San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-10-16

L4ON are gOu' LISh' Tie stranger
greeted hin, with familiarity altogeth-
er too careless for "a needy customer.
Il have not the pleasure of your ac-
quaintance, SIR" said Richard, in a tone
mere freezing than polite.
"But know you very WE'LL" returned
the stranger; land pray don't let us
stand here bandying ceremonies, for it's
confounded chilly" saying which, he led
the way to the apartment Richard had
just quilted. well, this is comfort"
he continued, rubbing his hands before
the fire. ''Ihaven't felt so much at home
since left there"
A hasty survey of his visitor added
alarm to Richards establishment. He
was why, i'll looking little man, in
rusty suit of black, with a wicked leer
on his face and one clubfoot.
Il say, Dick" the little man resumed,
holding his hands in the blaze as if they
were tireproof. what an inhospitable
dog you are!"
Whether hospitable or inhospitable,
growlel Richard. losing his temper as he
gained his courage. lis not your bust
ness, but would like TO know what is.
It's bad talking business on an empty
stomach"
Il don't see how it's to be helped" an
swered Dick, doggedly.
Don't see how it's to be helped, you
curmudgeon!" Numbered the little man
fiercely. with the remains of such a
feast on the table there must be more
where it came from"
Upon my word" replied Richard
meekly, for he was getting frightened
again, there is not bite in the house"
Don't lier' roared the other; there is
a cold ham in the pantry and a demi-
john of brandy in the closet"
How do you know that?" it was on
the tip of Richards tongue to ask, but
he was too much amazed to speak.
"How do know it," broke in the
stranger. as if. reading his thoughts;
why smell them; so bring them out. "
Richard would have demurred. but
his guest made movement which con.
WINGED him delay might be dangerous,
and the required articles were produced
Without changing his seat the little man
drew up to the table and began to eat
And how he did eat! A chunk of ham
big enough for a shark bait was stuck
on the point of carving knife and
thrust down his throat with the audacity
of a sword swallower. Another and an
other followed, till nothing remained
but the bone, which he crushed with his
teeth and then sucked the marrow.
Now for punch he cried.
There is no hot water" Richard VEN
tured to say
"Water-who asked for water? Bring
me lemon, some sugar and a kettle"
The kettle was placed on the fire. The
stranger filled it with brandy, adding
lemon and sugar to suit his taste. AS the
liquor boilel over it caught fire, setting
the whole in a blaze Richard jumped
up to take it off; the stranger caught his
arm and flung him back as if he had
been q child instead of a substantial citi-
zen of fourteen stone.
What are you about he exclaimed.
THE punch is doing well enough"
81 was only afraid the house might be
burnt"
Bother the house" replied the little
man; there's no danger
Your health, Dick" at length he
said, and raising the kettle all blazing to
his lips he drank like dromedary.
And now, Dick, it's your turn" he
said, after long breath. You must
drink my health now"
Richard drew back.
Drink" shouted the stranger, hold
ing out the vessel.
Poor Dick took single gulp He left
the skin of his mouth on the brim of the
kettle, his throat was scorched as with
liquid fire and his hair was singed by the
blaze.
And now to business" said the
stranger, resuming his seat and leaving
Dick to sit or stand as he chose You
knew John Walter, l believe"
"Ye-yes," stammered Richard, Il
once knew a person of that name"
"You and he went to California to-
gether."
Richard acknowledged the fact
You made money and he didn't"
Il believe was the more fortunate of
the two"
You and he started to return togeth-
err, and he died at San Francisco" Rich
ard bowed.
"His wife and child are now desti-
tute," the stranger persisted.
II can't help that"
"Of course not. 1t was his boy you
gave the good advice to today. hope
the young scamp will profit by it."