Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1925-09-17
Just Reasonably
Honest
By JACK wooDFoRD
J, 1875. western Newspaper Union. ],


entered and announced an unknown
caller.
HE says his name is Frank Stevens,
sir" announced the secretary, land
that the matter about which he wishes
to see you is of the utmost impor-
lance"
"'Of the utmost importance'-to
him-no doubt" grumbled the presi-
dent. "Tell him that we're all filled
up and not hiring a soul for any de-
partment-"
The youth gulped and, taking a
handkerchief from his pocket, wiped
the perspiration from his face.
go back and tell your boss that
do not wish to ask him for employ
ment; l must see him on matter
that is important TO him."
The secretary presently emerged to
crook his finger at the determined
young man.
"Well?" snapped Chambers irrita-
bly,; ana when the young man did not
vouchsafe reply, sit down, sit
down. State your business and be
quick about it," grumbled Chambers.
Leaning over suddenly the youth
shot his words at the Older man as
though they were bullets.
"Sir, love your daughter; I've
come to ask you forsher hand n mar
riage" Chambers glared ferociously
at the petitioner.
did size send you to me?''
Heavens, nor acclaimed the youth I;
came to you you would in all prob
ability throw me out on my neck new
ertheless, love her, and I'm going to
marry her, with or without your con-
sent"
81 suppose" the executive remarked
sarcastically, that you are the cham
pion long-distance tea-drinker of Man
haitian; or perhaps you are the thirty
second cousin Of an insolvent duke !;
my dear daughter seems to have q
penchant for surrounding herself with
men whom | wouldn't allow to sweep
out my office"
Indeed" smiled Frank well, you're
wide of your mark this time. / am
one OF the variety described in novels
as poor but honest that is, reasonably
honest, of course. AT present | am
| unemployed; in rash moment ]
inch of his life when | came upon him
forcing his attentions ON his stenog-
| rapher. So, you see, | am not only
out of a job but out OF references"
Quite fortunate" remarked Cham
bers sarcastically, that my daughter
should have taken a fancy to you right
at this time-it would clarity your
position greatly, would it not, to marry
an heiress at present.
Look here!" almost shouted the
youth, rising and towering over the
president, what do you take me fori
I'm not looking for help from anyone /;
| If l marry your daughter you can cut
! her off with dime for all l care. Pm
man enough to see that she behaves
herself and lives on whatever income
1 provide for her"
well, | must admit" drawled the
7 thing to a real herman that | ever saw
sher take up with. Tell you what I'll do
You say you are a salesman; all right,
/ I'll give you the toughest territory I've
got. You 60 out into II and see If you
can make good. If you can really
deliver the goods may-mind you,
say | may-give my consent TO the
match; but Pm going TO watch you
very closely-don't forget that !"
! Fine" agreed the youth. "I'll give
you my word of honor not to see your
I daughter again until I've made good,
in your estimation; and If never
make good, I'll promise to never see
your daughter again"
In six months Frank Stevens was
! back in the ornate office; this time
/ with no signs Of difdence or trepida-
! ton. Chambers rose to stride half
way across the floor and shake hands.
by George Frankie you're a
whirlwind The sales manager tells
me you've turned in more business
from chat usually worthless territory
than our star salesman has turned in
! from southern Illinois You can nave
your pick of anything on this chart
now" He Indicated map, stuck with
sundry colored pins, representing the
potentialities of the Acme Sales cor
poration. Furthermore, want you
to come right out to the house tonight
for dinner-you have my full permits
sion to marry my frivolous daughter.
Frank Stevens hung his head.
Mr.. Chambers, I've got an admis-
sion to make. | never met your daugh-
ter in my life. | was desperate for a
! job the day l came here. / really
did whip my boss for insulting his
stenographer-I was afraid I'd have
an awful time getting another job.
You see, | married the stenographer,
and | had to have work. On the spur
of the moment, when your secretary
told me you We're not hiring anyone
/ | thought of the subterfuge of pretend
ing that / was a sutton for your