The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-05-05
four DANCING FEET
BY JANE PHELPS
GERTIE REFUSES TO SIGN
CONTRACT.
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER II.
Jennie returned from school trium-
phantIy that afternoon, and she can
not be blamed if she "crowed'' little
as Tim called it over what she had
done. Gertie was more than ever de-
termined she should be a teacher!
Why if it hadn't been for Jennie she
would have signed that paper. And
Rosenberg could have kept her from
,marrying-for five years!
Not that Gertie seriously thought
Tom Norris would want to marry her,
but it was all such a lovely dream
that ranch, the cows and chickens, the
horses, and the great outdoors, most
wonderful of all And what the teach
er had said was disconcerting.
Coin to sign the paper, Cert, and
what did it say?' Lilly asked. When
she had been told she waxed indig-
nant;
The old stiff tryin' to tie you up
like that! I thought there was a mig
gar in the woodpile," she declared,
II knew he'd somethin' up his sleeve.
They think we girls don't know moth
in. They wouldn't have tried to put
that over with them Broadway girls.
I heard they was gettin' $50 a week
not the best ones either. He's 'fraid
he'll lose you. 1 guess Tom and his
swell friend paying you attention got
Cert" she went on generously, land
I guess he's afraid you'll go to one of
the big places. If you do get chanel,
Cert, you'll try and git me in too?"
"Of course I would! But there ain
isn't any chance of my doing any
thing like that, not now anyway. But
the teacher said if he fired me be-
cause I wouldn't sign, she'd help me-
''Geel" Lilly's exclamation, a bit
vulgar from her pretty lips, was new
nNnrnCGlTra o.
one help 1t would be a new expert
ence in the life of the girl
Rosenberg listened to Gertie's re-
fusal to sign the paper with frown.
She had told him she'd sell herself to
make it three he already saw her
slipping from his grasp.
Two then"
what is it you want? What do
you think you're worth anyway? I'm
the only one who ever give you
chance and now you're stalling out
on me"
I amt, but I won't sign no papers,
anyway, not that one. And I'll work
hard for you just as have, but I'll
work by the week, and I want that
extra dollar too"
She smiled at him. Girls like Ger
tie often deal with men of Rosen-
burg's stamp in a surprisingly clever
way. She needed him, and perhaps
raise he had promised plus the added
dollar would make things easier for
ma, and let her buy a few things she
needed.
You amt thinkin' of Ieavin' me
them"
why, no! I never did think of
7 want you to promise me one
thing-if give you what you ask, it's
more'n you're worth-you'n come to
guy in the business offers you more to
leave me, you'H come to me before
you do anything"
''Of course Will I'm honest, Mr..
RoSenburg."
"An right, then I'll keep my part of
the bargain. altho I say you're get
ting the best of it"
Mr.. Rosenberg, you know me and
Lilly Arnold came here together.
We're chums. She works just as hard
as I do. Won't you raise her too ?"
Rosenberg knit his brows. If this
Arnold girl and Gertie were chums,
and he refused to raise her, wouldn't
she influence Gertie to leave him? He
knew Lilly was good, better than most
girls who worked in places like his
Yes, he'd better give her q raise too
Yes, I'll give her what I offered
you-but not the extra dollar, and I'm
you are grateful. Not many would
do it,
''Thank you, Mr. Rosenberg. Lilly
will be so glad. but she won't sign any
paper. She said she'd leave first"
damn these girlsl" Rosenberg
muttered as the door close on Gertie.
But that ones a peach Just then
Jones came in.
well, did she sign?" the manager
asked.
mo, refused to sign anythingI But
I've got her fixed so she'll stay. And
Jones, watch out you don't do moth
thing to make them two girls mad
We can't afford to lose them" He
knew Jones'
You should have made 'em sign
that contract. The Cummings girl
anyway! I tell you if some folks I
know saw her they'd pay her four
time what she gifts here"
Don't go braggin' about her out
side. She'll stay"
Hes raised you, Lillyi" Gertie
whispered as they went on for their
turn. He was real decent about
everythin'''
Thinks we're worth more or he
wouldn't have done iti'' Lilly -Whis-
pered back. hes a wise guy
(Tomorrow-No letters.)