The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1920-04-29
CHECKED UP
BY ALVAH J. GARTH

why, tnlS won't 90 at ALL! e1acu-
ated Hiram Smith. pursuing up his
lips and fprrowing his brow in stern.
complaining way as he read business
card In the corner Of the envelope Of
q letter he had just received.
What is the trouble, Hiram" in
quired his better half.
Look and see. 'Smythe & Co.,
Brokers' That's false colors Norman
seems to be sailing under. Plain
Smith isn't good enough for him. it
seems, so he has to spread-eagle un-
der another name"
"Well," rejoined Mrs. Smith placid
ly. Smith is, in fact, plain, common
name, and maybe the city way ls to
change it."
Change It'll" cried Hiram, hre In
his eye. "SayI II all the Smiths left
the world tomorrow 1t would feel the
lack Of them! I won't have this, and
I'm going to give Norman good,
sound piece Of my mind. Why" as he
opened the envelope. "its isn't from
Norman at all, and Hiram proceeded
to read the inclosure.
"Humph!" he observed finally.
Here's something to consider. Just
listen, Martha. This letter is from
Norman's stenographer, a Miss Ava
Brown, and 1t says that Norman Is IN
trouble, is away from the city for .
day or two, and, because she II inter
ested In him and the business. she
asks me to come on at once and have
q consultation with her. Tell you. I'm
worried and disappointed! ] gave
Norman $4,000 to make his way IN
the world. and here's break"
1t was no mystery at all. Uncle HI
ram found, when he entered tho once
Of Smythe & Co. two mornings later.
He looked savage as he noted chat
name blazoned in gilt on the plate
glass windows, but he Quisted down
as he introduced himself to the pretty
and sensible looking young lady IN
charge
81 like your looks" he announced
bluntly. "snd your eyes tell me you
are q girl in the habit of spanking the
truth. Now, then, tell me all about
It."
The recital that followed. serious
and anxious, sobered Uncle Hiram not
q little. 1t appeared that some bad
advisers had induced Norman to make
"a splurge." That Of the name was
q part of 1t, plunging outside Of ethi-
cal securities was a second
"If Mr.. Smith had only kept on
steadily with safe securities he would
not have had any trouble" declared
the young lady. "He was Influenced.
however, by a set Of reckless specu!a-
tors, and has lost nearly all his cap
ital. He Is proud, and wanted to
make money too fast. He has been
a good friend to me, Mr.. Smith, Civ
ing me employment when was out
Of work, or the prospect Of 1t, and 1
like him-and something more than
that" and the speaker flushed.
"And he likes you-and something
more than that, is that it?" inslnuated
Hiram bluntly.
81 hope so," assented Mas Brown
frankly. "At all events. wish to help
him and save him. with your assist
ance, Of course"
"You put it Straightforward and
businesslike," said Hiram. and I'll
think it over" which he did. Then
he resumed: "Now. then, Miss Brown,
I've decided what will do. First
thing, Wen 90 over the books anc
clear up all the debts. Next I'd more
silly fads like using the Smythe name.
Then Norman has got to cut out his
expensive clubs, and two-hour lunch
cons, and training with set Of young
fellows who play with bank accounts
and don't care whose they are. Wen
take that name off those windows and
make it Smith & Co.. as it ought to
be, right away"
Hiram actually enjoyed the next two
days. Miss Brown was girl to like
more and more the better one became
acquainted with her. The loyalty.
truthfulness, and honest business sense
she displayed completely won Hiram
over. 1t was the third morning after
his arrival that his nephew entered
the Office.
"Who changed those signs on the
windows?" he began stormily. When
Ava silenced him with the prompt
warning reply:
"Your uncle, who Is In the next
room"
Norman Smith became meek as &
lamb as he confronted the latter, who
was stern and dignified as he said:
"Sit down want to have talk
with YOU. No. don't close the door.
Miss Brown is better business genius
than you are, and has my confidence.
Now, then"
You talk wisdom, Uncle Hiram"