Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1919-07-03
Helping Hands
By VIOLA CLARE
Copyright. 1919. by Western Newspaper Union

and the lowest grade of business
shops Arden Blerce pressed his way
until he came 10 a low drinking den
which he entered. He glanced about
at the group of rough-looking deni-
zens, seemed disappointed. peered
past the open doorway of a rear room
and uttered an exclamation of salts
faction.
In vivid contrast to the neatly appar-
eled, clear-eyed, healthy faced Bierce
was young man about his own age,
seated at a table, an. empty glass be-
fore him, staring yacantly at space.
His clothing was ragged and soled,
his face wan, his form unsteady and
trembling ana altogether he suggested
the chronic inebriate, half-stupefied,
half-wrecked by his excuses.
is this your promise to me, Har-
ry?" challenged Bierce at once, seat
ing himself opposite the other and fac
| ing him steadily.
Arthur Morse blinked his bleared
eyes, he hung his head and a sob
swept his lips.
Il couldn't help it, Bierce" he
choked out "When you put me on
my feet for the hundredth time and
get me situation and staked me, l
vowed | would never come to place
like this again. Bierce, the demon
tempted me in the shape of an old
friend. What's the use telling more
Here | am, lower In the scale than
ever, money gone, discharged from my
position. Go your way You have
done all you can for me. I'm not
worth the effort"
The head of the speaker sank into
his outstretched arms on the table.
He seemed utterly crushed. Arden
Bierce eyed him with pity and con
cern. They had been familiar college
chums in the past. Harry had for
felted the confidence of his father,
who was wealthy man, and had
well nigh broken the heart of his sis
ter through his profigacy and dissi-
patton. The former had banished
him. Alice Morse had given up all
hope of the reformation Of the broth
er. She had chung to him Loyalty unti
he had been utterly disowned by his
father.
Blerce held good position with a
city mercantile house. For the first
time in years he had been given n
sixty days leave of absence, a yaca-
ton he had planned to enjoy through
travel to the utmost He had sought
out Harry secured him a situation
and had clothed him respectfully had
given him money and placed him in
comfortable boarding house.
"Try and make record till l come
back, Harry he told him, "and I'll
get you work directly with myself
where we can be together all of the
time"
That's just it," said Harry, now
looking up despairingly Its when
get away from your friendly influ.
ence that | give way to temptation"
II have thought of that and have
sought you out to give you one more
chance" said Bierce. do you recall
writing TO your father in Columbus a
few weeks since, asking him to estab-
liSh you In business and prove that
you were worthy of his regard? Very
well, to my rooms, the address Of
which you gave, there came letter
today. II Is from your father II
proposes that you open a small office
and look after the trade Of his busi-
ness here. You are to handle no
money, only to visit his regular
clients and try to increase their or
ders, He will meantime pay your ex-
penses II you make good at the end
Of a few months he will establish you
in more pretentious way and finally
take you back into his confidence"
"Oh, to show you my gratitude!
To win back the esteem of my sis
ter Alice! How l will try" cried
Harry In an excess OF emotion.
And I will help you, poor fellow
and dear old friend !" declared Bierce.
Il shall give up my vacation. / shall
be at your side all of the time / will
cooperate with you in making man
Of yourself"
Two months later the friends were
seated in the office of which Harry
Morse was manager He presented a
new individuality, for he had con-
quered his weakness Blerce had
faithfully remained by his side and
had taught him how to run the BUSH
ness All this Harry was going over
with him now, in heartfelt gratitude
recounting his hepfulness and devo-
ton.
And | received a letter from my
father today commencing my dill.
gence and efficiency" said Harry.
And Alice is to be in the city some
day soon and to arrange with me for
q visit homel :"
They did not know it, but Alice
was in the outer office at TINT mo-
ment She overheard all that her
brother said She caught glimpse
OF the face Of his friend. Then she
stole away but returned later and saw
Harry alone.
You are TO come home for a week
and bring Mr.. Bierce with YOU" she
HNHHH 49,