The Press., 1919-07-31
Front!
 ~ By Floyd Hamilton Hazard
(Copyright.)

 cumstances.
 It was at least a third larger than Jones himself, and, for this reason. the greater part of the time, he had a firm conviction that Jones was quite a man, and equal to almost any high achievement.
 He was an alert, practical, business man, with large stock of knowledge dearly purchased at the University of Hard Work and there was brick dust in his hair. His eyes were of deep, comprehending blue. and when there was anything worth seeing he seldom closed them. His trim appearance was greatly in his favor: but for the past week 1t had availed him nothing.
 Was it his fault that the old firm had failed?
 No, it was not! Was it his fault that his weary search for another position had so far proved utterly fruitless?
 Again no!
 Was he to blame because his sav- ings had melted away3
 Well, hardly!
 He was standing on the curb, at the intersection of Fifth avenue and Thir- ty-fourth street, in New York. moodily rehearsing in his mind his recent expe- riences, as he abstractedly watched the people in the dining room of the enor- nous hotel opposite.
 "What week"
 His search for similar work had de- generated into a frantic scramble for any kind of work at all. And how. on nothing, pay rent and doctors bills and acquire food and cash to go on? '.
 Great heavens !" he thought. "If only I had some cash!"
 Cash! Cash! Cash! beat in on his brain.
 "Got to have itl Can't get it p said Jones.
 Gan get tt!" answered Jones' spir- 1t. Keep a-going. Can and will get it."
 I'm hungry" complained Jones.
 "Shucks !" scoffed his friend. Pull in your belt a couple of holes p
 At the edge of pile of gutter-rub- Dish near Merry's, he noticed a string of pinkish beads.
 "The little girl that lost them won't mind if I give them to Helen," he unused, as he slipped them into his pocket. "A trifling present and a doubtful one,. but a big help at that. It isn't her fault that she doesn't know I'm out of work"
 He cleaned them in the fountain and placed them in the lonely security of his empty purse.
 A copy of the mornings paper was stuck between the slats of the bench on which he sat. He was too tired, too harassed by doubt and fear and hun ger, to read so he carried 1t with him.
 This spirit of his made him stop to sympathize with little girl on roller skates, who had fallen and bumped her nose, near his home. It also. nerwed him to greet the doctor at the entrance to this up-to-date tenement.
 'Hallo, doc! How's my wife?" he genially inquired, with a sinking heart.
 "All right" was the reply. 'The cri- sis came at noon today, and she will recover, if you can manage the diet. But how about my bill?"
 Again was Jones prompted.
 How about your bill? Why! Aren't you Doctor Bill?" he laughed. Cant let you stop treatment yet, you know. See you tomorrow"
 Satisfied, the doctor left him; but there was another touch needed to almost complete his misery. Jones met the agent.
 Your rent has been overdue five days" was this individuals pleasant salutation.
 "I know it," answered Jones nonchal- antly. "Would check on the First Commercial do you right now?" he queried in bantering tone.
 'It would, if I could get it," was the reply in forbidding tones.
 "Well!" said Jones cheerfully. Don't look so grouchy! Let's be hap py. Come round and see me tomorrow night"
 His feet seemed fastened to the steps as he slowly dragged them up the five flights of stairs, but after the click of the latch-key his heavy heart was lifted by glad cry as he entered the little three-room flat.
 Cyrus! Oh, you dear! Come quickly and let me press you close! The doctor says I will soon be well. We'll! Yes! Completely and soundly well! What do you think of that?"
 Think ]" he choked, as he bent over the bed and kissed his invalid wife. "Why, Helen, darling! I can't think for the glory of 1t"
 "Hooray!" shouted Jones and his spirit. "Hooray!"
 There was vail from the crib by the bedside.
 "Hallo, son!" he cried. as he caught up the baby and kissed him. "Mom- mer is goin' t get well! Dye hear that! Yes. sir Listen to that and quit it-you dear little Indian 7"
 He drew up chair and sat heavily upon it, the child in his arms.
 "What is it tllat you need tonight, dear heart?" he inquired.
 "Two prescriptions, some more porr wine, milk and eggs" she answered. "Oh. dearie! Sickness is so terribly expensive. ] just khnw 1t is costing moo than vnur. income even with all that the people in the house have done for me-"
 Well, Pm long way from being poor yet" he countered. "Poor9 We'll, should say notl Can anyone call me poor. with you and the baby, and a job, and roof over 1t all? Poorf With me managing things? Not! Cheer up, girlie, and see what I've got for you. It's just a little something for you to wear the next Sunday you're able to go out"
 She took the necklace and admired 1t. Then she held out her arms to him.
 You thoughtful. noble boy" she whispered.
 "Oh, Cy, dear! forgot to tell you The man was here today and turned