Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-08-21
ment, and when looked up again

they were gone
"Ye're not At to be trusted among
a pack O. thieves like that" Mrs. Mott
exclaimed half angrily. half tenderly
what you need, young man, is some
one to look after you"
+, The shop bell rang. Mrs. Mott
rose grumbling to her feet.
"A thing I can't abear,' she de-
clared "is them customers who come
and want their green groceries afore
you've 'ad yer breakfast or tidied up
Don't disturb yourself, Mr.. Bliss. I'll
be back in jiffy."
Bliss hastily swallowed his coffee
and stole softly to the back door. Mrs.
Motifs shrill voice, however, checked
his retreat.
Here's a gent brought back yer
overcoat." she called out. Wants
word with YER
Bliss turned toward the shop. He
passed Mrs. Mott on her way back to
Il her unfinished breakfast.
What the likes Of i'm was doing in
Covent Garden I dunno" she re-
marked. Looks like toff.'
Bliss passed through into the shop.
In the midst Of the untidy desolation
a young man was standing who amply
justified Mrs. Motifs description. He
was holding Bliss's overcoat upon his
left arm. A motor-car was waiting at
the door.
"Is your name Bliss? he inquired.
II believe this is your overcoat."
Bliss nodded.
II hope, he asked dropping his
voice a little, that the lady got home
safely?'
The young man felt in his waistcoat
pocket. He drew out piece OF
paper.
I'VE want YOU" he said quietly
"just to forget that hour altogether,
If you will. The young lady is awfully
obliged to you and all that Here's a
trife she sent you"
Bliss threw the coat on pile OF
onions and thrust his hands into his
pockets. The boys tone had been
kind, even pleasant; but he had spoken
from his world, which was very
exalted one indeed, to a green gro
! GERS assistant
Il am very much obliged" Bliss re-
piled, but I do not require payment"
The young man was. for moment
speeches..
my good fellow" he exclaimed,
"you had to leave your work for
quite some time, and the young lady
is most anxious that you should be
rewarded. You don't know, perhaps
its little matter Of fifty pounds"
| Bliss, who had given that much as
tip to a favorite maitre d'hote1 be-
fore now, remained unmoved.
1T was not service" he reiterated
quietly "for which l require or could
accept payment. AS a matter OF fact
was there too early for my work,
and ! was delighted to be OF assist
ance.'
/ The boy thrust the note slowly back
into his pocket. He stared at Bliss
from head to foot.
"There's no mistake, Is there?' he
asked Forgive me, but II is little
hard to understand any one In your
position refusing flfty-pouud note
Perhaps you're afraid?" he went or
| quickly. .You needn't be. There
won't be any trouble about that little
affair. You're never likely to hear o.
1t again."
"I'm not afraid Of that" Bliss re
piled. "All the same. require no pay
ment, nor shall accept any. am
glad to hear that the young lady is
safely back with her friends"
The boy seemed to become suddenly
older and person Of greater under
standing. He held out his hand.
81 still don't understand he de
clared frankly, "why any one like YOU
is working as a grocer's porter. VIII
you let me do something TOR you!
can find you, without doubt, more
suitable post"
Bliss shook his head.
Thank you. am quite satisfied.
! The boy looked around him. still be
wildered.
| (To be continued.)