The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-12-16
DAWSOMI

No harm in applying he con- ceded.
 Contrary to his usual reception, he was shown in at once. An alert, youngish man, probably ten years older than himself, rose to greet him:
 Its a pleasure to meet you, Mir Doncaster.'
 "I was given to understand d,' Give began f@4
 "Formalitiest aren't ne c sary. You're. the executive in a thousand ye,ve. been looking for" <.
 It sounded improbable, but Give vas. sufficiently human to feel complimented
 At the start must appear foolish. haven't an idea what will be my duties" & 5a
 We deal in securities. Work along lines similar to those of your late employers. Handle es- tates. Examine investments" But why should you have chos- en me?"
 Does that matter? How about walking round to my club?"
 It was an impressive lunch that his host ordered Increasingly, Give suspected that he was being flattered. That there was a game he was convinced when the salary was mentioned-ten tousand dol- lars, the precise sum that Santa had stated.
 Then we may expect you to- morrow?" the host asked at part ing.
 Let me sleep over it."
 ''As you like. I'd hoped you would decide at once"
 T don't want to appear un- gracious" Give hesitated.
 "Wen consider no one else till we hear from you
 AS the key turned in the latch Santa opened to him. She hailed him as conquering hero.
 Hello, big shot! How does it feel to be important?"
 Like a fairy-tale. It would if I'd accepted"
 You mean you've refused?"
 I'm to give my answer tomor- how"
 But, Give you can't afford to be high-hat Give it today. Ev- erything will be settled"
 Guess I'll wait until tomorrow He escaped down the passage to the bedroom.
 High-hatl Good heavens! When it came to afsording, he couldn't afford to be married. He con- ] jured to himself what ten thou sand dollars a year would mean to him; self-respect, if he could earn i it honestly. But why the pres sure? Why the secrecy? Santa could put him wise. With coaxing she would tell him
 Throughout dinner she didn't broach the subject. After dinner she played patience, while he pre- 1 tended to read The clock struck nine. She yawned and bundled her cards together.
 'The end of a perfect day! And So to bed" ] He glanced from the book as she pecked his forehead.
 Whats wrong?"
 Nothing" She gazed down se- renely.
 But there is. Why so much mystery? Having done me a good turn. you spoil it by treating me as an imbecile.' Darling, you're nervously ex- hausted. You see the ghosts that sin't. When you've cinched that job tomorrow, we must run down for a change to Atlantic City"
 Kissing the tips of her fingers, she retreated.
 He resumed his, book, postponing the curtain-lecture, which he felt sure awaited him.
 In that she fooled him. At elev- en when he retired she was peace fully sleeping.
 According to routine, having breakfasted,' clad in negligee, she accompanied him to the thresh- cld With the meekness of a saint she kissed him dutifully.
 The door had closed. He tapped fer re-entrance.
 What is it?" She stood facing him.
 "This is absurd"
 T agree You're too difficult for anything"
 You're the one who's difficult. Santa. You're trying to browbeat mo into obeying you as though I were kid in short pants. You know something you don't dare tell me-"
 | She stared at him in dumb ap-