The Spectator., 1915-01-19
Romantic Story of the Downfall and Discovery of Jim
 Parker.
KENY0N'S FIRM AFFECTION
How the Political Boss of Grasmere Protected and Advanced the Lad Whose Mother He Once
 Had Loved.
By RICHARD SPILlANE.

store, and richest man in the country, never unbent to any one but Parker's boy Jim. To Parker, senior Kenyon showed little courtesy. When they met in the street Kenyon nodded if so disposed, but usually passed without noticing him. If Jim was with his father. it was different. Kenyon would stop, joke with the youngster, buy candy and toys for him and never seemed to tire of his company. The first watch Jim ever had was a gift from Kenyon. The money that put the boy through college was supplied by the rich man.
 Parker protested weakly against the college matter, but Kenyon, who was rough and insistent, had his way. Par ker was self-opinionated, a bit soured by his failure to do better in a world ly way and firmly believed if he had a fair chance he would make his mark. He resented Kenyon's mani festations of regard for Jim, but as Jim had real affection for Kenyon and liked the big mans company al most as much as Kenyon liked his, he could do nothing.
 When Jim came out of college Ken yon put him in the store. Within year the young man was made the manager. There wasn't lazy bone in the young fellows body He was bright, genial and enterprising Ken vi al fa ctf drowned when Jim suggested changes within and without the store that were little short of revolutionary, but Jim argued so ardently that the big man consented. It cost lot of money for new floors, new shelves, new coun- ters, plate-glass windows. new light ing and ventilating systems and strict ly modern equipment, but when the work was done Kenyon, although he only grunted, secretly was proud Ev- erything vas displayed to advantage. Everything was classified and ar ranged to make the most attractive display. From material standpoint, it soon was evident that Jim's judg- ment was good. The business in creased. People found Jim's store more and more of magnet
 Jim's Progressive Methods.
 Jim not only knew how to sell but how to buy. He purchased prudently and never allowed the store to ge. cluttered up with old stock Now and then he shocked Kenyon by selling goods below cost rather than keep them until the following season. Jim argued that there was no profit in giv- ing store room to stun when the space could be used to better advan- tage for goods the public would buy. This was not the old method but as each year showed an incrased profit Kenyon came to accept Jims view of business.
 For a young man with so much au- thority and responsibility, Jim's pay was small. Kenyon never was noted for extravagance toward his em- ployees. Each Christmas he remem- bered Jim and once a week he had Jim dine with him. That weekly meeting was the one the big man seemed to enjoy the most and he nev- CT permitted business or politics to in- terfere with 1t,
 Jim never asked for more pay. He never asked for favor but once and then it was in halting. hesitating voice. There had been a change of administration at Washington. There would be change in the postmaster ship at Grasmere.
 Father was talking about the post mastership the other day" Jim re- marked T wish he could get it."
 Kenyon scowled. Did he ask you to speak to me about it?" he inquired.
 Moo; not exactly"
 Kenyon was silent for a minute or more. Then he said, Well will see what I can do about it.
 A few months later Chauncey Par ker assumed office as postmaster at Grasmere.
 The town was growing, the country around was developing, business was good and the trade of the store broad ened year by year. It outgrew it's old quarters and took on quite a metro politan aspect.
 Kenyon no longer paid much atten- tion to it. He had plenty to engage his attention at the bank and with his many other affairs.
 About two years after Parker se- nior had been made postmaster, peo- pie began to remark that Jim Parker was getting thin and seemed to be ailing, He was overworked Some of his friends suggested that he ought to take things easier or he would break down. Jim. usually the most kindly of persons, showed irritation when this idea was put to him. He never felt better, he insisted. Peo- rle were mistaken. Hard work never hurt anyone.
 But few months later there was