Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1920-01-16
IN THE LIONS DEN

BY GRACE r. oLIN.

rather tr0Wned upon ner from the
depths of his great office chair, and
Uncle Rob, her fathers brother and
partner, frowned a hit himself.
II 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
ellie appeared not to be affected great
ly; she gazed down at her slim ankles
and smothered a yawn as If trifle
bored.
Father" her eyes looked into his
serenely, II can't see why you object
to Mr.. Carter, and besides he's SO diff
ferent from all the rest"
Different" John Spencers tone
was almost exasperated. II 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 position. / crowded
=
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
ent, "Mr. Carter is so different.
'His salary is $25 per. just what the
others get" threw in Uncle Rob dry
ly. Wouldn't keep you in hats. even"
He'll 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"
AuClilC' MI JOuu SpSnCeT lOOkeu
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 1t?
Why, Carter has had two chances to
go with other firms. He's bright
fellow. and there is So raise
in each case. But, no, the other men
didn't have daughters"
II tell you what / suggested to your
father" Uncle Rob leaned over to pat
the little hand resting on his desk. 81
suggested letting Carter go; not throw
ing him out without 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 NO.
ment tall, well-bullt young man
crossed the threshold. Good morning,
Daniel" called Lucille, cheerily.
"Why. Lucille" the young mans
face lighted up wonderfully.
Carter" John Spencer stopped him
with a gesture ere he could cross to
Lucille's side. Just a moment, please;
want a word with you"
Certainly" Carter stopped cour-
teously 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 a man. Do your"
For an instant Carriers grave blue
eyes registered amusement, then he
drew himself up soberly.
II haven't played square with you,
sir" he answered "Of course I've
been very honest with your daughter,
but my year in the trenches taught me
valuable lesson. You see, lions 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 II you knew my uncles were
/ Carter & Carter, your most bitter ri
walls and contestants for the 1ionship
! honOrs,' | would have TO go slow.
Lucille and | thought If l 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 70 Introduce.
Don't be alarmed, sirs," as Spencer
& Spencer clutched at their collars
convulsively. II have drawn up pa
pers ready for your signature, which
admit me into the firm. And now, IL
yOu'l pardon us. Lucille and will run
off to lunch. Don't forget the papers
you are sure to sign, gentlemen. You
know. ! shall belong to the house, and
a house divided against itself shall
TALL"
Lucille came over softly and put her