The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-10-06

9
ly rush.
Her fingers few at the typewriter
Some days it was so easy to be ac-
curate and some days wrong letters
jumped continually from the key
board. Apparently today was to be
one Of the good ones.
y n n
THE door leading into the CORR
4 dor always was open. Norma
was not aware anyone had entered
until she heard voice asking, us
Mr.. Stuart in?"
She looked up. A stranger stood
in the doorway. A slender, middle
aged man wearing a gray topcoat.
He wore trimmed spectacles and he
spoke with an eastern accent.
I'm sorry. Mr.. Stuart's just gone
ont" Norma told him. rs there
any message you'd like to leave"
What time do you expect him
back?"
Il don't think he'll be in until
tomorrow morning"
The stranger frowned. isn't there
some way that can reach him?"
he asked. II came TO Marlboro to
see him and I've only a few hours.
I'm Abernathy of McCleod's Week
""
ooh, Mr.. Alternately! I know Mr..
Stuart's been expecting you. He
thought you'd be here tomorrow"
Yes. That's what I wrote, but
managed to save a day from my
schedule"
Norma was not listening now.
Her eyes were on the clock. AL
most 1920 now Stuart had said
he intended to catch the 11:25.
There was chance-the barest
possibi.ity-that she could stop him.
I'll try to get him for you'll" she
said. "I'll try it,"
She had the telephone and was
giving the number of Union station.
The wait seemed endless. Then
she got the call through to the
captain OF the red caps.
II want you to page Frederick
Stuart!" she said excitedly. Hes
taking the 1925 for Bedford. Tell
him something's happened at his
office and he must come back! It's
very important"
She hung up, realizing that she
herself might be delaying the mes
sage. Alternately still was stand
ing, watching her. Suddenly Norma
remembered how important this
caller was.
Won't you sit down." she said,
rising. "Mr. Stuart was going out
of town, but if they can reach him
l know he'll be back. He was 60
ing today especially so he could be
here to see you tomorrow.
II know he'd feel terribly to miss
you! If he gets the message he'll
come right back"
- n
TINE hands of the clock had
l. shifted. 1t was exactly 11:25.
Norma was telling herself that of
course they hadn't been able to find
Stuart when the telephone rang
sharply.
At the first words she smiled.
eyes, Mr.. Stuart" she said. "Mr.
Alternately is here in the office. I
was sure you'd want to talk to him.
Yes-just a moment" She turned
toward Alternately.
Its Mr. Stuart. He'd like to
speak to you," she said, handing
over the instrument.
Within fifteen minutes Stuart had
arrived. He and the representa-
tive of McClead's Weekly disap-
peared into the private Office. Their
session lasted until after Norna's
lunch hour.
Then the two men went out to-
gether and came back late in the
afternoon. They were still talking
when Norma left at 5.
1t was not until next morning
that she learned what her quick
wltted telephoning had meant.
Stuart entered the office. jubilant.
Good morning!" he greeted Nor
ma. Fine day, isn't it? You got
away last night before I had a
chance to tell you how grateful 7
am that you didn't let me get out
OF town yesterday"
I'm so glad they could reach
you at the station"
We'll, it was lucky dav all
around. Alternately took the Clark
serial along with him. For $6.000l
Ten per cent commission gives us
$500 for the days work. Not bad?
And, besides, that I've practically
made him agree to another serial
in the fall"
why, that's wonderful"
You helped on the job. There1l
be $40 bonus in your envelope on
Saturday And don't forget that I
appreciate loyalty"
THANK you, Mr.. Stuart. Thank
you ever so muchl"
y
THE words of praise, the pros
Il pect of $40 more in her pocket
book than she had expected sent
Norma at her days work light
hearted. During the lunch hour she
tried to decide whether to apply the
bonus on Marks new carriage or
pay it to Chris. 1t should go to
Chris, she concluded finally.
IT, % Co..4s.aLA