The Washington herald., 1922-03-28
Ma1euerite Hurter
CHARACTERS IN THE STORY

They put James signature to all
the pspers-Jane Rosiyn Richards.
spinster!
Deeds, mortgages, leases. liens
Jane signed everything they asked
her TO.
Each time Jane affixed her sigma
ture she had to raise her right hand
and swear before Mr.. Simpkins. the
old fogy down the hall, who was
notary public. When Jane swore
these acknowledgements she felt
trepidation. Surely Mr.. Randolph
would not let her get into trouble
by swearlng something that was
not right?
But all the notary wanted to
know was whether her name was
spelled right, and was she spin
ster. At least, there was no doubt
about that!
Then one day the lawyer startled
Jane by asking:
"Are you sure you are over 21?'
Last May" she assured him.
He turned to Randolph with re-
lief.
You know. Randolph, II they
come in here and find this kid hold
ing title, they'll get wise"
That's right! BY the way, don't
talk too much to the callers, little
girl" Randolph cautioned
Jane was worried. The lawyer
did not inspire confidence.
That afternoon when she was
taking dictation, Randolph said:
Here is that stock you're sup
posed to have purchased Mark a
credit down just as though you re-
ceived a check"
But, where Is the checkT
There is no check, you know
but balance with a journal entry.
Understand?
NO. I'm not much Of book
keeper" Jane admitted.
There's nothing to it! I'll do It
myself" Mr.. Randolph interrupted.
And then he handed her an i'm
portaRt looking crisp document
with fancy seal and ribbon.
It was preferred stock-several
shares. James name was beautt-
fully written. and on the back he
pointed to a place where she was
to assign It
Assign II in blank. We can I'LL
in the other name later"
You're sure this is all rlght?'
she questioned anxiously.
4
anything wrong?" Randolph clasped
her hand. and patted her on the
shoulder.
You must guess that have
great confidence in you. or I should
not put your name on all this stuff.
Just think what II means. Here
YOU own thousands and thousands
of acres of land-and stock"
But I've signed II back" Jane re-
minded him.
He went on briskly.
by the way, IL the stockholders
should learn your name, you might
say it's your mother who has the
stock"
But it's a lie."
What's the matter with your
he flared. and then he banged down
his desk and hurried out Of the Of
fee without another word.
The bank balance was very big
and ever so much stock had been
sold
The lawyer kept rubbing his
hands greedily. Mr.. Randolph was
hectici One day he left. He said
he would be gone for several weeks
to Mexico, Jane should take IL
easy-Eet down later mornings, and
MS dbSChSN. dAoO
cautioned her not to talk to stock
holders-to say she did not know
where he had gone.
she was quite distracted one day
when a particularly mean stock
holder came in. He demanded to
see the books and beat his fists
upon the closed safe. Jane was
obliged to telephone the lawyer. but
only to learn that he had vacated.
She was puzzled and worried!
The next morning she received a
letter from Mr.. Randolph. but II
was from Canada-not Mexico.
Nothing but a brief note thank
Ing Jane for her services, which
he informed her might end that
Saturday. check for one weeks
paw was attached.
II was a blow indeed
Jane put her head down upon the
desk and wept. For a long suffo-
eating spell she stayed that way In
utter misery.
Jane heard no one enter the Of
nee, but WINGED with surprise when
she felt hand upon her shoulder.
whats wrong. little grip" 1t
was the voice ~ Julius Reynolds.
another stockholder.
Jane was too overcome to speak.
but the note was on the desk. It