People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1893-03-03

CHAPTER Nl.-CoNTINUED.
Fitzhugh looked keenly 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 countless"
Lots! | 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 a shrewd leer at
the others impassive face. Rare days
we did use to have in old times, Ell?
Guess todS rather fond of tear for
a youngster. Remember that sum
mer at Capon, just before the war,
when | fell Waiting with Carolyn"
Again he checked himself. more alb
ruDtly and with more of effort, aiming
intently at his ball.
They were jolly days." Fitzhugh
said. Here's to their return-after the
war;
He filled both glasses trimming
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
a small run which he neglected to
count, 81 used to think that summer
you were pretty soft on her."
Indeed? On whom?"
Carolyn Clay. She rds a beauty,
though. George! how she could ride
and shoot! A perfect thoroughbred!
But you did seem pretty, hard hit"
did I? Pom my word, Tforget," Fitz-
hugh retorted, with controlled tongue;
but his eyes glowed, as they measured
the other man, now stretching INSTEAD
lily across the table. What ever became
of Miss Clay?"
She's all right. old boy! 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 tinctrred with alcohol. "She's some
where over in Virginia, suppose"
well, | hope we may meet-in the
spring" Fitzhugh answered, quietly;
and he reflled the others glass, adding
a drop to his own full one. Here's to
good old times, Carroll!'
ITO old times it is. Damn it, Peyton,
meeting you does bring 'em backl
Many a jolly tear eh?" and he gulped
down the fiery cognac as it had been
water, "Ah, that's the stuff! You're
right! Woman's wine, champagne.
What were we saying?-Carolyn Clay?
Yes; &s'sa grand girl!-shSs a soldierl-
Peyton, Of boy, if wasn't pledged-if
] dared-I might tell you something to
'stonish- Whose shot is it? Mine?"
He broke off abruptly, turning to the
table and playing wildly but counting.
Again Fitzhugh's eyes sought the clock
anxiously. 1t marked the quarter to
twelve.
Camel he cried, suddenly. I'm bet
you 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 night-cap, and I'll walk home with
YOU"
Again he filled 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, loosening his legs and his
tongue in equal degree.
Yes, sir! Carolyn Clay's soldier, ev'ry
inch! Braves girl 20 ever heard O..
An litt'l viii Mckee, he gabbled on,
with chuckle-"tha' littr shrimp
Peyton, you'd new s'pect society beau
like him-damn sush pavement!-you'd
new s'pect shrimp like him-Knowl can
trust you, Of boy. But he's riskin' oil
capitol"
When Peyton Fitzhugh had found
Carroll Meredith's night-key, left him
in his room, and turned once more into
the night, he muttered to himself:
"A gentleman in soul, with big
heart God forgive the poor fellow
and mel But had to do it!'
Pulling his soft hat down over his