Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1892-03-17
CHAPTER VTI-Continued.

door
who's there?" he called, not with the
best grace in the world.
me, sir, came ngrammatically from
his landlady.
will you be kind enough to wait g few
moments, Mrs. Shrimp? L am not yet
dressed.
I'm sorry, sir. Don't wish to inter-
fere with your arrangements 1or dress
ing But there's a man down stairs, and
there amt no getting clear Of him. Says
he's in a hurry, and wants to see you,
sir. I couldn't get him to state his bust
ness.
Il commend his good sense in that par
ticular," muttered Beverly, soto voce.
"Jus6 send him up, Mrs. Shrimp, and
mildly inform him that this is not fash
ionable calling hour. I'd be forever
grateful il that woman would get de-
cent pair Of Shoes" he continued, as the
sound Of Mrs. Shrimp's slipshod feet
echoed down the hail. After few mo-
ments they returned, accompanied by a
firm heavy tread.
Beverly had gotten into his coat, and
sm0othed his hair into something like
order, and, thus arrayed, he opened the
d0or to his unexpected guest.
If his intellect shines as brilliantly as
his trousers, he thought, with glance
ut his portly visitor, he is certainly an
accomplished old gentleman.
L believe I have not the pleasure Of
your acquaintance, he added aloud,
closing the door.
You will find my name there, sir.
Ali Mr. James Cox, solicitor" read
beverly from the somewhat crumpled
card. you are in good company, Mr..
e a A
pair Of rogues together, as il were. Tx
cuse my spirits, please. Force Of assoc
citation, no doubt The case before the
court is Business VS.. Pleasure. l don t
know your opinion, but my verdict is in
favor of the plaintiff. Curiosity is Il
quality, which, in our profession, at
least, frequently leads to great results.
BY all means, then, let mine be graft
lied. Have l your permission to con-
tinue my toilet? l can listen with earn
est attention, [ assure you.
My business is soon stated, was the
quiet reply. "As member of the bar,
let me hope you will the more readily
agree TO an amicable settlement OF our
difficulty May l sit down?"
BY all means. Difficulty, you say?
Is it possible that But no matter
Sit down, I beg. Take your choice OF
chairs. That one by you has weak
back but q steady bottom, l believe.
That old rocker there, looks innocent
and comfortable. Don't trust it. This
thing is ornamental, but apt to lose a
leg on slight provocation. Perhaps the
beds the safest. Once more excuse
iny spirits SO delighted to have you
with me-"
Mr.. Cox regarded Beverly with a
slightly dubious air. Such lightness was
not, in his estimation, in keeping with
legal dignity.
Il am not here to trhe, sir" was his
reply. as with some hesitation he took
possession of the steady chair,
sitting bolt upright as a precaution
against its weak back.
Il am here, he continued, in the same
dignitied tones, ION behalf of my client,
Mr.. Bailly, whose bill you"
That bill again" groaned Beverly,
pausing in the tying Of his cravat.
What under heaven possesses the man
to keep at me in this way? never
bought q pins worth from him in my
life, and / certainly will not pay what [
do not owe. Charity begins at home,
and / have no money to throw away, l
assure you. You may tell Mr.. Bailly
SO"
Mr.. Cox appeared slightly surprised.
L don't understand your denial of this
claim. Mr. Bailly declares that he HIM
self measured you for the articles men,
toned, and that you offered to settle at
Che time, but that he, in view OF your
standing and prospects generally, pre-
tered TO keep the account open.
Nh Bailly is mistaken, and under
the circumstance, I refuse to pay this
bill. Good morning, sir.
Mr.. Cox frowned at this cold dismissal.
If this is your last words, he said
quite calmly, L have to inform you that
my client will not receive it. He is not
anxious to be involved in the trouble
and expense of lawsuit. Yet, if other
means fail, he will not hesitate at ex
treme measures. Good morning, sir.
Good morning, and good radiance, :"
added Beverly. under his breath.
Nothing but a swindling outrage, he
continued. when his visitor had departed.
"Of course, Mr.. Bailly cannot get this
$50 out of me, but he can give me no end
OF trouble, just at this particular time
too. when | want to be free and easy
Upon the whole. ii will be better to call
upon him personally. Perhaps l shall
get to the bottom Of this business"
The same afternoon saw him in con-
tidential conversation with Mr.. Bailly
L cannot understand the mistake"
that gentleman was saying. The Mr..
Beverly | have in my mind is about your
size. though different in general appear
ance. He left his order last April, and
it being the first time he had patronized
my house, was anxious to do my best.
Several weeks after he dropped me a
card with his address, and the informa-
ton that he would be out of town for a
month or so. Under the circumstances,
your answer to my letter decidedly puZ-
zled me. L felt there might be some
thing behind it, and for that reason I
sent Mr.. Cox to you. | regret having
given you this annoyance and trouble,
and l really don't know what TO make
of the matter.
Beverly was also puzzled.
The man tells the truth, he reflected.
Not the slightest doubt of that. But
what Of this other Jack Beverly? Does
he really exist, or has some clever