Lifted Masks; stories by Susan Glaspell
page 61 of 226 (26%)
page 61 of 226 (26%)
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"I demand his discharge!" Mr. Ludlow was saying as the elevator boy
entered. "It happens you're not running this building," the Governor returned with a good deal of acidity. "Though of course," he added with dignity, "the matter will be carefully investigated." The Governor was one great chuckle inside, and his heart was full of admiration and gratitude; but would Freckles be equal to bluffing it through? Would the boy have the finesse, the nice subtlety, the real master hand, the situation demanded? If not, then--imp of salvation though he was--in the interest of reform, Freckles would have to go. It was a very innocent looking boy who stood before him and looked inquiringly into his face. "William," began the Governor--Freckles was pained at first, and then remembered that officially he was William--"this gentleman has made a very serious charge against you." Freckles looked at Mr. Ludlow in a hurt way, and waited for the Governor to proceed. "He says," went on the chief executive, "that you deliberately took him to the top of the building and wilfully left him there a prisoner all afternoon. Did you do that?" "Oh, sir," burst forth Freckles, "I did the very best I could to save his life! I was willing to sacrifice mine for him. I--" |
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