The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1918-11-28
UP THE LADDER
BY oRVlLLE r. MAcoMBER


Copyright, 1918. Western Newspaper Union)
Don't tell you my entire fortune
is swept away-that am a pauper"
Thus voiced old Arson Lorne and
the tones were high-pitched, because
the announcement seemed in nOwise to
disturb his nephew, Wallace Drake.
"YOu do tell me-" responded Wal
lace, "and I'm sorry for your sake, but
you're no pauper as long as have a
pair of strong arms and a brain in
working order. I've been expecting
you, uncle, and never were you more
welcome. Forget your troubles and
watch me pay back some of the unfor-
gettable kindnesses you have showered
on me for years."
IL declare !" faltered the old man,
his voice husky with emotion, 'it's-
it's almost worth the loss of fortune to
find one true heart among the many.
It's too bad for you. 1 suppose you
will have to give up college just as you
was reaching the end?"
'Tve arranged ali that, Uncle An
son." said Wallace brightly. GAS soon
as 1 heard of your difficulties 1 saw
your lawyer. He told me clearly that
when you paid your debts you would
have nothing left except some ques-
tiOnable securities, foisted on you by
the INSCRIPTIONS brokers who have
ruined you. 1 saw your doctor, too,
uncle. I am not afraid of our getting
along, but I am afraid you will worry
over this trouble and break down. The
doctor says you must get your mind
off from it and find occupation. I've
planned it all. We want to get on our
feet. Then you must help"
'Why, I'm willing to-" declared old
Arson Lorne.
"All right. You let me be captain
for spell and follow my orders. 1t
may be bare bread and butter for q
time, but we're going to get results"
Arson Lorne went to sleep that
night, mind relieved, free of care for
the first time in many long day. He
was Ike shipwrecked sailor finding
a safe harbOr after being sorely buff
feted about by adverse wind and wave.
When the collapse of his fortune had
come those whom he had benefited had
deserted him. 1t was this that de-
pressed and well nigh crushed him.
Now had come the word from Wallace
Drake. With pride, with fervent JOY
the old man recognized one pure heart
of gold, staunch as steel in the stress
and strain of adversely.
Wallace Drake formulated no grand
plans. When the crash came he had
little cash, but he did have the equip
ment of an advanced college man. He
proceeded to sell his library, his ath-
letic outfit, all of his jewelry, all of
his extra wardrobe and furniture.
. When he came finally to count up his
liquid capital, he was agreeably sur
prised to find himself the possessOr of
nearly nine hundred dollars.
"We'll take a walk, Uncle Anson,"
he said one pleasant afternoon, and
the stroll terminated at a little one
story building opposite public school.
There was a 10 by u storeroom and
behind it two living apartments. The
store shelves held school supplies,
such as books, states, stationery and
the like, and some confectionery.
Bottom rung Of the business lad
der uncle" spoke Wallace cheerily.
"All I'm thinking of is keeping your
mind and time occupied. You love
little children. You will have a Glen
tele here to your hearts content"
1t was marvellous how placidly An
son Lorne accepted the humble condi-
tons into which circumstances had
plunged him. Wallace had secured a
position as assistant at a physicians
office and arranged so that by study
ing nights until the end of year, he
could graduate with diploma. Tho
variety, the activity, the steady,
though small profit the little store
brought in gave Mr.. Lorne a vivid in
terest in the business, and soon he had
happy, welcome coterie of little ones
who delighted in visiting "Grandpa
Lorne," Uncle and nephew devel-
oped great housekeeping ability, and
the old man averred he had never been
so contented and happy in his life.
Then young lady, a Miss Orc SEQ
field, began to drop into the store She
was settlement worker, an heireSs it
was said, and the history of uncle and
nephew interested her. Besides that,
she discovered among some favorite
books Wallace had saved from the
wreck unique works on botany, and
to his surprise and pleasure one after
noon Wallace found the charming
young lady in question immersed in
one of the same. This new friend
brought an appreciated element into
the life of the young man.
He found Ora in the living rooms
back of the store one evening when he
came home, preparing a meal, and the
domestic ensemble warmed his heart.
I'm going to inf1ict my cookery
school requirements upon you for one
occasion only" Miss ScOfeld advised
Wallace smilingly. at is your uncle's
birthday. My mother is invited and
Mr.. Lorne seems greatly pleased with
the arrangement"
1t was after the meal that Arson