The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-12-05

in fact, he ate anything was another
problem, as oeep as the one as to when
or where he slept. I had often thought
when trying te puzzle out the life
since our school days of this strange in
dividual that he never slept anywhere
or ate anything except within my cham
bers. He was always systematically
hungry, though, to do him justice, he
adopted all the gentlemanly devices
which he could invent in order to con-
ceal his voracity.
Of course declared that had had
nothing to eat worth mentioning since
the morning, though, in truth, had
dined sumptuously at the Old Cock tav-
ern with Frank Bowser at O'Clock.
But it was nearly II, and I did not
doubt that should be able to do justice
to the savory pie and the pickles and
other Injuries placed by Mrs. Billings,
my laundress, that afternoon in my cup
board
The gusto with which Scroggie spread
the cloth and arranged the table while
went on foraging expedition into
gloomy recesses in search Of provisions
would have given an edge to any mans
appetite. We had forgotten in five min:
utes all about Frank Bowser and the
sound Of gold The fire was burning
brightly, and the reading lamp, which
usually cast its light on my lawbooks
about this hour, was throwing glow
upon our festive board Scroggie's ac-
tivity was bewildering. No sooner had
he uncorked bottle of beer than off he
went to refill the kettle, so that we
might be prepared to mix hot whisky
by and by. At last we settled down at
the table, and Scroggie began to roll a
cigarette as though the idea of eating
anything had never entered his head
The temptation, however, which the pie
held out was too great to be resisted
II can't help thinking, Field, " said
he when he had partially appeased a
very keen appetite Ican't help think
ing that you're an uncommonly lucky
fellow. -
Possibly" said !, 'tbut few men,
you know, consider themselves lucky"
Scroggie glanced round the room, and
I could see by the nervous manner IN
which he was rolling fresh cigarette
that he had something on his mind
which he wished to communicate. "Un-
commonly lucky" he went on thought
fully-ea coy set of chambers, a warm
fire, an easy chair, reference library,
all complete. Not much inducement,
under the circumstances, to leave Eng
land, now, have you?'
I had returned to my armchair and
had lit my pipe. I answered, with my
eyes on the fire, where pictures rose up
among the red and rugged Goals:
''A tour through France, Switzerland
and Italy is pleasure which I'm look
ing forward to. At present can't af-
ford it. -
mop said Scroggie quickly and in
tone of concern, though whether for
me or for himself I could not decide.
His voice and his manner puzzled me. 1
fancied at first that he contemplated
borrowing money, but l quickly dis
missed the thought. for he had never
hinted to me that he was needy, and al
though he had no scruples about sharing
my supper or passing night upon my
sofa I believed that he would have
starved rather than borrow sou. We
never spoke to each other Of our private
affairs, but since Scroggie had referred
to nv cozy chambers I was constrained
to say something by way Of apology for
being in possession Of such luxury.
Gas you how-as you know, I'm
only a briefess barrister. inherited
these books and this furniture from my
grandfather. He lived in these rooms,
and I came into possession when he
died. My literary work pays for bread
and cheese. When foreign correspond
emit is wanted, away I shall go, with a
light valise on my shoulder and walk
ing stick in my hand. "
Scroggie looked still more thought
full. Presently he said, "And when you
arrive, after a long days journey, at
your hotel you will sleep soundly, with
no troubles in the past. -
''Not many. ~
.With no anxieties about the future,
except such as give zest to life and
awaken ambition. -
I laughed and said that I liked the
picture.
'And when,'' continued Scroggie-
"and when you have grown tired OF
travelling, and you turn your face to-
ward home, how pleasant to know that
a snug set of chambers
'.And that laundress of mine will be
waiting to receive me" I said, with a
smile, "but, added, talking of Mrs.
Billings, I now propose that we mix
the whisky. y
Scroggie was, feared, becoming SEN
timental, so 7 made this suggestion in
order to revive his spirits.
But the whisky did not altogether
have the desired effect. He sat silent for
some time, looking sternly at the fire,
and the same worn expression came over
his face which I observed when Frank
Bowser was recounting the murder of