Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-26
1T REGRET to say it to you, Ward, but
things can't go on as they have


you mean, Mr.. Fletcher-?"
THAT I'm about to give up business
reason no capital. Theme have been few
encouraging commissions, but they came
far between. and l don't care to venture the
big ones where it takes money and time to
work out profit;
II see, see,' nodded John Ward
thoughtfully, "and you can't.'keep me here
Ii that it?'
I'm afraid it's true" replied Fletcher
reluctantly. I'm going down home to see
my folks and-and the lady l expected to
marry That will have to wal. now. I'm
a failure, and I've got to begin all over
again."
See here, Mr.. Fletcher" spoke Ward
bluntly don't look at the darkest SIDE
You say you haven't capital Mistake
you've got your honesty and your ability
and record. They're famous assets, in your
case I'll willingly drop from the salary
roll but won't close the office while you're
gone. When you come back, II you say
90, all right, but dozen good things may
turn up in the meantime. You take rest
and maybe you'll come back with your old
ambition"
Ezra Fletcher had come to the city
year previous, from the little inland town
Of Moundyille. The incentive for spread
ing out" as his family termed 1t, was
his love for Druslla Ashton. There seemed
little chance Of getting ahead in she slow
humdrum village, and Fletcher was am
bilious. Besides, as a matter or pride
ne wanted to own a home before he took
Drusilla for his bride.
Fletcher had opened a small, obscure
office as a broker 1t was still small and
obscure. From the start he had refused
to dabbe in insipid stocks and cheat his
clients. The result was, his specious bust
ness rivals outstripped him. One thing he
congratulated himself on-he was loyal and
honest with his clients. His competitors
sneered at him, but they had to acknowledge
that he bore the cleanest record among
them all
One night Fletcher ran across a wretched
staggering wreck of a man. 1t was John
Ward He pitied the forlorn fellow took
him to his office, sobered him, let him sleep
there nights, bought him a decent suit OF
clothes and got to liking him. AS to Ward.
he turned out true-blue. He appreciated
fully the friendly interest of Fletcher,
turned his back on strong drink, and in
sisted on helping his benefactor. Fletcher
finally paid him a few dollars a week
salary, and when he made commission,
divided 1t with him.
Now the crisis had como. Business had
turned exceedingly bad. Fletcher was worn
with anxiety and work. 2 He was forced
to announce his resolusion to abandon the
sHoQudl Hsnt.
But stanch John Ward stuck to his post
manfuly. 1t was the second day after
the departure of his employer that two odd
visitors entered the office. One was a
oronzed. plain.faced man, suggesting the
typical westerner. With him was a young
eiri evidently his daughter, petite smiling
eyes and infused with natural vivacity
born Of the f<ee air of the mountain plains.
Il like this" observes the odd little man,
taking in the Office and its Punishment in
: comprehensive sweep Of his peering, in
tenigent eyes. II say. Nancy, quite a con-
uast to the big Office with plate glass and
xnding. where they promise fellow every
ming and do nothing for him except to
4 SOLICIT an advance fee. hey?"
= J. ~ seems" chirped his dimpled compan-
lon' settling herself In Q cane rocker with
Foss eo'nplecency--''it seems like home. .
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