Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1883-11-28

I
lift all the way" said Bob Blades, with
mock seriousness, while bis companion
went into fresh paroxysms.
"No, thanks, old fellow. II can't he
done, replied Jack, grinning.
"Look here, now. Why shouldn't
you come with us and return after the
racer You are bound to make day of
IL If you've to 90 as far as Chelmsford,
and your guv'nors won't be any the
wiser II you don't get there till the after
noon," said Bob, unconsciously repeat
ing In words the thought that had oc-
Cured to Jack.
There's a hamper behind, and half
a-dozen Of cham" grunted Bob's COM
panion, who, though easily moved TO
laughter, seemed taciturn by DISPOSE
ton.
Jack Straw had not the strength Of
mind to resist any longer. He east a
quick glance round him, and then, fling
ing prudence and duty to the winds,
plunged into the hospitablc hanson.
But he was silent and depressed for the
first mile or two. He felt that his con-
duct was inexcusable, and though his
determination to return to town imme-
diately after the chief event salved his
conscience little, it did not restore his
equanimity. However, Jack possessed
one of those mercurial natures which
are easily influenced by their SURROUNDS
ings. Bob Blades high spirits and il4eS
pressible humor proved infectious, and
by the time they reached the Downs
Jack Straw felt as free from. care, as
jovial and as boisterous as though he
had nothing on his conscience.
This years Derby-Day will ever be
marked with white stone in the annals
of Jacks "reminiscences. Whether ow-
ing to persistent good luck in backing
the winner, or the magic influence of
the champagne, or the Freemasonry of
good-fellowship, or all combined, Jack
spent day of blissful delirium. When
the great race had been run and st.
Blaisc's number was hoistcd, conveying
to Jack the welcome intelligence that
he was richer by at least f5 sterling,
he definitely abandoned his intention of
returning to town in such hurry. He
was in perfectly reckless frame of
mind, and on easy terms with his con-
science, which had quite ceased to
trouble him.
''See that fellow" said a bystander,
half an hour afterwards, pointing to an
individual who was hurrying past ''He
has won pot of money. l saw the big
betting men shoyeling bank-notes into
his hand by the Dozen"
"Confound him. growled Bob, who
had lost, and was inclined to be quar-
relsome. 'Much he deserves his luck!
If he don't look out he'll find himself in
quod, for my governors got instructions
10 prosecute him for swindling. He's n
queer lot anyway-named Stone; or
believe he calls himself Newman"
"Eh! what! Newman cried Jack,
with start; and without q moments
hesitation he jumped off his perch and
hurried after the individual in question.
To tell the truth, Jack had no definite
idea of what he was doing. His head
was by no means clear, but the mention
of the name of Newman had suddenly
Ereminded him of his neglected mission.
He was just in Il mood to do reckless
and impulsive action, but was sober
enough TO appear TO have all his wits
about him.
Hi! word with YOU, Mr.. New
man." he cried, catching hold of the
mans arm.
The man started and glanced appre-
hensively over his shoulder. The sight
of Jack apparently treasured him n
little.
"Who are you talking to? What do
you wantp" he demanded, iicrcely.
keep yourself calm, Mr.. Newman, :"
said Jack, politely; II want word
with YOU.
Come this way" said the man, who
had glanced once or twice at Jacks
face; ''you needn't shout
The man led the way to deserted
spot among the carriages, and then, to
Jacks surprise, said:
"You are from Drake d Duckling, of
Mincing lane, l SUPPOSED"
"Yes," said Jack, opening his eyes.
"How did YOU knowp"
81 passed you on the steps of the
Office yesterday. What is the matterp'
Come, you know" said Jack, striv-
ing to steady his brains. 'Tve found
out all about you"
"Well, don't talk so loud What's
your game?" said Mr.. Newman, looking
round anxiously.
you've swindled my governor, said
Jack, dimly recalling the facts.
'Wcll, look here, for Heavens sake
don't make row. l don't want a
FUSS said Mr.. Newman, hurriedly pro-
ducing n pocketbook and extracting a
bundle of bank-notes. Here's your
governors money; two-lifty. I've had
luck to-day, and / can afford to pay my
debt"
"But, stay!' cried Jack, staring help
lessly at the notes in his hand, as Mr..
Newman hurried away. "What does
this meanp"
"The moneys right; you can count
it. It's every farthing | had of your
guv'nor's, and they may think them
selves lucky, for in few hours | shall
be over the water" said Mr.. Newman,
with wink, as he rushed away.
When Jack regained his friends they
remarked that he looked rather pale
and startled, but did not seriously in
quire the cause, and he was prudent
enough to keep his own counsel. He
slowed away the money in an under
pocket, and, after a vague attempt to
realize his extraordinary luck, he aban-
doned himself to enjoyment again.
Naturally this little episode did not de-
press his spirits. He became more and
more hilarious until he found himself
riding home on the top of % four
wheeled cab, decorated with a false
nose, and in very happy frame of
mind.
He presented himself ut the Office
next morning with shocking head
ache and very dim recollection of the
events of the preceding day. He re-
membered his interview with Mr.. New
man, but was puzzled what account to
give of his mission. The money was
fortunately safe, and this, of course,
proved great consolation.
"Straw, you're wanted" said col
league the instant he arrived, pointing
rather ominously towards the partners
room.