Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 55, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 March 1911 — CATHERED SMILES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CATHERED SMILES

WHY ME REMAINED AWAY. w W£ere you sick yesterday, Mr. Bobbson?” asked the bead of the firm. * “Ho, sir" replied the chief clerk. “Well, I didn't notice you at your desk.” * * “Ho, sir. 1 didn't come down town.” “ITm. You know the rule here, do you not? No employe is permitted to be absent without k good excuse—sickness or an accident or something of that sort. I can’t permit you to take liberties that are not enjoyed by other people who work in i this establishment. I never am absent myself unless there Is a very good reason. Did you stay away for pleasure or on some other account.” “I shall tell you the truth, Mr. Budlong. It was for pleasure.” “Bad, sir—very bad. I cannot permit it." "But, let me explain. You see. my wife was so hoarse that she couldn’t talk, and I thought I’d like to spend the day at home.” “Oh, in that case, my boy, it s all right. Pardon me if I seemed to be arbitrary.”