keeper was gazing solemnly at the
huge. gathering factory. The trustful
look in his clerks eye reminded Ellice
of a confident child. For the.m moment
Jernigan resembled a devotee in the
presence of a benevolent idol.
"Your father. / understand, made
safe investments" resumed Ellice.
'Why not stick to them?"
"They don't suit me. sir" said the
~bookkeeper. i was wondering if Ru-
dale mill could use the money for
awhile. | could turn 1t over to you
tomorrow. and then | wouldn't have
to worry any more"
Although conscious of an insane de-
sire to laugh. Ellice was nevertheless
~curiously relieved. In his present
mood, cage 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 i'll founded, I'M
aginary?
Then l wouldn't have to worry any
more repeated J%ernigan.
NO" Ellice murmured, mo, l sup
pose you wouldn't. Got plenty of faith
in the old concern, have you, AlbertT'
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 hat trust in a
lump. and a fellow would have a reg
ular rock of comfort to stand on.
wouldn't he?"
Ellice started queerly.
Il didn't know you were such a mys-
tic" he rejoined in II changed voice.
Excuse me. sir. | have notions, but
that's only common sense. And about
that money of mine?"
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 a long time
into the reckoning depths of that rest
full river. At the evil remembrance of
that black hour he shuddered penitent-
ly and touched Jernigan's elbow be-
side him.
LET your money stay where it is"
he advised. Il can't believe that you
have a right to worry, Albert. You've
got the trust of your family to nerve
you. just as I've got the trust of my
mill hands and the village. We ought
to stand on that trust and fight for it.
both of US. oughtn't we? That's
enough TO keep us busy. WORKINGS
no good.
"What bothers me- ventured Jerni-
gan, ARE the years to come-the fu-
ture."
EIlice peeled a silver from the rail
and tossed it lightly on the surface of
the shadowy current.
That's the way the future takes us,
| guess" said he. Its up to us to
keep anoat. that's all. and to hold the
best course we an. The future? It's
a big river, Jernigan. Il big. big river.
There's no map. Worrying won't help
us to travel it"
mo. sir muttered Jernigan.
For another minute they watched the
stream as it glided steadily away into
the mysterious darkness. Then ElIice
glanced across the bridge at the great
mill.
TO the fancy of Ellice, with Jerni-
gan's words ringing in his mind. the
mill became a thing of life, a personal
entity, radiant of confidence and trust.
He felt, with a joyous thrill of regain
ed manliness, that he would be worthy
of its friendship and of the friendship
of his people. He Strengthened his
shoulders happily. as if they had been
released from a painful burden.
Good night" he said. and thank
you"
THANK me. sir? Why?"
For a MATCH" improvised Ellice,
producing cigars from his pocket.
will you smoker"
Il think not" Jernigan declined.
ITS late. Good night. sir"
Although the street was quiet and
deserted, while Jernigan hastened