Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-12-19
IN The LIONS DEN
BY GRACE r. oLiN.

this affair little too far" Lucille's
father frowncd upon her from the
depths OF his great office chair. aud
Uncle Rob, her fathers brother and
partner. frowned Il bit himself.
Il quite agree with YOU in this.
John" he said. OF course, tho office
force might have quaked. or the world
of business men been disconnected. for
the firm Of Spencer & Spencer were
pretty big men ana their word carried
considerable weight. However, Lu-
ellie appeared not to be affected great
ly; she sazed down ut her slim ankles
and SmOthcred yawn as If trifie
bored. ...- -..
Father" her eyes looked into his
s"renely. Il can't see why you object
to Mr.. Carter, and besides he's SO diff
ferent from all the rest
"Dfferent!" John Spcnccrs tone
was almost eXasperated. Il can't see
wherein he's different. He Is simply
the fourth eN-soldier your Red Cross
work gave YOU personal interest in.
For each OF the four you appealed to
me to give them q position. l crowded
Carter in rather than disappoint you,
though didn't need him"
Like the others three, he thanks me.
by making love to my daughter. The
others. although they amused you for Il
while. soon wearlcd 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. .tAir. Carter is SO different.
His salary is $50 per. just what the
others get" threw In Uncle Rob dry
~. Wouldn't keep You in hats. even"
He'll 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 I'm fighting. They win the war
fer 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 your
daughters needn't associate with"
Lucille" Mr.. John Spencer looked
somewhat hurt. "NOur uncle and
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 it doesn't
pay the rent nor buy groceries, does II?
Why, Carter has had two chances to
go with other firms. He's bright
fellow. and there Is So raise
I'm each case. But, no. the other men
didn't have daughters"
II tell you what 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 n 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 tall, well-built young man
crossed the threshold Good morning,
Daniel" called Lucille. chccrily.
"Why. Lucille" the young mans
face lighted up wonderfully.
"Cnrter!" John Spencer stopped him
with gesture ere he could cross to
Lucille's side. "Just moment please
want a word with YOU"
Certainly" Carter stopped cour-
teously by his employers Gesk.
I'm not Mt all satisfied. young man.
I'm going to let you go. OF course,
Will see that you get another posi-
ton; that is understood, but don't
think you hive played square with
me. Speak out like man. Do you:"
For an instant Carriers grave blue
eyes registered amusement, then he
drew himself up soberly.
II 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
q valuable lesson. You see. 1ions' and
! German foxes must be approached with
! caution and IL cunning to match their
| own.
"Wlen first met Lucille. ana found
out that you were her father, l real
lied that Il you knew my unclcs were
Carter & Carter, your most bitter RI
walls and contestants for the 'lIonship
honors,' I would have to 90 slow.
Lucille and thought IL conld
establish myself In your good graccs
that would be, Of course, the first step.
/ Needless to say, my unclcs want me
with them, especially now as L have
some methods of yours to introduce.
| "DOn't be alarmed, sirs," as Spencer
4 Spencer clutcbed at their collars
| convulslvely. II have drawn up pa
pers ready for Your signature, which
admit me Into the firm. And now. II
you'll pardon VIZ, Lucille and will run
off to lunch. Don't forget. the papers