The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-12-14
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CHAPTER vI.-coSrrNuED.
by T. @. DE LEON.
Copyright 1891 by b. Lippincott Co. and Published
by Special Arrangementl


CHAPTER vI.-CoSTINuED.
Fitzhugh looked leenly at the speak
er, missed at last, and, leaning on his
cue, was about to speak earnestly, but
changed his mind and only asked:
"Shoot much now? Much game down
In the counties?"
"Lotsl | go down often" Meredith
answered, growing more glib under the
mixture Of cognac and champagne.
Say, Peyton, there's bigger game in
Prince Georges now" He checked
himself suddenly, with shrewd leer at
the others impassive face. "Rare days
we did use to have in old times, eh2
Guess ,ods rather fond Of tear for
a youngster. Remember that sum-
mer at Capon, just before the war,
when / fell waltzing with Carolyn
Again he checked himself, more abb
ruptly and with more Of effort, aiming
intently at his ball.
"They were jolly days" Fitzhugh
said. "Here's to their return-after tho
warl"
He filed both glasses brimming.
Meredith gulped his eagerly, TO the last
drop; but the other man, seemingly
eager for his turn at the balls, placed
his glass on a side-stand, scarcely
touched.
Say, Peyton, old boy" Meredith
cried suddenly, as his opponent finished
small run which he neglected to
count, ~ used TO think that summer
you were pretty soft on her."
Indeed? On whom?"
Carolyn Clay. She pas beauty,
though. Georgel how she could ride
and shoot! A perfect thoroughbred
But you did seem pretty hard hitr'
ibid I? Pom my word, I'forget," Fitz-
hugh retorted, with controlled tongue;
but his eyes glowed, as they measured
the other man, now stretching unstead-
lily across the table. what ever became
of Miss Clay?"
"She's all right, old boyl She"
Suddenly Meredith checked himself,
steadying his body against the cushion,
as he gazed at his querist with a stare
meant to be penetrating, but too large
ly tinctured with alcohol. "She's some
where over in Virginia, suppose"
"Well, | hope we may meet-in the
spring." Fitzhugh answered, quietly;
and he refilled the others glass, adding
a drop to his own full one. Heres to
good old times, Carrollp'
'To old times It Isl Damn 1t, Peyton,
meeting you does bring 'em back!
Many jolly tear, eh?" and he gulped
down the fiery cognac ns 1t had been
water. "Ah, that's the stuff You're
right Woman's wine, champagne.
What were we saying2-Carolyn Clay?
Yes; she's grand girll-shSs soldierl-
Peyton, oil boy, II wasn't pledged-if
Idared-I might tell you something TO
'stonish-- Whose shot is itp Mine2"
He broke of abruptly, turning TO the
table and playing wildly, but counting.
Again Fitzhughs eyes sought the clock
snxiously. 1t marked the quarter to
twelve.
'Gamel" he cried, suddenly. "I'll bet
you a terrapin supper you can't beat
me, the next game we play. This room
Is too hot. Come, let's get into the air.
One nightcap, and I'll walk home with
YOU
Again heflled the glasses with steady
hand. Again Meredith drained his,
lurching heavily towards the hat-rack.
Then the two locked arms, passing into
the black December night. The cold
wind, contrasting TO the close room,
drove the alcohol fumes faster TO Mere
dith's brain, loosoning his legs and his
tongue in equal degree.
''Yes, sir! Carolyn Clay's soldier, ev'ry
inchl Braves girl yo' ever heard O..
An litt'l win Mckee, "-he gabbled on,
with chuclxle--"tha' littl' shrimpl-
Peyton, you'd new s'pect society beau
like him--damn sush pavemcntl--you'd
new s'pect shrimp like him--KnowI can
trust you, OF boyl But he's rislxin' OIL
capitol"
When Peyton Fitzhugh had found
Carroll Meredith's night-key,. left him
In his room, and turned once more into
tho night, he muttered to himself:
"a gentleman In soul, with big
heartl God forgive the poor fellow
and me- But had TO do III"
Pulling his soft hat down over his