The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-03-10
A Daily Story Real Life

opportunity. He would reach out, grasp for it, more determinedly than he had ever done so with any thing in his youth.
  Tired from his long walk, Epes entered the huge fence doors of the lumber yard, Inside, to the right, beneath a long open shed, puzz. circular and band saws droned away. amanating a dank. pungent smell of sawdust. At the further end of the shed stood q simple square building which he instantly knew to be the office. His heart beating tensely, Epcs entered. The lone man bending over his desk was slow to look up. "Well?" he asked mechanically. Epes tried controlling his ner- vous self.
 I've come to apply for that job you advertised" he articulated forcib1y.
 The other now gave Epes an i'm personal scrutiny from head to foot.
 Sorry he said, "but you won't do."
 Epes felt a panic overcoming him. He was afraid he could not force himself to speak again. But you need a man. I'm strong anxious" Hfs voice trailed off huskily.
 Sorry" the other said conclu- sively. and turned to his work. Epes walked daZedly out. He realized how feverish he had be- come when the damp air struck his face with biting coldness. It was ironic. Life was ironic. Yes terday he had, after his own fash ion, been carefree, satisfied with the routine monotOny of his ex- istence. Then suddenly he had beset himself with new illusion of hope for a better life through the taunts of that woman. And now the busting of the bubble. A WOMAN CHANGES HEIR MIND.
 The jest of life. He felt the bitterness of it. He knew now that instead of with that indifference of yesterday, he would go through life with rancor towards things and people; q scar which he knew would fester as he passed his days hanging around Bryant Park, in deplora bIe clothes. depending on the missions for food alone, friend less.
 A voice startled him.
 Hello, you; what are you doing here?'
 He looked up from the ground and saw the mammoth form of the woman of yesterday confronting him. For all of his surprise d. se cling her. he would have circled her ard gone his way. But first ne would vent a certain rage on her she who had called him a com- mon bum.
 1T came here for a job, and l was refused" he cried fiercely. 'I was. as much 'as called q bum just like you called me 8 bum. Maybe l am nothing but bum, but I'm not d hypocrite. cheap, petty so small in soul you can: see beyond the clothes nian wears! You're that kind-just like him in thcre-You tore a coin from your pocketbook to first abuse and then to give to bum. Yeah!' Epes' voice arose almost to shouting anger he was flourish ing his hands. T wish to God that I had that nickel with me. If l anu yOu were a. ill0l, VI AIilS 1t in your face!"
 He must have looked savage. The giant of woman took a heavy step backwards. Immediately, she raised her voice to shout.
 Jess. Jess" she called.
 Epes stood his ground grimly Was she calling for help! Did she think she could get anybody tY throw him oIIt
 The man from the office came out the door.
 Calling me. Mrs. McGuire?" he asked loudly.
 "See that man?" she cried across the yard.
 "Oh, yes" came the answer: "he's the -"
 He's not bum" Mrs. Me Guire shouted sternly back. 'I want you to g,ve him that job
 THE END
 ocopyrigm 1884: by News Syn
 dicate Co.,. Incl