Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1921-11-02
Look Out for
Number One
BY HELEN SCALES.
Il. Western Newspaper Union

80 that's the gift you've been tell
ing me about for the last month or
two, is it. Judge Stillwell?"
'"That's the present I have designed
for you, my worthy friend, as re-
hinder Of your arduous law studies
with yours truly Young man, take
the advice of successful senior,
follow out the sentiment that little
card expresses, and you will thank
me for giving it to you instead Of a
watch, or a $50 bill as l suppose you
expected"
"No, l won't say that l did," retort-
ed Jasper Miller. II know you too
well for that. You are not the kind
that ever does that sort of thing, so
I'm not disappointed. Look out for
No. l., eh?" and Jasper read the in
scription on the little piece of paste
board. you've always done that"
"And see where ami" Wanted the
Judge, swelling up and waving his
hand broadly, as If to enclose the
many domains he had acquired in
Brampton.
"All right" CURLY spoke Jasper.
nodding adieu to the man who had
taught him how to be lawyer-for
consideration. "LoOk out for Number
One At the threshold of new bust
ness life I'll take the time to think
out just what that means and how it
may help me-"
He was careless, worldly young
man. this new bachelor Of law, and
he had been taught his lessons in an
unworthy school. His uncle, Robert
Miller, had paid his way through col
lege and had helped him on to ad-
mission to the bar. Robert Miller
was said to have some money, and
there were a lot Of cOnniving rela-
tives fervently awaiting his demise
and distribution of the spois. With
the grasping judge as tutor and
these same mean relatives as exam
pies, it was not much wonder that
Jasper had poor estimate of the
world in general and Brampton in
particular.
Only about one experience in his ca
reer was untinged by the shallow
ideas of real success drilled into him.
This was his sincere love for Eva Da-
Wis.
One day old Robert Miller sum-
moned all his relatives to a family
council. A new sect had sprung up in
the next town. A speclous, impressive
appearing man, their leader. had de-
vised the cult of the "Soul Dreamers. y
he called 1t. The weak minded and
the idle became easy victims. Old
Miller had dreamed himself into the r
mysteries. He now told his relatives
So
IT have decided to do for you neo-
pie what you are all waiting for" he
announced bluntly. 81 have liqui,!at-
ed the bulk of my possessions for
$4,000. l warn you. after that is dis
tributed you need expect nothing fur
ther from me, living or dead. Brot'l-
er-inSlaw Thompson, you have large
family, mortgage on your home-what
say to $3,00O!"
ut would come in good. right sure :"
declared brother-in-law Thompson
buoyantly.
"And you, Aunt Priscilla?"
~ need a trip abroad doctor says"
"If you're thinking of me in the dis
tribution' plped in Cousin Felix
Todd, "rll pay back. Say. l know
of speculation in the city where 3d.
600 will earn thirty in a year."
1T, 70 hn hon b
and We'll pay off. There's something
left, Jasper; what especial line of eX-
travagant folly have you got in mind
for your slareT
And now was the supreme moment
for Jasper Miller.
"Uncle Robert" he said, "you edu-
Gated me, you brought me up. l want
none of your money-only your affec-
ton. Where you go I 60"
MEAN that, do you?" snapped out
Uncle Robert In his keen suspicious
way.
81 do"
"Stick to me If hadn't a cent?"
"To the last ditch" proclaimed JAS
per dramatically.
In month the mask was down.
Uncle Robert started Jasper into a
desultory law practice. Then he pro-
ceeded to devote all his time to the
"Soul Dreamers." A climax came.
The specious head Of the cult made of
with all the funds of the sect. includ-
ing $4,000. the last of Uncle Roberts
fortune. Uncle Robert came to the
little home he had rented for Jasper
and himself with a doleful face and a
more doleful story one afternoon.
They We're paupers! :.
AS Jasper noted his worn anxious
face his better self came to the sur
face.
you shall never want home while
can earn enough to maintain one"
said Jasper.
That night Jasper returned by mail
to Judge Stillwell the motto: Look