The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1919-12-04
IN LIONS Den
BY GRACE r. oLIN.


%. 1919, by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.}
Lucille, I think you are carrying
this affair a little too far" Lucille's
father frowned upon her from the
depths of his great office chair, and
Uncle Rob, her fathers brother and
partner, frowned a bit himself.
II quite agree with you in this,
john" he said. Of course, the Office
force might have quaked, or the world
of business men been disconnected, for
the firm of Spencer & Spencer were
pretty big men and their word carried
considerable weight. However, Luz
ellie appeared not to be affected great
ly; she gazed down at her slim ankles.
and smothered a yawn as if a trife
bored.
Father" her eyes looked into his
serenely, Il can't see why you object
to Mr.. Carter, and besides he's so diff
ferent from all the rest"
"Different!" John S%pencer's tone
was almost eXasperated. II can't see
wherein he's different. He is simply
the fourth ex-soldier your Red Cross
work gave you a personal interest in.
For each of the four you appealed to-
me to give them a position. I crowded
Carter in rather than disappoint you,
though l didn't need him."
Like the others three, he thanks me
by making love to my daughter. The
others, although they amused you for a
While, soon wearied you, but this fell
low evidently possesses some added
charm, for you accept his attentions
gladly, to all appearances"
"But, father" Lucille was persist
ent, "Mr. Carter is so different.
Ellis salary is S25 per, just what the
others get,"' threw in Uncle Rob dry
ly. Wouldn't keep you in hats, even"
"Hell get to the top all right" de-
Tended Lucille. "You lions in the
business world certainly make me
tired. You cheer the boys for their
valor in fighting. They win the war
for you and come back, looking for
jobs. They may get the jobs, but right
there the heretofore braves cease. No
matter what their heroism, what their
sacrifice. the danger past, they. are
just the poorer class, the class Jour
daughters needn't associate WITH"
Lucille" Mr.. John Spencer looked
somewhat hurt. "Your uncle and I
have been in the business q long time.
We have struggled and worked hard
and kept our noses to the grindstone
for years. If we have won the title Of
lions,' We deserve it."
Hero stuff is all right, but 1t doesn't
pay the rent nor buy groceries, does it?
Why, Carter has had two chances to
go with other firms. He's a bright
fellow, and there is a SIS raise
in each case. But, no, the other men
didn't have daughters"
II tell you what 1 suggested to your
father" Uncle Rob leaned over to pat
the little hand resting on his desk. II
suggested letting Carter go; not throw
ing him out without a job, but forcing
one of his recent offers upon him."
Her father turned suddenly and
pressed a certain button on his desk.
"Send Carter in," he said to the red
haired Office boy. And the next mo-
ment a tall, well-built young man
crossed the threshold. Good morning,
Daniel" called Lucille, cheerily.
"Why, Lucille" the young mans
face lighted up wonderfully.
"Carter!" John Spencer stopped him
with a gesture ere he could cross to
Lucille's side. "Just a moment, please;
l want a word with YOU"
Certainly" Carter stopped cour-
teously by his employers desk.
I'm not at all satisfied, young man.
I'm going to let you go. OF course, I
Will see that you get another posi-
ton; that is understood, but l don't
think you have played square with
me. Speak out like a man. Do you?"
For an instant Carter's grave blue
eyes registered amusement, then he
drew. himself up soberly.
." haven't played square with you,
sir" he answered. "Of course I've
been very honest with your daughter,
but my year in the trenches taught me
a valuable lesson. You see, lions and
German foxes must be approached with
caution and a cunning to match their
own.
"When l first met Lucille, and found
out that you were her father, I real
lied that If you knew my uncles were
Carter & Carter, your most bitter RI
walls and contestants for the 'lionship
honors,' 1 would have to go slow.
Lucille and I thought if I could
establish myself in your good graces
that would be, of course, the first step.
Needless to say, my uncles want me
with them, especially now as I have
some methods Of yours to introduce.
Don't be alarmed, sirs," as Spencer
& Spencer clutched at their collars
convulsively. II have drawn up pa
pers ready for your signature, which
admit me into the firm. And now, il
you'll pardon us, Lucille and I will run
off to lunch. Don't forget the papers