The Press., 1917-01-04
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Tt was noon hour" he said sharply,
 Where was the truck"
 Here in the stable"
 Seems to me you can get around pretty fast when you've a mind to-" growled Skiff, as he studied the time, card on his desk, which showed the arrival and departure of the trucks OIE their different assignments.
 Casey said nothing. He folded his arms across k1s chest and looked dTTr at the fat, disturbed countenance of his employer. Heretofore they had always been on good terms-something must have occurred to turn BabcOck's anger upon him. The simple fact of his walking on Sixth avenue or any other thoroughfare during his incoming could not account for this inQuisition.
 Then, all at once he remembered Celia Hart had once said she had met Skif Rabcock several times. and liked hin
 Casey's face grew cold and hard.
 "I've an interest in you, Tim" said Skin with a sudden change of tone.
 "I'm obliged"
 "Have you ever wanted to go into the trucking business for yOurselfT'
 The younger mans face underwent brief change.
 "Every man looks to bettering him self," he said warily.
 "Td let you have the old stable on West street and three teams-Td give 'em to you"
 "What for?' demanded Casey bluntly,
 Skiff dropped subterfuge and looked his driver square in the eye.
 You'll understand when I tell you that I've made up my mind to marry Celia Hart! Look what can give her diamonds, an autymobile. all the money she wants to spend and hired girl to do her work What can you give her-eh?" His sheer could not be suppressed. For the sake of the girl I should think you'd step back, Casey! She's too fine to work herself to the bone as the wife of q poor truck driver. AS Mrs. Skiff BabcOck shed live like a lady. You stand off and I'll set you up in business-yOur smart and can stand where I do ten years from now. You'Il never have another chance.'
 Aslen faced. Casey stared back al him.
 "I'H not do itr he muttered
 "What Is your price then?" demanded Skiff impatiently. "Name 1t and I'll pay it."
 "Nle price," stammered Casey. And he seemed to ponder the question.
 "Yes: your price. Name it and I'n pay it." skiff smiled complacently, Things were coming his way, He nev- CT had known this treatment to fail.
 Every man has his price,
 Suddenly Casey's head went up. "Mc price is this" he said heavily-"mC price Is this. Send for Celia Hart and let her choose between us"
 Skiff's smile fadeA "It's no way to treat lady. It'n scare her" he said doubtfully,
 "It's me price," reiterated Casey sul. lenly. ''T.et her have the say. I don't want your jOb,'
 Skiff BabcOck nodded shortly and pulled the telephone toward him. He called up the milliner's where Celia Hart worked and asked that she bc sent at once in taXicab to tba office of the Skiff BabcOck Trucking com pany, and then he sat back and waited nervousIy for her coming,
 Tim Casey leaned against the Oppo- site wall, white faced with miserable eyes
 What girl would hesitate at choosing between the plump, we'll dressed and | obviously rich proprietor and the shirt sleeved truck driver? He wished that he had knocked Skiff 1 down when the suggestion was first made. But Celia ought to have a chance to better herself. Celia was a lovely, bright creature, and the best was none too good for her. But was Skiff BabcOcll the best? Celia should decide.
 A half hour ticked away, and at last | a taxi drew up to the curb, and slim black gOwned form crowned with d coral hat all askew flew into the office and looked dlZedly around.
 "What's happened to Timmy?' she demanded breathlessly. Then her cYeS fell upon Tim Casey. standing there so grim and silent. and she ran to him and flung herself on his breast.
 "Ah, Timmy. l thought you was dead, or somcthing!" she cried. 'Whar is the matter?''
 Skiff Babcock stepped into small adjoining room.
 Tim Caseys great chest heaved, but he did not unfold his arms to encircl" her.
 "Celia," he said hoarsely. ''yOu'r promised to mo and I'm a poor man But suppose there was another man. rich and bettern me. Some one like Skif BabcO~k Which would you choose. eh? He's got an autymObile and diamonds. and his wife could live like lady"
 Celia Hart shook his shoulder Vigor- ously. '"Til Casey. I believe you're sun struck or something. you act so queer!"
 Would you, Celia:'
 "Did you call me away from trim ming my we lding hat-yes, sir, I'm getting my hat at Mme MOriarty's, with the best of cm. ana she set me to trimming it m>'rel:. And you called me away from that to ask me would I marry Skiff Babcock?"
 "Yes."
 Well, you can take it from me that wouldn't" lpcl:red Miss Hart emphat- ically, mot if he rode in ten auty mobiles at on' and was Sewed all over with diamonds. Now. come along with me and take something for your sun stroke" She draggel the beaming Tim by one sleeve toward the outer door.
 "Wait minute. Cellar and he step ped to the door of the inner room. You heard, Mir. Babcock?'' he asked nf the still figure by the window.
 Skiff Babcock turned pale, fiabby face toward him and nodded. ''I heard" he said hoarsely. "Go along T