Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-12-11

covered Interest, and possibly some
ming deeper In the face OF the only
laughter and heiress OF his employer
Robert Drury. The very fact that she
was such, however, seemed to place
IN insurmountable barrier between
mem. He was therefore contented
with mere casual look at a face rath-
o Intellectual than lovely, although
ne eyes were deep wells OF express
don likely to attract the seeker after
real heart worth and fidelity.
Victor held only fairly paid posi-
ton in the establishment OF Drury &
Co.. but he stayed on, making up for
ne boredom OF routine days by spend
MIG leIsurely evenings as enjoyably as
possible.
Miss Airline Drury had visited the
plant occasionally. II happened af-
YER Victors first sight OF her that she
came more frequently. She had pass
ed his desk several times and bestow-
ed upon him the slight nod she award
ed all whom she selected as knowing
by sight. He was passing down
narrow roadway between two build
hgs OF the plant one day, when
tashing into It's other end came
team of horses attached to wagon
hoaded with iron. At n glance Victor
recognized runaway and fifty feet
shead his vision took in a girlish form
shrinking to the brick wall. Victor
realized her danger. He swiftly dash
I'd toward her, snatched at her sway
ing form. backed into a niche where
there was a door, burst il in with a
powerful lunge of his stout shoulders,
and held her shivering and overcome.
FOR just a moment the grateful. express
sive eyes OF the girl held his own In
Hhrail. Then he recognized her as the
taughter OF his employer.
"We can pass through the store
roDm to the Office II you please" he
said. Airline Drury, pale and trem-
Aing. bowed an assent and he left
her as they entered the office building.
The next day Victor was sent for by
Mr.. Drury. The latter did not relax
rom his habitual cold dignity. but in
a business-like tone announced TO Vic
tor his promotion TO higher position
AS Victor went back 10 his desk young
Ernest Drury followed him. He was
q mere lad. bat there was deep sin
certify In his bearing rs he grasped
NctOr's hand.
"My sister told me 10 convey her
deep gratitude to you for saving her
Efe." ne said. and sher-she asked
me To tell you she will not forget
There was thrill in the boys tones,
hut the momentary impress of emotion
passed from Nictor's mind. He and
some boon companions had arranged
for meeting and late. hours that
evening and his thoughts were cen
tered on that. II was a wild night,
for some registering members of the
cOterle INDUCED freely in strong
drink, an adjournment was made TO a
Mace where gambling was going on
md Victor found himself in his room
ne next morning with no recollection
If how ne had arrived there.
He was mortified. then shamed and
reDentant and then. as his memory
cleared. startled and appalled,. with
the vividness OF lightning fash there
required To him the events Of the pre-
vious evening He had fallen into the
hands of a group Of card sharks anc
mad been induced 10 risk the money
he had and then he had indOrSed {
draft given 10 him for collection anC
had signed the name Of his employer
10 check for a large amount HI
recalled the man who had lured hin
into this net Of peril and guilt. Hi
name was Jackson. and realizing tina
he was in a terrible position, his rep
utation gone. his future blasted, We
tor hurried ON his clothes TO seel
Jackson. There was q knock at tn
door of his room. Serious faced FL
nest Drury entered.
"Mr. Lind" ne said, here are som
papers YOU had better destroy and fol
get have no explanation TO max,
I come as cmiSSary Of another, whoI
am not free 10 name. and who q,
presses the hope that you will neve
again yield to the influence ~ thos
who last night nearly led to you
ruin"
Then the visitor was gone. VictC
stood staring i'm startled bewldermeI
at the draft and check ne had give
Jackson Then a conception Of III
narrow escape from ruin ovcrcan
him. He sank 70 his knees besid
his bed and arose penitent and graf
ful man, resolved never again TO ski
the delusve path VI guilty pleasure.
After that. young Drury seemed I
put himself ont OF the way 20 ~
friendly and helpful toward Victor. bl
never would he discuss the matter
the forged documents. IS IL quite il
cidentally he invited Victor TO n
Drury home and within a half-ye,
Victor was engaged TO Airline Drur
II was just after their first chi
was born that Victor came across n
PAPERS that revealed TO him that 4
Vine had loved him from the first tin
she met him that 20 her was due n
rapid advancement in business md n
rescue from the power Of schcmll
gamblers. He replaced the pape
reverently. He never told ~ the
discovery hut the inspiration of Il
same gave TO his life new devote
ness 10 Airline that became tho .,
Impulse ~ his being
The chief aim ~ every alligator