Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1922-04-20
Partners for
Life

By MARVIN ST. JOHNS
Copyright. 1922. Western Newspaper I

Things look pretty dubious, you
see," observed Lawyer Bailey.
There is no doubt that my fathers
business is in a critical condition.
Well, | am here to mend it."
II hope you do and you look as if
you are going to give the experiment
Il good hard try" observed the at
torney with an admiring glance at the
clear-faced, supple-limbed young man
before him.
Percival Deane had been called from
the midst Of splendid attainments at
college to realize the true nobility
of seIf-sacrifcing father. Deane Il
Marvin had been to the son a synonym
for stability and profit.
THE situation is easily told" said
Mr. Bailey. Two years ago your
fathers partner, Mr.. Marvin, induced
him to agree to investigate a chance
to purchase a Peruvian concession TO
cost $4,000. This they had every
assurance could be sold within year
at an enormous advance. Nearly all
the capital of the firm was turned
INFO cash. Mr.. Marvin departed on
his mission. He wired from San
francisco and since that time not a
word has been received from him."
"They think he was murdered
robbed?"
That's the only way they can ex-
nj LOT Cilnna0b
agreed the lawyer. "Cramped for
capital, your father has seen the bust
ness fairly go to pieces. He kept the
true state of affairs from you. He has
even paid Mrs. Marvin the old liberal
drawing account of her husband. She
has daughter, Elsie, just finishing
her education.
Percival Deane figuratively took off
his coat and started In to make time
and ability count. At the end Of q
week he had the muddled affairs Of
the firm on a tangible basis.
1T doesn't look very promising" he
told himself. 1.-THE factory can do no
new work until the debts are paid on
and some fresh capital secured.
Deane & Marvin owned exclusive
models and patterns Of large number
Of utilities in requirement daily all
over the country. The young man d.
rected a circular to all of the old
patrons Of the firm. He stated the
conditions truthfully, offered reduc-
ton in price and hoped for the best.
1t was Saturday evening when he
paid visit to Mrs. Marvin.
I'VE shall be able to pay you quite
a weekly allowance, Mrs. Marvin" he
stated cheerly. --"--"1ss'.ss4 -s'a'a-N
"You are most kind and consider
ate" declared Mrs. Marvin.
You shall receive share as long
as the business lasts" insisted Perez
val. 1T is my fathers wish and my
own as well. l understand that your
daughter is within year Of cOmplet-
ing her education. We must see that
there is no break in that"
But there will be. 1 am not going
back to school," broke in a new voice
and Elsie Marvin entered the room.
II could not think of being a bur
den on your father and yourself. I
shall go to work"
But what at, my child?" inquired
her mother sOlicitously.
"Oh, l can surely fill in somewhere.
In the old busy days of the factory
you had some one to keep the books
and take charge of the office, Mr..
Deane Can l not be of some service
there nOw?"
Percival said yes, and so it was ar
ranged.
How tremendously they worked to-
gether that first week!
Then came to Percival Deane the
disappointment Of his life. A young
man came to the village. For two
days he was almost constantly with
Elsie.
Elsie came back to work more shy
and self conscious than before. One
day she came to where Percival was
busy.
'Mr. Deane," she said, II find that
while you have been sending mother q
regular allowance, you do not draw
any money yourself"
"Oh. that's all right" insisted Per-
cival brightly. II will take my share
when the collections come in"
But we must not be thus priv.
legged"
Il fancied perhaps you particular.
ly needed your allowance-just now"
"Why, what do you mean?" inquired,
Elsie innocently.
II heard you might leave here. That
is, ! fancied-well, as you are en-
gagged" Fry -G assa, saszg aaE;JDss
"Engaged?" repeated Elsie vaguely
"Oh, you mean to my recent visitorT
and she burst into merry laugh. HE
was a very good friend, but anything
farther than that was never possible
with me and utterly out of the ques.
ton with him-when he learned howl
poor was"
YES" observed Percival; 1--WE are