PAID IN FULL

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21244, 15 October 1940, Page 8

PAID IN FULL

by H. S. Sarbert

NEW SERIAL STORY

CHAPTER Xi —-(Continued) It appeared that Mr Winn was having some trouble with his manager at the other shop. He had trusted the man implicitly, and now something had gone wrong with the accounts. They did not balance, and Mr Winn was calling in an accountant. “I’m an old man,” he declared, "but folk mustn't think they can impose upon me because of that: Fair’s fair, all the world over. I give a straight deal, and I expect a straight deal in exchange. That’s what I told him, Viola. I was always keen on getting hold of Preston's shop. Well, now I’ve got it—but perhaps it has been left a little too late in my life. Perhaps it's only going to cause me trouble and’ anxiety." “Granddad, don't be so upset about it. Even if we have to get another manager ” The old man’s mouth set grimly. “You can take it from me, my dear, that we shall have to do that very thing!” he cried. “I’m going to have things kept in order— I’m determined about that. It’s not of myself I think so much, Viola—it’s of you. Alter all, you're all I’ve got. When I go on ahead, everything comes to you. You know that, don’t you?” Viola nodded. "Yes, I've heard you say so, granddad,” she replied. "So if—if that is so ” Viola paused, and the old man looked up. "Go on,” he urged. "You’ve got something on your mind?” “Yes, darling " “Then let’s have it off!” “Well, I should like to suggest you offer the job to Mr Preston.” “What’s that?” old John cried. “What are you getting at?” Very quietly Viola told her grandfather about her idea. She left Harry’s name out of it as much as possible. She knew her grandfather still suspected Harry, and it was not necessary to bring him name into it again. Harry’s father was badly in need of a job. The work that he was doing in London was terrible—it was killing him. Quite simply she recounted that little scene by the wharf which she and Harry had witnessed.

“And what did Harry do then?” John Winn asked. “Did he feel pleased with himself? Did he laugh?” “Grandfather!” Viola cried indignantly. “How can you even suggest such a thing? No; Harry was broken-hearted, and at once went down and helped his father. His mind was full of it afterwards. That’s why I want to help ” “Do you think Harry’s father would come back here if I offered him the job?” “I think he would—if the idea was put to him nicely.” “You mean—if I went to him on my hands and knees and said, that it would be such a great favour to me? Is that what you’ve got in mind, young lady?” John Winn just could not help being sharp and cynical, but his bark was a great deal worse than his bite. No one knew this better than his own granddaughter, and she perched herself on the arm of his chair, put an arm round his neck, and sketched out just what it was she had in mind. Her grandfather ’listened. Now and again he made comments. He thought that she suggested too much salary. Where would their profit be? “You know there will be good profit,” Viola said.

She would have gone a lot further if she had dared, for what she had in her generous little heart was to tell Mr Preston to take his shop back, t» work the business, and to pay back the loan out of the profits, just as he could afford it. And when the total was repaid the business would be his again. That was what Viola would have liked to have done; but she thought she had better not go so far as that just at present. It would be a great help if she could get her grandfather to offer Mr Preston the managership. That would be something. The rest might follow. Old John said he would think the matter over. "But you—you won’t be too long in thinking about it, granddad, will you?” Viola asked, anxiously. "I mean, it’s—it’s most awfully urgent!” “Who for?” he demanded. “You? Or Harry? Or his father? A bit of each, I suppose—for you mustn’t tell me that young Harry hasn’t got something to do with this. Oh. yes, you’ve got him at the back of your mind all right! You want to help him in some way—of that I’m very sure. All right, my dear — don’t say any more about it just now. I’m an old man. and I take a little time to think things over; but it’ll all turn out just as you wish in the long run. I’ve no doubt. I must say I should feel happy il' I knew old David Preston was looking after his old shop for me. I think, too, it would be good for business. He was popular with his customers. They've missed him, and they would like him back again. All right—l’li think it over.”

The Upward Path Again Viola kissed her grandfather and thanked him, and had to let it remain at that. But she had a feeling of satisfaction with what was by the old man’s manner that the already accomplished. She knew idea had appealed to him. She knew, too. that he had been impressed with what she had told him. So everything might come right for Mr Preston yet. and although old John may have been partly right when he declared that she was thinking about Harry, yet that was only in part. Viola was thinking about father as well —for she knew what a splendid man he was. Harry Preston felt that he was on the upward path again. 11 lie had had any doubts about it. those doubts were banished for good and all one dav, when he received a call to Mr Greenwood’s office. (To be continued daily)