Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1915-02-26
ROCKVILLE MARYLAND. FRIDAY MORNING. FEBRUARY 26 1916


Ellice darted 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 confident child. For the moment
Jernigan resembled devotee In the
presence of benevolent idol.
"Your father, I understand, made
safe Investments" resumed Ellice.
"Why not stick to them2"
"They don't suit me, sir" said the
bookkeeper. II was wondering II Ru-
dale mill could use the money for
awhile. l could turn 1t over to you
tomorrow, and then l 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, 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 Ill founded, I'm
aginary2
'Then l wouldn't have to worry any
MORE" repeated Jernlgan.
NO." Ellice murmured, mo, l sup
pose you wouldn't Got plenty Of faith
in the old concern, have you. Albertr
"Falth 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 shinesl Gather all that trust In a
lump. and fellow would have reg
ular rock of comfort to stand on,
wouldn't he2"
Ellice started queerly.
II didn't know you were such mys-
tic" he rejoined In a changed voice.
Excuse me. sir. have notions, but
that's only common sense. And about
that money Of miner
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 Elllce 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. II can't believe that you
have 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 1t.
both Of us, 0ughtn't we? That's
enough to keep us busy. Worrylng's
no good"
"What bothers me-" ventured Jernl-
gan, "are the years to come-the fu-
ture."
Bllice peeled u silver from the rail
and tossed II ligrSay 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 afoat, that's all. and to hold the
best course we can. The future? It's
a big river. Jernigan. big. big river.
There's no map. Worrying won't help
us to travel It."
mo, SIR" muttered Jernlgan.
For another minute they watched the
stream az 1t glided steadily away into
the mysterious darkness. Then Ellice
glanced across the bridge at the great
mill
To the fancy of Ellice, with Jernl-
gan's words ringing In his mind, the
mill became thing Of life. a personal
entity, radiant Of confidence and trust
He felt, with 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 IL they had been
released from painful burden.
Good night" he said. "and thank
your
Thank me. sir2 WhyT'
For match" imDrovised Elllce,
producing cigars from his pocket.
"Will you smoker
II think not" Jernigan declined.
tits late. Good night. sirP
Although the street was quiet and
deserted, while Jernigan hastened
homeward under the elms it'seemed to
him alive with the mighty heart Of all
humanity. beating in unison with his
own. vexed by the same solicltudes
and conquering the same fears. As he
passed each lowly cottage he thought
of the humble men and women therein,
who faced the future with no different
bravery from that required Of kings
and queens. II John Ellice could sub
due anxiety over large Affairs with
such self reliant courage surely Jerni-
gan could likewise surmount his In
Hnltely smaller cares.
Unlatcbing his gate. he whistled a
tune
"Al Jernigan, where In the world
Lizzie paused TO shield the fame OF
the candle as her husband opened the
door.
why, I'd forgot TO do an errand at
the Office. I meant not to disturb you,
dear"
But didn't know what might hap
pen. and I've worried like anything"
she explained, smiling.
Jernlgan yawned luxuriously.
"Never lend yourself trouble about
what hasn't happened yet. Lizzie" said
ae. Whats the use Of worryingT