The Bessemer indicator., 1893-08-19
SAM BILLINGS SOBERED.

SAM BILLINGS SOBERED.
When . man whose finances are
rather light In tho balance is
anticipating n very considerable nd
dition to his pocketbook. it might be
imagined that he would be in some-
what genial frame OF mind. Tracy
Henson, tn. banker, realized that IN
n few hours, perhaps minutes, he
might be the possessor OF $4,000.
and he became even more sobered
than usual. and bit his lip as if he
were thoroughly aware that tickle
fortune might turn on him like a
thief and leave him ponnilcss.
Henson had never been called rich
man. although it was known at the
Stock Exchange, where his tall, impos-
ing figure was as familiar Us the black
board bulletins, that he was never
embarrassed from lack of pocket
money. He was seldom implicated
in any "big deals" and consequently
his losses were comparatively small,
He rarely risked more than 50, 900 in
single month, and, as general
rule. gained perhaps fifth as much.
But he had recently got good advices.
and now he had played heavily,
desperately for him, $25, ,O00-it made
him vince whom he thought of where
he should be if he should lose.
"Hcigho! I'm tired" ho said,
yawning. but he had hardly uttered
the words when the door-bell rang
with loud noise. He hurried out
of tho room and down the stairs.
calling to the servant that he would
attend to the door. AS he had ex-
pected, it was messenger boy. He
scribbled his name on the delivery
book and slammed the door, then
tore open the envelope.
"Buttertown Mining clean sweep
"FREEMAN."
He read it through again; then his
face frightened and as he waved tho
telegram joyfully over his head and
cut a pigeon wing toward tho stair
case, he cried;
.I'm going down town to see Bill
lings. Where's my hat? Wait I'll
get Billings up here and we shall
have good time. Old Billings
funniest man ever--lct me see, let
me see," he said, hesitating. "Why
can't l fix up some little surprise for
him. Oh! have 1t. I'll make him
think have lost *75. 1000, just to SEQ
how he will take 1t. Always brim
full of cheerfulness-I will make him
serious for once in his life. A little
iudicious levity won't be unbecoming
my good fortune. Let me see. l
wonder how I can put it."
Down on State street, on the left
hand side, and set back bit be-
tween two high stone structures,
is situated what is supposed to be
tho Oldest building in the lot. Its
dilapidated entrance certainly indi-
Gates as much. Tackled on an office
door at tho head OF the flight of
stairs which leads right up from tho
street is sign bearing the following
words: "Sam Billings, Attorney at
Law"
Within the Office short little man
with respectable paunch, in an
ample gray vest. and worthy red
face we'll framed with tufted white
whiskers, is sitting at n desk writing
He is debating what he writes to
girl who is playing business sonata
OF one note on typewriter in an ad-
joining room.
"All right now" Ibis heirs and
assigns for their own special use.
Period! And the said Timothy Muir
ply, Jef = the first part, and his be-
loved spouse. Abigail Demise MUIR
ply, of the second part, do, by the
grace OF Cod"
But at that moment two pro-
longed rings sounded at the tele-
phone. Mr.. Billings laid down his
pen, and as he hurried over to the
instrument muttered under his
breath something about "infernal
machine"
Hello! Hellol"
.Is this 4413-2?" came over the
wire.
That you. Billings?"
"Yes! Halo! Henson,-what's
up9" recognizing the voice.
Say. Billings, come up to the
house right away! Pm"
II understand. Just keep your
equilibrium for five minutes, and I'll
be with you.
AS he hung up the receiver, the
girl in the other room ventured to
ask:
Anything serious, Mr.. Billings?"
"Yes. Henson's house is probably
on fire and his family and furniture
in the street." he replied, not, how
ever, without causing light blush
to tinge the cheeks Of that indis-
pensable young lady.
Mr.. Billings did not waste many
minutes in locking up his desk and
putting on his hat and coat, and CIV
ing some directions to Miss Perry,
was soon under way. When he
reached Henson's house he looked at
his watch. 1t was half past two.
The servant opened tho door and
told him that Mr.. Henson was in the
library.
Hello, Henson! What's the
trouble? You look as II you were
out OF tune" said the lawyer as he
entered tho room.
The banker was seated before the
fire. He had thrown off his coat and
had on long. gray dressing gown
which was buttoned up to his neck.
He turned his head slowly when the
lawyer spoke, and said in weak
voice:
billings. am thankful to you for
coming. for am pretty poor man.
am wreck.
Billings was absorbed in examin-
ing a small hole that he had just dis
covered at the tip of one OF tho fing-
ers OF his glove. He paused and
eyed him narrowly.