Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-03-10
tslIers window of one of New Yorts

!
How do you do, Mr.. Johnsonr r
greeted the man behind the bars re-
spectfully.
IAN right" responded the other cor.
daily. You have a note here for col
lection. 5000. John Marden. maker, to
my order. This lady wishes to pay 1t.
Want me to certify it?'
The note teller scrutinized the check.
"Oh." remarked Smith. still smiling
amusedly. 1.-The check is all right. of
course, but l can't take it. The note
has been paid. Mr.. Johnson"
"Paidr'
Most unusual thing about this col
lection" resumed the teller. 1T seems
everybody wants to pay 1t. You are
the third party to attempt to do so. It
wasn't more than ten minutes ago that
Miss Grace Marden came In to pay it.
She presented certified check signed
by Charles Thran"-
"Oh, Mr.. Thranr' interposed Edna
gieefully. 80 he paid it himself. Isn't
that noble Of hlm?"
"Mr. Thran's intentions were good, I"
proceeded the teller. "but he was too
late by at least half an hour; but Of
course" and here the teller risked a
sly wink at Edna's father, you know
who really paid 1t, Mr.. Johnson"
II! r. exploded the latter. "Dc you
think came over here with my daugh-
ter to make fool Of myself?"
T-I-really, beg your pardon"
stammered Smith. But naturally I
thought you knew when your own Mr..
Curtis paid the note"
TITS all right, Mr.. Smith," muttered
Johnson, stroking his brow. Come,
Edna. let US 60"
johnson was still nervously ciutchfng
his daughters hand as they passed
through the outer Offices Of the Acme
johnson Grocery company.
Just before he ushered the girl into
the private office he ordered the office
boy to send in Mr.. Curtis at once. The
culprit entered with his usual placid
air.
Hear anything about the Marden
notew asked johnson leadingly.
yes, SIR" replied Curtis dryly. The
note has been paid"
ooh, It has. has itg' asked the chief
sarcastically. How do you know that
since you haven't been to the bank to-
dayT'
The smile on the confidential young
mans face was serene.
I've been at the bank, Mr.. Johnson"
he said calmly. II went there for the
purpose Of paying the Marden note"
"And you paid itT'
II paid it"
"You paid it." repeated Johnson.
riled by the others nonchalance I'VE
know you paid it, but why? Youth
heavens namel Why did you pay It?
There Is something behind all this.
and want to know it"
There Is a great deal behind 1t, Mr..
Johnson" admitted Curtis cheerfully.
my life's happiness Is behind it.
Grace Marden has promised to become
my wife"
"And you thought you would do a
very wise thing by paying her fathers
note?" demanded Johnson.
II thought So" replied the young
man with just the slightest note of
doubt in his voice The elder man
turned abruptly to his desk.
81 am sure" soothed his daughter,
shat you are to be congratulated. Mr..
Curtis. And your paying the note was
a very noble act"
(sIyrfia chaQn-
ishly as he took the dainty hand she
had extended
Ungallantly and ungratefully, he
wished the radiant young woman
showering him with appreciation
would suffer him to get away or-bet-
ter yet-would depart herself and leave
him to have 1t out with her fmperious.
heartless father alone
But suddenly johnson rose to his
feet. The young assistants worried
expression gave way to triumphant
grin at sight Of the changed counte-
nance of his chief. for the good. old
lighting CLEAN shone In those eyes once
more. Johnson handed the young man
a check he had written.
Now, listen here, Curt" he said
sharply. Curtis knew the tone and
hearkened attentively. This Is an or
der, and If 1t isn't carried out to the
letter I'll fire you" Johnson's gray
eyes softened as he continued: Curt,
you have put your good self In tx
Bully Johns daughter is too proud to
stand for what you have just done.
Don't I know the girl? Now. boy, you
go over to the bank and stop that fool
deal you Just made. Now, you listen
to mer' as Curtis made gesture OF
protest. listen to sense, will you,
even If you are In love! You 60 over
to the bank and do as say. Then you
come back here with that abominable
note And then it's my move. III
write Marden letter. agreeing to ex-
tend that internal note of his another
four months. I'll tell him-er-any-
thing-changed my mind or something.