Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-27
oTTUMwA sEM1-WEEKLY COURIER FRIDAY, JULY e. 1917

hour before a handsome gray stone
block of flats in Arleton street.
Before alighting he stopped the en-
| CINE and turned to the chauffeur who
was seated by his side.
| Hayes" he asked. "how long have
you been in my service?"
1.-TWO years sir the man replied a
! little startled.
I'm not zoins to send you away"
Bliss treasured him. "but am going
to give you pretty tough job
If it is anything in the driving line,
sir" the man began hopefully.
ut is not" Bliss Interrupted. You
have got to do nothing for twelve
months, that's ALL
The man grinned
II am thirty-one years old, sir, and
started work when I was eight. Never
had days holiday to speak Of. Think
I could do with years rest, all right
cali the same I don't think you'll
like It," Bliss warned him. Listen:
You need not call for orders till you
receive word from Mr.. Crawley. You
can 60 to his office for your wages
every Saturday. You will take the tires
of the cars and sling them up. II you
like to get Job at one Of the garages,
shall not object That's your own af.
fair"
The man looked distinctly puzzled.
III might take the liberty, sir"
he began.
III you ask single question" Bliss
interrupted, ~ shall sack you. Make
the most of your years rest. I shall
work you hard enough when I come
back. Here's good luck to you"
Bliss descended from the car, leav.
ing the man with f1ve-pound note in
his hand and general expression of
stupefaction upon his visage. He en-.
tered the lift and. ascending to tho
third floor, let himself into his own
very handsome suite OF apartments.
His valet came hurrying into the
hall to take his hat.
Gloves" Bliss directed put me
out plain blue serge suit and f1an.
mel shirt and collar. Then pack me 9
bag with some changes Of linen and
underclothes; no evening clothes or
anything Of the sort"
The man preserved with an obvious
effort his accustomed immutability OF
expression.
"You are changing at once, sir?" he
asked. i
cat once" Bliss replied you had
better help me OF with these things
first"
In half an hours time the bag was
packed and Bliss surveyed himself In
the glass with qualified approval For
once he had found his wardrobe made
ouate to the demands made upon it.
There were clothes for every sport
ing or social function which he might
be called upon to attend. Its l1mita-
tons however. seemed reached by
Bliss's present requirements.
He had attired himself as simply as
possible. His tie was inconspicuous,
his shoes thicker than usual, and he
had never made habit OF wearing a
flannel collar when in town. Neverthe'
less there was still an air OF dilettant-
ism about his appearance.
"Rest job can make Of 1t. anyway"
he muttered to himself as he turned
away. Now then, Cloves"
The man hurried forward. He was
beginning to feel a little disturbed. His
masters unusual attitude, as well az
his sartorial requirements, struck MIN
as eccentric; and eccentricity was not
a quality of which he approved.
Nothing further can do, sir?' he
asked deferentially, Its past one
o'clock. May make you an aperitif?"
"Ah. you may do that Bliss assent
al, "and in the mean time, listen to
me-
The man moved toward the side
board and busted himself with several
bottles and a silver shaker. Bliss pur'
ed at cigarette as he watched him.
Gloves" he said as he finally &C
,epted the frosted glass. Il am going
away this morning and am going 10
cave you a hard task"
Yves. sir?" the man asked eagerly.
Would you like shade more OF the
,itters?''
Bliss shook his head.
excellent" he pronounced Now
listen carefully. People say that the
hardest task in the whole world Tor
nan used to regular employment is to
10 nothing. That is the Job you've got
q tackle. am leaving here in min
tie or two for twelve months"
The man started. He looked almost
With horror at the suit case which he
lad Just packed.
But you haven't any clothes. ST.
,e protested. Am to pack your
runks and send them ONT"
81 have all that l require" Bliss told
i'm firmly. 80 far as you are con-
erned all that you will have to do is
o take the letters each morning to Mr..
;rawley, keep the place aired and COM
ortabIe and ask no questions and an !
wer none. All bills, taxes and charges
Z anv sort will be paid by Mr.. Crawley
n presentation and Of the rest you !
now nothing. may be in Timbuctoo .
r I may be in the next street. 1t is
ct your business to know. and you
ont know. Get that well into your
cad" /.
"I understand perfectly, SIR the
ian replied. looking more puzzled than
,,nr "vou will foreive nv mention.