The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1920-07-01
THE
AFTERMATH
BY GENEVIEVE ULMAR.

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Copyright 1920. Western Newspaper Union)
you have lost your position in the
bank spoke Norma Drury. "Oh, ia
therl how can that be !"
Martin Drury's head was bent low,
he was pale and agitated and acted
like Il man who had received heavy
blow
mot because Of any dishonesty, Nor
ma" he said, bravely attempting
smile "Slnce l was given charge of
the securities cage my salary has been
raised and l seem to have pleased both
Mr.. Wardell, the president of the bank,
and the directors with my services.
Today l carried all the Liberty bond
packets to the desk of Mr.. Wardell for
him to check up. lie returned them
an hour later. Then l was called to
the cashiers desk on some business.
When l returned to assert the packets
one was missing-No. %. Mr.. War
dells schedule showed he had checked
it, with the others. 1t was for $4,000,
It was gone, and the only fault found
with me was that l had left the pack
cts on my desk when hurriedly called
by the cashier, instead of first placing
them in the vault"
"Then--"
Somebody on the watch, 1t is as
sumed reached through the wicket and
extracted the $1,000 packet"
"And Mr.. WardellY
Consulted the directors He was
kind enough and just enough to vouch
for my integrity, but said that l was
getting old, that l neededNless respon-
slble work and has offered to retain
me at a reduced salary, but in an in
ferior position. 1t is hard lines !" and
the voice broke. "My pride-my
pride"
Norma came up to her father and
twined her arms about him. Dear IA
ther,' she said tenderly. 81 shall give
up my preparations to become a teach
err. You have had me help you so much
with bank work you have brought
home evenings that | have practically
learned the business, as you may say.
At all events we are responsible for a
loss Of $4,000 Together we will make
it good.2
That was the amazing proposition
Norma Drury made to stern, systemat-
ic Martin Drury the next day. If the
old 1inancier was secretly moved by
the filial act and sacrifice of the loyal
young girl, he cid not betray the fact
In his cool, methodical way he accept
ed the proffer, and one quarter of the
joint compensation of father and
laughter was each month to be re-
tanned and credited on the loss ac-
count
If Mr.. Drury felt Inundated by his
reduction in working rank it was more
than made up for in having Norma for
company in the bank. He grew lit
tie more gray, a little more bent, but
he was proud of his daughter and their
mutual work for a noble object filled
both with high sense of duty sturdilN
faced.
David Wardell's health failed and he
was ordered to a sanitarium for per-
manent treatment. A month later he
died and his only son, Sydney, was
summoned from college to take charge
of the affairs of the bank. He was
bright intelligent fellow and from the
start Norma attracted him. When he
learned all the details of her cOnnec-
ton with the bank there appeared
high order Of respect and admiration in
his manner toward her. He never al
luded to the loss of the bonds, but
twice in the ensuing year he advanced
Mr.. Drury in position and salary. He
came to Norma one day, later.
Miss Drury," he said, you have done
such faithful helpful work during the
past year, that the bank has decided
to send you away for a months vaca-
ton, bearing all expenses and your sal
airy to run on the same with 20 per
cent raise for next year"
"You are very kind, but do deserve
it?' spoke Norma.
I'VE think So" declared Sydney
heartily, and Norma felt that he was
genuinely sincere. 1t was rest she
crayed and enjoyed The happy four
weeks ended in a surprise. The day
before setting out for her return she
received a note from her father that
considerably mystified her. 1t informed
her that young Wardell would be at
Leeyille the next morning on an auto
mobile trip and that he would call for
her and drive her home, 1t was not
strange that Norma fluttered and mar
yelled when the young man arrived
next day.
1t was late afternoon when the car
reached her home town. Young War
dell drove around TO the bank and halt
ed in front Of 1t.
"There has been something Of
change in the personnel Of the insti-
tuition since you went away Miss
Drury," he told her, ana he pointed to
a newly emblazoned window bearing
the two names: Sydney Wardell,
Martin Drury, Cashier"
Norma stared. beWldered.