The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1926-11-04

don't believe it." The shrill words
cut the atmosphere like a knife
thrust. Everyone heard, stopped to
stare, and Jennie Mowery bit her lip.
You mean you question the sin
cerlty of my statement:" the mana
ger asked distinctly, his face very
pale.
Something urged Malcolm to apollo
glze. but he fought 1t off. He would
OF consequences.
You're holding me back with this
concern because you don't like me.
I'm surely more valuable than l used
to be, yet my increases grow smaller.
And you are to blame! That's where
l stand! :" He glared. He saw Jen-
MES face for an instant, white as
snow.
Il repeat, Lee I'm sorry. You can
get your money at the desk"
MY money" Lee blurted, "includ-
ing the magnificent raise recently
granted All right, but first" a fiery
light whipped into his gaze, I'm go
ing to see Mr.. Collins J!
He darted past the managers figure
and almost slammed through the door
of the owners sanctum. But he
Gained at sight of the executives
grazing hair This man always COM
manded respect.
Excuse my unusual entry, MIR. Col
Inns, but I've been discharged from
: a job that I've spent six years on
what is it,? the old man queried
intel estedly. ~~-'.--..
Because Mr.. Brlghtley developed
a dislike for me felt was being held
back. My last salary increase verifies
by contention"
! Collins addressed him deliberately.
"On the contrary, he argued that you
should have the biggest tilt to date"
That whirred crafty in the listen
er's ears. Then. the owner
himself was responsible. Lee began
to stiffen again.
young man." the owner abruptly
said, "have you ever paused to figure
| that a salary income is the same as
that from a business? You've worked
on the books. When our marketing
conditions do not meet expectations
we do the next best. economic,
slash expense. A salaried man must
do the same"
"Bah!" Lee leaped up to start for
| the door.
Just moment, please" The voice
was fatherly. 81 fear you have not
realized the real import of my words
Il don't want to-" Malcolm snapped,
his hand upon the knob.
"Some day, when you've spent all
you have made, and you have wife
and kiddies to make happy, you will"
Jennie! When, he must make her
happy The unimportance of the
small increase showed clearly in con-
trast to his bigger task in life. So
many times she had spoken of econ
omy, and he had brutally displayed
| peevishness. And now.
In the stiffness of that office, and
under the steady stare of an old man,
Malcolm Lee found the light. He'd
| nave To SldTl over. bul uc Souli w
so with clean slate-a new vision.
He wheeled.
please say you forgive me, Mr..
Collins"
you may 60" the other replied
kindly.
Outside, Lee raced to Mr.. Brightley,
and confessed voice loud and clear.
I'm very, very sorry. I apologize,
and beg you to accept"
Brightley's hand shot out for friend
| ly clasp. Cheers rang through the
room, for this was drama, and ordi-
nary approval would not suffice. Jen-
ME Mowery's hands were clenched
tightly.
Lee broke away in confusion. He
plunged to Jennies desk. See you
! tonight" he managed, and started
away.
1t was Mr.. Collins deep voice that
/ halted his progress.
"Mr. Brightley, can the General
company afford to lose a man who is
big enough to take his medicine when
he finds he is wrOng?'
u should say we can't" cried the
manager with cordial pleasure. Then
his voice swung to it's usual capacity.
Get back to those statements, Mr..
Lee"