Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-08-24

for any ones sympathy. I only want
a job where can earn the money. In
deed l won't accept it unless 1t IL
offered to me as discharged scene
Sshifter from the Frivolity Theater."
Il shan't tell him a word" she
promised hastily. Mind you, 60 and
see him. I'll write tonight. l will say
you name is Johnson"
She tripped away, and Bliss was
| tapped on the shoulder by his fore.
imam.
Here's your money" he was told
CURLY, less two fines, eight. and four
pence. You can hook it straight away.
We don't pay you to stand about to
talk to the ladies'"
Bliss went out into the night. and,
with his overcoat buttoned up to his
ears, paused at the corner Of the
Strand, shivering.
Once more, for q few minutes. he
weakened. He was soon near the one
restaurant in London where his word
was law. He could imagine the Zest
with which they would serve him if
he we're only to stop taxi, drive to
his rooms, and change. He could al
most hear the little chorus Of welcome
feel the pleasant warmth of the place,
smell the appetizing odors
It seemed impossible to believe that
a few months ago he had found 1t hard
to select anything to tempt his appe.
title; had glanced indifferently at the
long list Of vintage champagnes; had
found his food tasteless, and the at
tentions Of host of friends boring.
And above 1t all. as he stood there,
he seemed to hunger for really kind
word. for the look Of some one who
was really glad to see him.
Curiously enough, It was not one OF
that army of fair women and we'll
placed young men who suddenly held
his thoughts, suddenly strengthened
his wavering. He was looking north
ward instead Of westward.
Next Sunday" he determined, II
will go and\ see her II have to 90 in
rags"
The moment OF weakness had
passed. He bought his supper at
cook-shop and drank glass Of beer
without the slightest fear Of indiges-
ton. Then he went back to his room
and slept.
The next two days he spent in
tramping and making countless ap-
plications for jobs. always with the
same result. On the third day he
made the best toilet he could and pre-
scented himself at the rooms Of Mr..
James Fancourt.
A man servant showed him into an
apartment furnished half as study,
half as an office. He recognized Mr..
To MI OF
habitue Of most Of the fashionable rem
devious about town.
Mr.. Fancourt, however, showed no
signs of sharing the recognition. He
was a notwithstanding young
man, with black shiny hair slightly
waved in front. long. clean-shaven
face, and features good, il somewhat
expressionless. His attire was perfec-
ton
He scrutinized Bliss through an eye
glass with a certain kindly liberation.
Your names Johnson, isn't it," he
Ernest Johnson" Bliss assented.
For a moment James Fancourt
looked at him, and during that mo-
ment Bliss felt as though a search
light were being turned upon himself
and his past.
Sorry to hear you're down on your
luck" the former continued smoothly.
|" don't want to know the particulars
Of course, but were you at public
school?"
"Eton," Bliss replied.
Varsity"
"Magdalen" Need We talk about
that?"
Certainly not" Mr.. Fancourt re.
Piled. ~ only want to have some sort |
Of idea Of the person I have to deal
with. Miss Forrest tells me that you
want job
~ want one badly; am willing to
10 almost anything" Bliss asserted.
Mr.. Fancourt extracted a cigarette |
rom the open box in front Of him and
passed them on to Bliss.
Have smoker"
Bliss accepted the offer without |
hesitation.
AS he lit the cigarette, for moment !
lis eyes were half closed. 1t was his
,wn special Turkish tobacco, the to-
,acco he had always declared to be
he finest in London. He blew out a
title Whit OF the smoke with keen ap-
'reciation. Lately he had been smok.
ng shag.
Mr.. Fancourt smiled sympathetic
lily.
"Sit down." he invited. Now, Mr..
ohnson, l am willing to help you il
can. You want to earn living
an put you in the way Of earning one.
he question is-are you particular
ow you earn IT."
Bliss looked at his cigarette and
hen up at the speaker.
"In a general way. Mr.. Fancourt.
hould say no" he replied slowly.
My last Job was scene-shifting at the
Theatre. Before that l drove .
green grocer's cart. | have also
lied the post of light porter and mes
l have Travelled in cook
Is stoves"
Ito be continued.)
ALBA.