The Washington times., 1895-02-03
Billu'S T0l0ph0n0 Girl.
BY LUKE SHARP.

BY LUKE SHARP.
The city editor sat at his table hard at work,
the green shaded electric lamp which hung
by stout cord from the ceiling throwing a
white circle OF light on the paper over which
his pencil travelled. Banwell smoked cigar
he was always we'll provided with cigars. On
the opposite side of the table from where
Banwell sat was big cane-bottomed chair
with arms on it. Into this chair slid Billy
McGuffy, the younuest reporter, somewhat
apologe,caly as far as demeanor went
Banwel cast one brief glance at him through
the smoke, saw who it was. and went on with
his work without speaking.
Billy evidently embarrassed, said nothing
for while until his presence there began to
irritate Banwell. who cried sharply:
"Well, what is it?''
Billy cleared his throat.
"Mr. Banwell," he began at last, ''eould
you let me have passes for two to the All
for Love company at the Spectacular Thea
ter?'
passes for two?" repeated Banwell, shov-
ing the shade over his eyes far up on his fore
head and gazing across the table at Billy.
IF you please"
"For two?'' reiterated Banwell. with un-
necessary emphasis on the last word.
Bill eyes In some confusion sought the
floor.
Banwell, the unmerciful raised his voice
and shouted:
ION, Jonesy, come here quick! Billy's
gone wrongI He wants theater tickets for
twoI''
Jonesy appeared from the next room and
stood leaning against the door, looking In at
ABanwell and McGuffy. He was in his shirt
sleeves. lank and lean, with corncob pipe,
black with use, between his teeth. Jonesy
was the criminal reporter, briefly known to
The rest OF the staff as 1.-The Criminal
"Whats the matter with our Billy?'' asked
the Criminal without removing his pipe.
'.He wants tickets for two," explained Ban
we'll That's unusual; one has sufficed up
to date. This means a girl Jcnesy.n
"Oh, wouldn't go so far as TO say that,
Barnwell. Perhaps Billy wants to take his
mother to the theater. Let's hear what the
culprit has to say for himself before we pass
judgment Who is she Billy? But remem-
ber, you are not bound to incriminate your
SELF"
Billy was blushing like girl himself. lie
| locked appealingly from one of his torment
| ors to the other. He would have fed but he
knew he could not escape, for Jonesy stood
| in the doorway.
''Banwell.' - continued Jonesy imperturba-
bly,, II fear that heightened color in Billy
| face gives him away rather. We must pre-
pare lOr til0 WOESl. NUM- IL iIlSuliul tA-
| ample has no effect upon him, perhaps he is
not too far gone to scorn my good advice.
That's the good example My advice is that
it's just as easy aid as pleasant to fall in loye
with millionaire's daughter as with shop
girl. / consider have lost at least $500, 600
! by not knowing that when was young and
have never been able, somehow TO make it
up working on newspaper. Billy. be warned
1 in time.
"Look here" cried Billy, anger at last
coming to his rescue, ''if I'm not to get the
| tickets. say So"
ooh, you can get the tickets, Billy, unless
| they're all gone. and if they are I will give
you letter to the box Office
Banwell pulled open drawer and took out
a handful OF long pasteboard tickets with the
corners clipped off, and selecting two flung
them over to Billy, who put them in his vest
| pocket, murmuring his thanks.
Jonesy stretched his arms across the door
way, saying, BILLY, my son. pause and re-
fleet"
But Billy, saying, "Oh, you go to the
| Deuce" lodged under and escaped.
| Both men laughed and Jonesy went back
| to mis- room.
! Billy made his way out OF the Argus office
| into the street. The night was cold and the
pavement crisp with frost. 1t was not snow
| ing exactly, but flakes here and there filtered
through the electric light, fiuttering down tc
the street. Billy walked briskly for a block
| or two and glanced up at a tall building that
rose up from corner. The bulk OF the
building was dar |, with an isolated window
lighted here and there. but the whole of the
upper story was ablaze with electric lamps
As Billy looked up he could see against III,