The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1919-12-04
IN THELION'S DEN
BY GRACE r. oLiN.

t'ii' ''HeiIi niue 700 Iar. Lucllle'S
father frowned upon her from the
depths of his great office chair. and
Uncle Rob, her fathers brother and
partner. frowned Il bit himself.
Il 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 We're
pretty big men and their word carried
considerable weight. However. Luz
cille appeared not TO be affected great
ly; she sazed down at her slim ankles
and Smothered a yawn as if a trifle
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"
"Differentr John Spencer's tone
was almost eXasperated. Il can't see
wherein he's different. He Is simply
the fourth eX-Soldier your Red Cross
work gave YOU personal interest in
For each of the four you appealed TO
me to give them a position. 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
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
His salary is SD per. just what the
others get" threw i'm Uncle Rob dry
ly. wouldn't keep you i'm hats. even"
Hell get to the top all right" de-
Tended Lucille. you lions i'm 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. hut 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. Your uncle and l
have been in the business a 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 it?
Why, Carter has had two chances to
90 with other firms. He's bright
fellow, and there is 81 raise
in each case. But, no, the other men
didn't have daughters"
81 tell you what | suggested to your
father Uncle Rob leaned over to pat
the little hand resting on his desk. II
suggested letting Carter 90 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, cheeriIy.
"Why. Lucille" the young mans
face lighted up wonderfully.
Garter" 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-
'eouSly by his employers desk
I'm not at 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 have played square with
me. Speak out like n man. DO you?''
For an instant Carriers grave blue
eyes registered amusement, then he
drew himself up soberly.
81 haven't played square with you,
sir" he answered "Of course I've
been very honest with your daughter,
but my year i'm the trenches taught me
a valuable lesson. You see, Iions',and
German foxes must be approached with
caution and a cunning to match their
own.
'When first met Lucille. and found
out that you were her father. I real
lied that If you knew my unclcs were
Carter & Carter, your most bitter ri
walls and contestants for the 1ionship
| honors,' I would have to go slow.
Lucille and I thought if ! 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. 81 have drawn up pa
pers ready for your signature, which
admit me into the firm. And now. n
you'll pardon us, Lucille and ] will run
off TO lunch. Don't forget the papers
YOU are sure to sign. gentlemen. You
know, I shall belong to the house, and
q house divided against itself shall
fall"
Lucille came over softly and put her
smooth cheek against her fathers.
Father, you and Uncle Rob know
| the story about Daniel I'm the lions
dem don't you?" she asked innocenHy
Spencer and Spencer exchanged
| glances eyes. I reckon I remember
all right" Mr.. John Spencer assured
her. "The mouths Of the lions were
/ stopped. II my memory is correct"
The other member Of the firm. Mr.
| Robert Spencer, extended his hand ia