Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-16

those who looked as if they might give
him something to eat, and those who looked
otherwise. 81 never knew what had to
learn about the human face before" he
thought; and, as a reward tor his humility,
Providence caused a cab driver at a sausage
shop where Dick fed that night to leave half
eaten a great chunk of bread. Dick took it
would have fought all the world for its
possession-and it cheered him.
The month dragged through at last, and,
fairly prancing with impatience, he went to
draw his money. Then he hastened to
Torpenhow's address and smelt the smell of
cooking meats all along the corridors of the
chambers. Torpenhow was on the top floor,
and Dick burst into his room, to be received
with hug which nearly cracked his ribs,
as Torpenhow dragged him to the light and
spoke of 20 different things in the same
breath.
But you're looking tucked up" he con-
cluded.
Got anything to eat?" said Dick, his eye
roaming round the room.
81 shall be having breakfast in minute.
" hat do you say TO sausages?'
''No, anything but sausages. Torp, I've
been starving on that accursed horse-hesh
for 80 DAYS and 80 nights
'Now what lunacy has been your latest?"
Dick spoke of the last few weeks with un-
bridled speech. Then he opened his coat;
there was no waistcoat below. 81 ran it
fine, awfully fine. but I've just scraped
through"
You haven't much sense, but you've got
backbone, anyhow. Eat, and talk after
ward" Dick fell upon eggs and bacon and
gorged till be could gorge no more. Tor
penhow handed him filled pipe, and he
smoked as men smoke wifO for three weeks
have been deprived of good tobacco.
"Ouf!' said he. That's heavenly.
Well?''
"Why in the world didn't you come to
me?''
Couldn't; owe you too much already,
old man. Besides, had a sort OF supersti-
tion that this temporary starvation-that' s
what it was, and it hurt-would bring me
more luck later. It's over and done with
now, and none of the syndicate know
how hard-up I was Fire away. What's
the exact state of affairs as regards myself?'
''You had my wire? You've caught on
here. People like your work immensely.
I don't know why, but they do. They say
YOU have a fresh touch and a new way of
drawing things. And, because they're
chiefly home-bred English, they say you
have insight. You're wanted by half a
dozen papers; you're wanted to illustrate
books"
Dick grunted scornfuflY.
You're wanted to work up your smaller
seem to think the money sunk in you is a
good investment. Good Lordl who can
account for the fathomless folly of the
public?"
THEY'RE a remarkably sensible people"
They are subject 10 hts if that's what
you mean; and you happen to be the object
of the latest fit among those who are inter-
ested in what they call art Just now you're
q fashion, phenomenon, or whatever you
please. appeared to be the only person
who knew anything about you here, and
have been showing the most useful men
few of the sketches you gave me from time
to time. Those coming after your work on
the Central Southern Syndicate appear to
have done your business. You're in luck"
"Hubl call it luck! do call it luck.
When a man has been kicking about the
world like dog, waiting for it to come.
I'll luck 'em later on. l want a place to
work in first
Come here" said Torpenhow, crossing
the landing. This place is a big box
room really, but it will do for you. There's
your skylight, or your north light or what
ever window you call it, and plenty OF
room to slash about in, and bedroom be-
yond. What more do YOU want?"
GOOD enough" said Dick, looking
round the large room that took up a third of
a top story in the riekety chambers overlook
ing the Thames. A pale yellow sun shone
through the skylight and showed the much
dirt OF the place. Three steps led from the
Goor to the landing, and three more to Tor
penhow's room. The we'll OF the staircase
disappeared into darkness, pricked by tiny
gas jets, and there were sounds of men talk
ing and doors slamming seven flights below,
In the warm gloom.
"Do they give you a free hand here?'
said Dick cautiously. He was Ishmael
enough to know the value of liberty.
Anything you like; latch keys and
licsnse unlimited. We are permanent ten
ants tor the most part here 'Tisn't place
I would recommend for a young mems
Christian association, but 1t will serve. 1
took these rooms for YOU when 1 wired
you re a great deal too kind, old man."
''You didn't suppose you were going away
from me, did you?'' Torpenhow put his
hand on Dicks shoulder, and the two walked
up and down the room, henceloTward to be
called the studio, in sweet and silent COM
munion. They heard rapping at Torpen-
how's door. That's some ruffian come up
for a drink" said Torpenhow; and heraised
his voice cheerily. There entered no one
more rutiianly than a portlv, middle-aged
gentleman in satin-faced frock coat. His
lips were parted and pale, and there were
deep pouches under the eyes.
Weak heart said Dick to himself, and,
as he shook hands, "very weak heart. His
pulse is shaking his fingers"
The man introduced himself as the head
Of the Central Southern Syndicate and lone
OF the most ardent admirers of your work,
Mr.. Heldar. l assure you, in the name of
the syndicate, that we are immensely in
debted to you; and l trust, Mr.. Heldar. you
won't forget that We were largely lnstru-
mental in bringing you before the public"
He painted because Of the seven flights of
stairs.
Dick glanced at Torpenhow, whose left
eyeld lay for a moment dead on his cheek.
Il shan't forget" said Dick, every in
stinct OF defense reused in him. you've
paid me so we'll that 1 couldn't, you know.
BY the way, when 1 am settled in this place
! should like to send and get my sketches.
There must be nearly hundred and fifty of
them with you
THAT is er-is what 1 came to speak
about. 1 fear we can't allow it exactly, Mr.
Heldar. In the absence of any specified
agreement the sketches are our property, of
course"
do you mean to say that you are going to
keep them?"
eyes; and we hope to have your help, on
your own terms. Mr.. Heldar, to assist us in
arranging little exhibition which, backed
by our name and the influence we naturally
command among the press, should be OF ma
terial service to you. Sketches such as
yours
Belong to me. You engaged me by wire,
YOU paid me the lowest rates YOU dared, You