The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1919-12-05
IN THELION'S DEN
BY GRACE r. oLIN.

ShSle NOD, ner fathers brother and
partner, frowned bit himself,
i 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 were
pretty big men and their word carried
considerable weight. However. Luz
cille appeared not to be affected great
ly; she gazed down at her slim ankles
and smothered yawn as IL a triae
bored.
Father" her eyes looked into his
serenely, 81 can't see why you object
to Mr.. Carter, and besides he's so diff
ferent from all the rest"
"Differentw 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 a personal interest in.
For each Of the four you appealed to
me to give them a 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 a
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
ent, "Mr. Carter is SO different,
'His salary is S25 per- just what the
others get" threw in Uncle Rob dry
ly. Wouldn't keep you in hats even."
Hell 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 in fighting. They win the war
for 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. "Your uncle and /
have been in the business 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
go with other firms. He's bright
fellow, and there is 50 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. u
suggested letting Carter go; not throw
ING him out without a job, but forcing
one of his recent offers upon him.
Her father turned suddenly and
pressed 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, cheerily.
"Why, Lucille" the young man
face lighted up wonderfully.
"Carter!" John Spencer stopped hin
with a gesture ere he could cross Il
Luciile's side. Just moment, please
| want a word with you
"Certainly." Carter stopped coul
teously by his employers desk.
'T'm not at all satisfied young man
I'm going to let you go. OF course
win see that you get another posi-
tion. that is understood, but | don
think you have played square VIII
mo. Sneak out like a man. DO you
For an instant Carriers grave blu
ewes registered amusement then ~
drew himself up soberly.
IT haven't played square with you
cir" he answered "0f course w
been very honest with your daughter
but NV wear In the trenches taught III
a valuable lesson. You see, lions an
German foxes must be approached WIZ
caution and cunning TO match thei
9 own.
= "When | first met Lucille, and foun'
. ont that YOU were her father rea
. ized that if you knew my uncles "ei
. Carter & Carter, your most bitter r.
vals and contestants for the ,iiohsi'i
honors,' | would have to go SLOW.
] Lucille and l thought if l coul
p establish myself in your goou sr"oe
r that would be, of course, the tlrst stel
" Needless to say, my uncles want ~
! with them, especially now as l nav
j. some methods of yours to introduce.
: "Don't be alarmed, sirs, as SpenCe
o. Snencer clutched at their coliai
conyulsiyely. 81 have drawn up p'
" ners ready for your signature wnie
admit me into the firm. And now,
you'll pardon us, Lucille and VIII ~
or 70 lunch. Don't forget the paper
Won are sure TO sign, gentlemen, 10
know, shall belong to the MOUSE a.
house divided against itself shn
fall" ~ he
LuciIle came over softly and put ne
: smooth cheek against her fathers.
aFather, you and Uncle hop NV NV
oil the non