The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1920-05-25
THE
AFTERMATH
By CENEVIEvE ULMAR.

nc was Palc anu uSiinteu anu "NN'N
like man who had received a heavy
blow.
Not because of any dishonesty, Nor
ma" he said, brayely attempting a
smile. "Since / was given charge OF
the securities cage my salary has been
raised and / seem to have pleased both
Mr.. Wardell, the president of the bank,
and the directors with my services.
To-day / carried all the Liberty bond
packets TO the desk of Mr.. Wardell for
him to check up. He returned them
an hour later. Then / was called to
the cashiers desk on some business.
When | returned to assert the packets
one was misslng-No. %. Mr.. War
dell's schedule showed he had checked
1t, with the others. 1t was for $1,000.
1t was gone. and the only fault found
with me was that had left the pack
cts on my desk when hurrledly called
by the cashier, instead Of first placing
them in the vault"
Then"
Somebody on the watch, It IS as
sumed, reached through the wicket and
extracted the $1,000 packet"
"And Mr.. Wardell"
Consulted the directors. He was
kind enough and just enough to vouch
for my integrity, but said that | was
getting old, that / needed'less respon-
.sible work and has offered to retain
me at a reduced salary, but in an in
ferior position. 1t Is hard lines p and
the voice broke. "My pride-my
pride"
Norma came up to her father and
twlned her arms about him. Dear fa-
ther," She said tenderly. II shall give
mp my preparations to become teach
er. You have had me help you so much
with bank work you have brought
home evenings that l have practically
learned the business, as you may say.
At all events we are responsible for IA
loss of $1,000. Together we will make
It good"
That was the amazing proposition
Norma Drury made to stern, systemat-
tc Martin Drury the next day. If the
old fnancler was secretly moved by
the fllal act and sacrifice of the loyal
young girl, he did not betray the fact.
In his cool, methodical way he accept
I'd the proffer, and one quarter of the
Joint compensation of father and
daughter was each month to be re-
tanned and credited on the loss ac-
count.
II Mr. Drury felt humiiated 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, little more bent, but !
he was proud of his daughter and their !
mutual work for noble object filed |
both with high sense of duty sturdily |
faced.
David Wardell's health failed and he
was ordered to a sanitarum 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 a
bright, intelligent fellow and from the
start Norma attracted him. When lie
learned all the details of her connec-
tion with the bank there appeared a
high order of respect and admiration in
his manner toward her He never al
Iuded 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-
tion, bearing all expenses and your sal
AIRY TO run on the same with Il % per
cent raise for next year"
''You are very kind, but do l deserve
spoke Norma.
I'VE think So" declared Sydney
heartily, and Norma felt that he was
genuinely sincere. 1t was Il rest she
rraved 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
mystified her. II informed
Ter that young Wardell would be at
-eevlle the next morning on an auto
mobile trip, and that he would call for
Ter and drive her home. 1t was not
strange that Norma fluttered and mar
'eled when the young man arrivedJ
lext day.
1t was late afternoon when theycar
cached her home town. Young, War
ell drove around to the bank ah halt
d in front of it,
''There has been something Of
hange in the personnel of the insti-
ution since you went away Miss
lrury," he told her, and he pointed to
newly emblazoned Window bearing
he two names: "Ssydney Warden.
resident: Martin Drury. Cashier"
lorna stared, .bewiNlered.
I'VE We're moving my fathers old
esk last week." said Sydney, ''and be-
ind one of the drawers we found that
Kissing $3,00a Don't you think was
lad to award your dear father what
e so deserves after all the years of
is faithful services"
Norma broke down utterly. Insepsi-