Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1919-12-03
ellis Last
Cent
By RALPH HAMILTON

she was WlnSome, clear-eyeQ girl
of eighteen, under her arm a bundle
of small streamers for automobiles,
one hand holding the tags, the other
pasteboard box with slit In it to
receive donations. She was real
charity worker, for she allowed no
body to pass her post in front of a
large bank without verbally presenting
her plea for the dependent little ones,
The young man appealed to did not
look very responsive, for his face was
serious and thoughtful. He paused in
an distracted way. Then the sweet,
smiling face transmitted tightening
expression to his own. He uttered
short laugh, somehow bitter and cyni-
cal. yet there was certain jauntiness
to 1t. He drew from his pocket a coin
with the words:
"My last cent?"
"Oh, nor impulsively exclaimed
Miss Eva Dutton. as she made out that
the contribution represented a twenty
dollar gold piece. She put out pretty
hand to halt the donation and her fin
gers brushed those Of Allen Wayne.
1--WE usually receive dime, or fifty
cents-but all that money"
TITS all right" declared Wayne
cheerily, and the coin jingled musical
ly among its minor brethren in the re-
ceptacle.
"But-your last cent?" fluttered the
sympathetic Miss Dunton.
ut couldn't go for a better cause,
ould it7' Intercepted Wayne.
"Please-please," interrupted Eva.
Wayne started to move away. The mel
low voice and innocent eyes attracted
him nightly. "All that money means
a great deal for the little ones and we
would like to make a record of II in
your name''
VERY well, If that is any point with
you,' said Wayne, producing card,
although deserve no credit for what
you seem to regard generous con-
tribution. Truth is. am glad to clear
the deck of all owe and own and be-
gin all over again with q clean sheet.
have been disappointed in my busi-
AA>'S't be'N hNNAhSh W duduuOu IL, anu
l suppose can find an honest living In
road making. or digging in mine, or
other decent labor"
Papa" spoke Miss Eva Dunton that
evening In her luxurious home, what
is statisticianT"
"A statistician. my dear, good
one" came the response, sis q person
we have been advertising for and need
very urgently"
Then, papa, this will interest you"
and flushing slightly Eva handed her
father the card, reading: ALLEN
Wayne, statistician," with an office ad-
dress. This gentleman, l think, is
looking for position and Is very wor-
thy. He-that is-he assisted our fund
today very generously and is, ! am
sure, worthy young man."
Il will have my secretary write to
him in the morning." said Mr.. Dunton.
pocketing the bit of pasteboard. Which
he did, and week later Allen Wayne
found himself occupying a very salts
factory position with Dunton & Com
pany, packers, and he took a new
grasp on life.
THAT little donation to the orphan
children's fund seems to have brought
me good luck" he told himself half
1ocularly more than once.
He went into the office of Mr.. Dun
ton one afternoon to report on some
special work. when he noticed a fe-
male figure seated at the desk. The
stenographer approached her.
Your father phones he will be here
In an hour. Miss Dunton," she said.
VERY WELL" came the reply. 81
will wait for him." and then, turning.
she revealed to the astonished gaze of
Wayne the pretty applicant for charity
funds.
why, Mr.. Waynel" she spoke at
once. smiling frankly and extending
her hand.
"You-you remember me?" half
stammered Wayne.
Il could not readily forget SO gen.
erous contributor to our little ones"
she said sweetly. A quick thought
came W wayne.
Miss Dunton," he spoke in his
clear. open way, 81 half suspect nv
present pleasant position is due to
your influence"
IF so." she replied, "was 1t not
your due to receive cooperation from
those who appreciated your liberalityT 2"
And Wayne's heart warmed at this
signal token of the interest Of par
tcularly lovely and thoughtful young
lady.
Gould you come home to dinner
with me tomorrow evening and help
my women folk untangle some human
interest statisticsr Mr.. Dunton invit-
ed two days later, and Wayne found
himself submerged in new duties most
pleasant and harmonious
Wayne's eyes CHANGED to meet those
OF Eva one evening when they two