Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 64, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1909 — PAID IN FULL Novelized From Eugene Walter’s Great Play [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PAID IN FULL

Novelized From Eugene Walter’s Great Play

By JOHN W. HARDING

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. CHAPTER I—lntroduces Captain Amos Williams, president of the Latin-Ameri-can Steamship company, in very bad humor over a threatened strike of his dock laborers. Joseph Brooks, underpaid accountant and collector for Williams, expresses his sympathy for the strikers and is ridiculed by his fellow clerks. II —The president sends for James Smith, superintendent of the company’s docks, and Instructs him to spare no expense in crushing the strikers. Smith advises pacific measures, but is overruled and prepares to obey orders, in—Mrs. Emma Brooks, the handsome young wife of the discontented clerk, tries to encourage him on his return to their bandbox apartment, but he is bitter against his employer and also against his wife's mother and sister, who dislike him on account of his inability to gain position. In his desperation he turns on his wife and suggests that she must regret her choice of him when she might have had Smith, who had offered himself. IV—Smith, who is the intimate friend of the family, makes his appearance on the scene, and Brooks continues his bitter arraignment of his employer and violent protest against his own impoverished condition. The discussion becomes rather personal, and Brooks takes his hat and leaves the premises. V—Accompanied by Captain Williams, who is an old friend of the family, Mrs. Harris and daughter Beth, mother and sister of Mrs. Brooks, enter the room. During the visit Brooks returns and makes a scene, accusing Williams of being the cause of his unhappiness. Mrs. Brooks reminds her husband of his breach of hospitality, and he apoliglzes and leaves the house. VI When Brooks returns he astonishes his wife and Smith by Inviting them to go to the theater. Smith offers to lend him 110, but he declines. Brooks extracts 110 from a roll of money collected for the company. Vll—Smith prevents a strike. Vlll—Williams and Smith go to South America, and Brooks' prospects improve. Brooks tells his wife that he has been promoted and money is plentiful. The couple move into an expensive apartment hotel, and Mrs. Harris ceases to reproach them for their poverty.

CHAPTER IX. the end of the first month AA passed in their new home Mrs. a Brooks’ joy in the sudden and great change in her husband’s fortunes in the steamship company rei malned undlmlnlshed. Her mother, Mrs. Harris, had come to look upon ‘him with great respect and to be rather proud of her son-in-law, who had ibelied her dire prognostications and upset all her firmly rooted Ideas and convictions by rising In the world As to Brooks himself, the exuberance of his optimism had worn off considerably. He did not share to any extent in the light heartedness of his jwife, who diffused happiness and rippled It In joyous music on the piano and in songs that had smoothed out the creases of care on her father’s brow when she sang to him in the days of her girlhood. He had become dore and more thoughtful, with lapses at unexpected times into absentmindedness. Moreover, of late, symptoms of bls former ill humor and nervous Irritability had reappeared. “Goodness, Emma, one would hardly know you!” exclaimed Beth to her one evening after dinner, to which Mrs. Brooks bad invited her mother and •later. “Your dress is a dream, and at table you were positively radiant.” She had followed Emma into her bedroom and was gazing in admiration at her sparkling eyes and her cheeks rosy with health. “I am happy," admitted Emma, putting her arm around her affectionately. “Do you know, dearie, I’m just beginning to know who and what you are?” Highly amused at the girl's patronizing manner and not at all inclined to take her seriously, Emma looked at her with assumed gravity. -r- “How’s that, little sister?” she inquired. “Please don’t call me ’little sister,’” objected Beth. “You’re always making fun of me.” “My dear Beth, it is you who are always making fun of yourself," Em ma told her. “Indeed I’m not!” “Why not laugh and play and just be a glrl—a real ‘tomboy?’ After all, that’s the thing. You are only eighteen, while 1 have reached years of discretion. I’m twenty-five, you know, and awfully staid and wise in consequence.” “You weren’t a tomboy." “Ob, yes, 1 was until 1 fell in love. You were a wee bit of a little maid tben, and after I fell in love 1 became a silly little goose like all girls in love, and then”— “You married Joe.” “Yes,” said Emma seriously, “and that’s why I want you to have such a good time now, while you can. Of course 1 hope you’ll not have the hard pull that Joe and 1 have had—l mean .■when you are married—but one never can tell.” “Never mind the past now, Emma. {Think bow happy you are.” > “I know. It is good to be living fence again, but the best of it all is that ijoe has succeeded. Even mother admits it Think of it!” “She even likes him,” confided Beth. “My dear, you know that mother Sikes most any one who has healthy indications of a bank account” “Emma,” chided the girl, “you ought tn be ashamed?" “l ei tint laughed her sister ”l'm to<> contented I don’t tbink that i ahull ever forget the night, nearly ■even weeks ago, when Joe camo home with the good news, bis salary

more than tripled and six months' back pay.” “Jee never thought Captain Williams would do it for him." "No, nor 1. And the way it was done! You know the captain and Jlmsy bad been gone three days before Joe knew the good news.’’ “When are they coming back? Not for a month anyway.” “Joe says he doesn’t know.” “Isn’t It funny that with all his luck be doesn't seem contented?” Emma became grave. “He's worried, poor dear, and 1 caa't make it out.” she said. “Perhaps he’s so anxious to succeed In his new position." In the parlor Mrs. Harris sat fanning herself, for It was a very warm day. She was dressed In a gown of summer finery that would have been more suitable to her had she been, say, fifteen years younger, and she

was engaged in her usual pleasant occupation of criticising—or “knocking,” as Joe called it Brooks was in dinner coat and bore other externa] evidences of his prosperity, which, however, was being purchased at considerable physical cost for he bad become thinner and was pale and haggard. The worry his new position occasioned him was plain to be seen, and he was in an execrably surly mood and as nervous as the proverbial cat “As 1 was saying to Joe,” observed Mrs. Harris, turning to Emma and Beth, “for a hotel of this character the coffee is not what it might be. It’s terribly bitter. Otherwise I liked the dinner. Yes, on the whole, 1 liked the dinner. But if 1 were you, Joe, I’d complain about your waiter.” “What’s the matter with him?" asked Emma. “Bather impertinent and”— “That waiter suits me, and 1 haven’t heard Emma kicking,” cut in Joe. But Mrs. Harris was not to be suppressed by any snubbing from him. “Still,” she persisted, “I think for the money you are paying here”— “For the money 1 am paying here," he retorted, “I’m satisfied. It seems to me that that is all there is to it.” “Mother, dear, please don’t find fault,” urged Emma. “It is all so much better than it has been. I think you should be happy to see things as they are.” “So much better than Emma’s had for so long,” chimed in Beth. Brooks scowled at her and, gathering up some more papers from the table, retreated with them to his chair and began to peruse them rather feverishly. “I never read the papers any more," declared Mrs. Harris. “All they have are scandal, murders and men who steal money from their firms. My—l don’t' know what the world is coming to!” “Wasn’t it terrible about that man yesterday walking out of the bank with a small fortune?" said Beth. “1 can’t understand how a man can deliberately steal," sniffed her mother, "especially when there isn’t a chance on earth of getting away.” c , “He’s the man who gave all the money to some woman, isn’t he?" Emma wanted to know. “Yes. He’ll have plenty of time to think it over. The penitentiary isn’t a bit too good for men like him." “I felt so sorry for bis wife, poor woman,” remarked Beth. “She’ll have to stand most of the trouble.” Brooks jumped up Impatiently, bit Ing his nails with annoyance. “Where’s the rest of this paper?” be demanded “1 want the part with the racing chart It’s marked ‘Past Per formances.*" “Oh, 1 know—what Jimsy calls the dope sheet" said Emma. “There it is.” Mrs. Harris looked horrified. “Joe. you certainly aren’t interested in races—horse races?” she interrogated. “Yes. I am," he snapped. “I don’t play 'em, but I like to look ’em over. What of itr “They’re awful," declared Beth. “That’s exactly why most men steal money." “Well, dearie, Joe Isn’t stealing money or playing races, so don’t get worried,** commented Emma, a little testily. Mrs. Harris persisted. “Captnln Williams says that the rnce track ruins more young men aud"~ Her son-in-law had been waring more and more exasperated. “For heaven’s sake,” he broke out

angruy. wiping rne perspiration from his face, “can't yon find something better to talk about than ruined men, thieves and fellows who go wrong?** “Why. Joe, what's the matter?” Inquired bls wife, gazing at him In astonishment. He turned bis wan face toward her, and there was a look as of entreaty and apology In his eyes, under which the dark circles appeared to have deepened, as be replied: “I’m tired and nervous. I think I’ll walk down the street.” “Oh, but you’ve got to take us to the theater," Beth told him. “Mother hasn't seen the play at the Renaissance. and you can’t get seats—not a single one—even from speculators. I promised to take her.” "Where do I come in?” Mrs. Harris answered for her: “You Just take us; call for us after the show and put us on a car.” “We simply can’t miss this chance, can we. mamma?* said Beth. “You will take us and come for us, won't you. Joe?” “Oh, 1 suppose so,” he acquiesced, a little wearily. At that moment the telephone bell rang, and Emma answered It “Yes. right up.” she instructed the operator and. hanging up the receiver, turned with an eager smile. “I’ve got a surprise for you.” she said. “Guess who’s calling? Some one who for a month.” “Jlmsy.” cried Beth. “Jlmsy Smith, straight back from Guatemala.” Joe’s eyes widened, and the little color in it faded from his face. He was very much startled by this unexpected visit but kept sufficient control over himself not to make the fact too apparent “Is Captain Williams with him?” inquired Mrs. Harris. “1 don’t know,” answered Emma. “I wonder what brings him back? He wasn’t expected for a month or six weeks.” “I suppose the captain's with him,’’ surmised Beth. Her mother expressed the hope that he was. “So do I,” said Emma. "I want to thank him for Joe’s raise.” “You’ll do nothing of the kind!” exploded Brooks furiously. “I want you all to understand here and now that my business Is my business. I don’t want it discussed with either Smith or Williams. What I’ve got I’ve got, and It is nobody’s affair but mine. Now, if any of you have got anything to say about me or what I do, say it to me or shut up.” “Joe, how can you?” reproached his wife, taken completely aback by this savage and uncalled for display of anger. “Well, I declare!" ejaculated Mrs. Harris, bridling up. “I’ve never been talked to so in all my life and”— The doorbell rang, and she subsided, sinking back in her chair and fanning her red face vigorously. Mrs. Brooks opened the door, and' Jimsy stood revealed with his winsome smile, his face tanned brown by the sun of the tropics. “Welcome home, little stranger!” exclaimed Emma heartily. “Hello, Emma! How are you?” he said, taking her outstretched hand. “Ladies, 1 salute you. The prodigal has returned from the distant land of chili con earn! and fat ladies wearing mantillas to receive his overdose of American grub.” “Look at him! He’s as brown as an Indian!” laughed Beth, giving him a cordial handshake. “Where’s Captain Williams?” asked Mrs. Harris. “All in due time, when 1 spin my yarn.” drawled Jimsy. He went over to Brooks and shook bands with him. “Glad to see you, Joe,” be said. “Thank you, Jimsy. Same to you You look immense." “I’m better than that. Now, if you folks will sit down I’ll tell you the story of my wonderful adventures, lying only when necessary to protect my unsullied reputation. How is that. Beth, *unsullied reputation Y Pretty good, eh?” "But Captain Williams and the story?” urged Emma. “What 1 want to know," observed her mother, “is. Did the captain come with you?" “So do I,” said Brooks, with bardly concealed anxiety. “Well, you know it took me two months to do all this, and you can’t expect me to tell this story as if it was a Journey in the subway.” “Jlmsy, you’re exasperating," remonstrated Emma. “I was saying— Say, Emma, you look all right in that dress,” he broke off. contemplating her with admiration. She stamped her foot imperiously. “Never mind' me. Talk!” “And please say something,” added Beth. “Stung!” he laughed. “Thank you. Beth! Well, you know cap and 1 were going to make a trip at every port of call the Latin-American company has, but when we got to Guatemala we found out that a couple of those dons down there, being out of jobs, had concluded to pass the time away by pulling off one of their monthly revolutions and. among other things, were getting very gay with our property.” “You mean war?” demanded Beth, deeply interested. < “Not according to Hoyle. This game was Just for conversation. Anyway, things looked a little bad, so we stayed there until one of the dons threatened to put us in Jail and burn up our warehouses. We were delayed a couple of weeks, and one morning *he , army of-forty-two generals and three I nrlvntp# the United States cruiser Brooklyn steam into port ail painted up. with n lot of peevish bluejackets od board, looking for trouble. So they Dostuoned their change of government

Indefinitely. We had been delayed so long by them fellows”— “Jimsy,” objected Beth. “Don’t csl) them ’them fellows.’ ” “Nor “No. Say ’those fellows.’ * "Well, Beth. I’ve known those greasers down there for fourteen years as •them fellows.’ and if I called them anything else I’m afraid I’d have to be introduced again.” “But Captain Williams?” Insisted Mrs. Harris. “Yes, where is he?” said Brooks. “Well, we decided to come home. Captain left on the steamer by the way of New Orleans, and a couple of days later I came direct to New York.” “Then he is here?” said Mrs. Harris in a tone of gratification. “I suppose he is, unless he was shipwrecked on the way.” “But you haven’t told us anything about the war,” Beth reminded him. “Was It exciting?” “Well, as the only things that were shot off were several hundred mouths and as I’m a bad hand at repeating conversations 1 will have to leave tbs details to your imaginations.” “I consider that a most uninteresting story,” pouted Beth, “and, besides, you’re keeping us from the theater.” “All going?” queried Smith. “No. just Beth and me,” explained Mrs. Harris. “Emma and Joe have seen the play, and we’ve got the last two seats.” Emma accompanied her mother and sister to her bedroom to help them don their bats. When the door had closed upon them Smith’s attitude changed entirely The smile vanished from his face, and he went over to Brooks and placed both bands on bls shoulders “Joe. you’re found out,” he announced. “How found out?” demanded Brooks, Jumping up and facing him. very white. “The money you’ve taken.” “If you say I’ve taken money, you’re a liar!” retorted Brooks, with an attempt at fierce indignation. But the words came falterlngly between his blue, parched lips. “Joe, Joe,” rebuked bls friend sternly, “this ain’t no time to four flush with me. I’m your friend, and you need one now, boy. Besides, there’s Emma to think of."

“I don’t know what you mean.” he protested in a choking voice. “That story of a revolution was a lie,” explained Smith. “Williams has been home three days. He has bad the books looked over at night He seemed to know what you were doing from the time you took the first dollar. I’ve reason to think he went away simply to give you a free rein and get even with you for what you said to him that night at the flat Joe. we’ve got to pul! together now. and you’ve got to be on the square with me.” Brooks sank limply into a chair and covered his face with his bands. “What shall 1 do?" he moaned. “Sit tight and saw wood.” “But they’ll send me to Jail, won’t they?” “You took that chance, Joe, boy. But we will have to fight and fight hard to get you out of it. You can’t run away. You’re watched,” interrupted his friend. “Detectives are downstairs, and if you make a false

move they'll nab you and spoil every chance.” “Jlmsy, I’m done; 1 know I’m done!” he almost whimpered, plunged again into the bottomest depth of despair. “Keep your nerve. What have you told Emma?’ “She doesn’t know.” “Of course she doesn’t I mean, where did you say you got all the money F ”1 told her my salary was raised, and some back pay”— * *Tm on. Now brace up. You look an in. Here come the ladles.” “They are ready, Joe.” announced Mrs. Brooks. “Come on, my boy, and take the family to the show," ordered Mrs. Harris. "I’m ready." he replied, pulling himself together with great effort “Jlmsy, wait till 1 come back.” Emma and Smith accompanied them to the elevator. "Hurry back. Joe,” was Emma’s Injunction to her husband as the car disappeared from view. (To be Continued.)

“I can’t understand how a man can deliberately steal”

“Im your friend, and you need one now boy."