ng
extent, and discovered that no calamity resulted in consequence. On the
contrary it was a positive relief to have a bright, strong, eager boy
lift a part of the burden which had become so heavy for the older man
to bear alone. For Giusippe possessed that rare gift seldom found in
the young and often lacking, even, in elder persons--he could hold his
tongue. He never prattled of Mr. Curtis's affairs; never boasted of his
knowledge of the innermost workings of the firm. He did as he was told,
gave his opinion when asked, and kept whatever information was doled
out to him entirely to himself.

Hence it followed naturally that when Uncle Tom began going to the
works for a few hours each day he took Giusippe with him, and when he
came home left the boy to see carried out the instructions he gave.
Slowly the office force began to defer to the youthful Italian.

"Did Mr. Curtis say anything about this matter or that?"

"Was such and such a price the one Mr. Curtis wished quoted?"

Having discussed many of these very matters with his employer Giusippe
was usually ready with an answer or he could get one. For it was he
alone who was sure to receive a telephone reply from the Curtis
residence; he was the only one who knew at just what time of day Mr.
Curtis could be reached, and whether he was well enough that morning to
be disturbed. Men desiring interviews with the head of the firm soon
found themselves inquiring for Mr. Cicone and asking him if possible to
arrange things so they could have a few words with Mr. Curtis. Giusippe
was the recognized buffer, the go-between who guarded the capitalist
from annoyance and intrusion of every sort.

"You talk with this fellow, Giusippe," Mr. Curtis would often say.
"Tell him--well, you know--get him out of the office. You can do it
politely. Tell him I'll give him a hundred dollars toward his hospital,
but keep him out of my way."

Then Giusippe would laugh.

He had begun to understand that the life of a rich man was no easy one.

Scores of persons came to see Mr. Curtis: persons applying for business
positions; persons begging money for various good causes; customers;
salesmen; men wanting newspaper interviews. From morning until night
the throng filed in and out of the office. Up to the present Mr. Curtis
had been content to remain in the security of his inner domain and rely
on his stenographer to fill many of the gaps. But with illness a change
had come and it was to Gius