The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-01-14

time that "Red" was the only cross
eyed cat in New York.
None of MS had ever before seen
cross-eyed cat, SO we did not deny il,
although demonstrated with McManus
concerning his pride in "Rcd,,s" ocular
misfortune.
whats that ." demanded McManus.
81 don't see why" said /, "a cat
should be the more valuable because il
happens to be afflicted with strabis.
mus"
"Sure!" said McManus. doggedly.
"No, don't" repeated.
"Jt's a mascot" said McNlanus.
How do you know?"
"Did yousc gents ever see another
cross-eyed cat?" demanded McManus,
botly.
We ali said
"Then wha' do youse gents know
about mascots?" he exclaimed, tri-
umphantly.
Nothing" I confessed; whats
yours. Mac"
The constraint still weighed upon US,
however, for Caithness had neither
spoken nor smiled, and Penlow, it was
easy to see. had not forgotten.
Lynde picked up paper and ran it
through unaffectedly, searching for his
own matter, and after awhile Penlow
did the same.
looked at Caithness and he felt my
eyes, for presently lie moved little
and passed his hand over his sunken
cheeks.
whats up, old man?" asked, drop
ping my voice and bending toward him.
'Nothing-whyw
"You look like the last rose of sum-
mer--you've got beastly cough"
He smiled family. Its consump-
tion," he said; II found out to-day"
stared at him stupidity.
II don't mind" he said, quietly; "Tm
dead sick of the whole business"
"How do you know it's consump.
tion?" asked, Mt length.
II went 10 three doctors to make
sure--I tell you don't mind it, jim"
Little Penlow was listening now. and
before / could speak again he leaned
over and took Caithness' hand affec-
tionately.
"Brace up, Jack, old boy" he said;
'go TO California and get well"
"Of course" cried, you're a fool to
stay in this cursed climate, Jack!"
spoke harshly, for was more af-
fected than l cared to show.
Chuck up your job! Let the Con-
solidated Press go to the devil!" urged
Lynde; ''you are not obliged TO earn
your Welsh rarebits, you know"
IL HAVE resigned said Caithncss,
quietly. a fit of coughing shook him
and he raised his napkin 10 his lips
And" he continued, IL thought I'd
come around tonight and say good.
by"
The dog shifted his position under
the bar and sighed again. One of the
gas jets behind the bar blazed up sud.
denly, and McManus turned it lower
and cursed the gas company.
do you fellows know that 1 have
scooped?" said Caithness, abruptly.
"Not-not the fellow who shot Lii 2"
faltered Penlow, who had thrown his
whole soul into unravcling the mystery
"Nes-the murderer or Lily White"
said Caithness. without emotion. In
the silence could hear McManus grind.
ing his toothpick in his yellow teeth.
I'm out of the Consolidated now"
continued Caithness, calmly; "the SCOOP
is yours IL you want il, Penlow."
"But--but you began Penlow.
~" said Caithness, fiercely: what
do ] care for newspapers! have done
my part-l have hunted down the mur.
dcrer end l have wrung confession
from his clcnched teeth. What do
care who knows it now--what paper
prints 10 first. What do ] care as long
ns the whole world knows the mur.
dcrcr and helps strap him To the chair
Lynde leaned over the table. his head
in his hards; Penlow's pipe went out,
bur 10 iis ..-s - -