The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1919-05-01
Helping Hands
copyright. 1919, BY western Newspaper UnlOn.J
By VIOLA CLARE

Copyright. 1912 by Western Newspaper Union.)
Down a tortuously winding court in
the poorest quarter of the city i'm
tested with ramshackly tenements
and the lowest grade of business
shops Arden Elerce pressed his way
until he came to a low drinking den
which he entered. He glanced about
at the group of rough-lOoking deni-
zens, seemed disappointed, peered
past the open doorway of rear room
and uttered an exclamation Of salts
faction.
In vivid contrast to the neatly appar-
eled clear-eyed, healthy faced Bierce
was a young man about his own age
seated at a table, an empty glass be-
fore him, staring vacanuy at space.
His clothing was ragged and soiled
his face wan, his form unsteady and
trembling ana altogether he suggested
the chronic inebriate, half-stupeled,
half-wrecked by his excuses.
as this your promise to me, Har-
ry?" challenged Bierce at once, seat
ing himself opposite the other and fac
ing him steadily.
Arthur Morse blnked his beared
eyes, he hung his head and a sob
swept his lips.
81 couldn't help it, Bercew he
choked out. "When you put me on
my feet for the hundredth time and
81 cit col I
vowed l would never come to a place
like this again, Bierce, the demon
tempted me in the shape of an old
friend. What's the use telling more
Here I am, lower in the scale than
ever, money gone discharged from my
position. Go your way. You have
done all you can for me. I'm not
worth the effort"
The head Of the speaker sank into
his outstretched arms ON the table.
He seemed utterly crushed. Arden
Bierce eyed him with pity and con
Germ. They had been familiar college
chums in the past. Harry had for
feited the confidence of his father,
who was a wealthy man, and had
well nigh broken the heart Of his sis
ter through his profigacy and dissi-
patton. The former had banished
him. Alice Morse had given up all
hope Of the reformation of the broth
err. She had chung to him Loyalty until
he had been utterly disowned by his
father.
Bierce held a good position with a
city mercantile house. For the first
time in years he had been given
sixty days leave of absence, n vaca-
ton he had planned to enjoy through
travel to the utmost. He had sought
out Harry, secured him situation
and had clothed him respectfully, had
given him money and placed him in
a comfortable boarding house.
"Try and make a record till come
back, Harry" he told him, land I'll
get you work directly with myself
where we can be together all Of the
time"
That's just il" said Harry, now
looking up despairingly. ITS when l
get away from your friendly influ-
ence that I give way to temptation"
81 have thought of that and have
sought you out to give You one more
chance said Bierce. do you recall
writing to your father in Columbus a
few weeks since, asking him to estab-
fish you in business and prove that
you were worthy Of his regard2 Very
WELL TO my rooms, the address of
which you gave, there came a letter
today. 1t is from your father. II
proposes that you open a small Office
and look after the trade of his bush
ness here. You are to handle no
money, only to visit his regular
clients ana try to increase their or
ders. lie will meantime pay your ex-
penses. II you make good at the end
Of few months he win establish you
in more pretentious way and finally
take you back into his confidence"
"Oh to show you my gratitude!
To win back the esteem Of my sis
ter Alicel How | viii tryp cried
Harry in an excess Of emotion.
"And l will help YOU poor fellow
and dear old friendw declared Bierce
81 shall give up my vacation. | shall
be at your side all of the time. l will
cooperate with you in making a man
of yourself"
Two months later the friends were
seated in the Office Of which Harry
Morse was manager. He presented
new individuality, for he had con
Quered his weakness. Berce had
faithfully remained by his side and
had taught him how to run the bust
ness. All this Harry was going over
with him now, I'm heartfelt gratitude
recounting his helplulness and deyo.
ton
"And | received a letter from my
father today commenting my dili.
gence and efficiency" said Harry.
"And Alice Is TO be In the city some
day soon and TO arrange with me for
a visit homer
They did not know Il, but Alice
was in the outer Office at that mo-