Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-11-02

tasted nothing but coffee since I got
home. You know my 1oYe for it? Well,
I'm the moral bachelor Of the club now. u
You always were; but now you look
it," the other laughed back.
''Thats exposure. just back from a
| duck hunt" Meredith retorted, with q
quick glance in the mirror. ''That con-
founded nose of mine colored like a
meerschaum years ago; but am a regu-
lar Father Mathew, now"
''Well, try a carom game while we
talk" Fitzhugh proposed. 81 suppose
your morals won't blush if drink a
glass of champagne? I've been at a
swell musicale; but it was too union
there to suit my taste, so I slipped off
before supper. Carroll, why does Mrs.
Gray"
The other man had crossed to the
rack. At the name, the cue he grasped
hung half suspended, as he wheeled
and stared at the speaker.
Pardon me-" the other continued,
courteously. II had forgotten that
Gilmor Gray was your cousin. But,
really, to US the bluecoats must CRATE q
bit. suppose there's good reason for
it sometimes-diploma CONVEYANCE,
or what not; but I don't care for too
much Of it myself"
Carroll Meredith glanced cautiously
and quickly about the room, then into
the hall, approaching the table az
though about to say something serious
Then, suddenly changing his mind, ho
asked, bluntly:
"Why didn't you go across, then?
You're Virginian, a great rider and q
crack shot. Mosby needs men; so does
Stuart. But perhaps my question is-''
"Not the least in the world" Fitz-
hugh replied, suavely. Eve only
been back awhile, and I'm so deuced
lazy, you know. Besides, there's moth
ing doing across just now. In the
spring 1 will be in my native state
And, Carroll"-he drew closer, looking
steadily in the others eyes, and his
voice grew vibrant, with q solemn ring
in tiff the end does not show me
worthy of my name and race, may you
all-may God Himself--curse the trail
tors grave in which ne."
The Marylander extended frankly
his strong, brown hand, as he said
warmly:
Pardon my awkwardness, Peyton.
I'm blunt, rough fellow, not one OF
you society men, but I'm man enough
to recognize another when meet him.
I know you're all right, old boy. The
fellow that out-boxed, out-wrestled and
outran me at Charlottesville, that took
away my prettiest partner at Mabille,
could never funk! I'll hear Of you yet.
Here, Samv he called to the negro adj
~
another glass!-Peyton, old fellow, III
take just one drink to your coming
shoulder strapsp'
The clock on the mantel chimed
eleven as the two men drained their
glasses. The virginian's black eyes
shot one anxious glance at the dial;
then, as they rested on the frank, ruddy
face of his companion, something crept
into them that was not all pity, nor yet
wholly contempt For Meredith smacked
his lips, crying with a laugh:
"A-ah! that goes to the spot! By
George! it's like rain after a drought
It's your play. Here, Sam, ELL this up"
And he drained another foaming goblet
Of the ice-cold wine.
Somehow Fitzhugh played very bad
billiards, missing easy shots under his
friends good-natured banter.
Hang it, my nerves are out Of gear"
he cried, as he lost simple carom.
''Finish that fzz, Carroll; it's a wom-
ans drink at the best. want
bracer. Here, Sam!' -hc struck tho
gong on the mantel-s'b.ing me some
cognac."
"Finish nothing!' the other player
retorted. THAT bottles empty already.
Bring two cognacs, Saga. Damn iN
bring the bottle!''