Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-09-27
A HALL BEDROOM HERO.

When told nv wife about it she ex-
claimed: "How utterly absurd! why
I think you should have understood MIN
all along" chow
mrs. Dockboy," said severely, now
was I to believe all his stories-hlS tale'
of his nrowess in matters OF love, N
feats of strength? Perhaps he did knock
out O'Sullivan. the champion middle
weight perhaps he was the greatest halt-
hack that ever played on the Cad Uni
versitv eleven; perhaps he did leave the
west because of the opportunities or
three beautiful million heiresses but even
Lieutenant Swash doubted mat stoE? u
his capture by Apaches and ms Su0Se-
uent release by the chiefs dauga'er
"Swashw retorted my wife. why
do YOU always quote that horrid ola
thing I think that he himself is in
clined to exaggeration at times, whether
unconsciously or otherwise, l cannoc
judge
do not take my wife's views Of the
matter at all. and 7 cannot see why tne
lieutenant and myself should have acted
otherwise than we did.
We were talking Of Filkins-Filkins,
who occupied the fourth floor rear hall
bedroom in my old boarding house In
locating the man have described him,
for nat particular room in every board
ing house is inhabited, experience tas
taught me. by q peculiar genus-men OF
culture. but on their uppers, men whose
long lines Of distinguished ancestors
have beuueathed to them some quarts OF
NJ -, u-biCr1 70
keep it circulating. and an inherent idea
that 1t ought to keep moving OF ITSELF,
without their descending 10 plebeian Ia
Dor to supply the motive power. Just
such n person was Filkins His clean
cut features. his easy. graceful manners,
his polite bearing supported his preten-
sior to family When preparatory 70
going out after dinner he donned The
evening clothes OF the medical student
who occupied the second floor trent. and
YOU saw him. not a hair of his head or
moustache out Of place, not a wrinkle or
. sneck anywhere. you instinctiyely felt
that Ge was a gentleman born.
And if perchance he was off to chat
swell little affair at Mrs. Van Foam's
that the papers have been talking so
much Of and needed q quarter for car
fare. his father having forgotten 10 send
him his check for the month. it was will
ingly given. for he was a capital fellow.
He drew on us occasionally. but we re-
garded that as only slight compensation
for his company.
Lieutenant Swash came into my room
early one evening as F'illlins and 7 were
discussing things in general over cur
pipes and announced that he had three
tickets for a series Of boxing bouts at the
Olympic Athletic Club.
"There will be some bruising," he
cried. enthusiastically, "and it will be
worth seeing"
lawfully sorry. old man. but I can't
90" replied Filkins. "There is a certain
man IN New York who has been search
ing high and low for me for three weeks.
He'll be there. I know, for he mas been
going TO the bow-wows, and spends all
his time about such places. I'm not
afraid Of him. but deem It more discreet
for while TO avoid him
"Your tailor?" venured the lieu,en-
ant.
"Dear me. no" answered Filkins with
great good humor He seemed to enjoy
I LlP Joke. w Oulu li4dl 4l' Ntts's anu 4 W t'h
wearing a really respectable looking
cause for him to pursue me, but am
no. so lucky"
'Now, see here, Filkinc, you've got to
come I said.
ITO tell the truth it would be awfully
embarrassing for me to meet that fell
low" he replied. You'd be surprised II
I'd tell you who he is. Every one has
heard Of him-rich. great swell"
Swash looked at me and winked one
'lof his knowing winks. Then turning to
Filkins he asked
"Well. what does he want with you?"
az woman IS at the bottom Of the
whole thing" reDiied orr companion. IN
ruffied. You'd be surprised if you knew
VINO she was-great belle-piles Of money
in her own name. This certain mar
was engaged TO her. I met her at q
dance Three weeks ago she broke of
the engagement. and since then he has
been going to the bow-wOws-a perfect
mailman. the fellows say, and he has
sworn to break my mead on sight
"And why should be bother about
you" sneered Swash, sitting down on
the edge Of the bed. a most cOntemptu
Gus look on his face.
Filklns smiled, and softly pulled his
pipe
"Why should he bother about you?"
repeated the lieutenant, more emphatic
ally.
Indeed, I don't know was the quiet
reply. II never spoke to her more than
three times" He was silent for mo-
ment. We were all silent. Then he
laughed: "And, by Jove! do you know.
she sent me a note The other day that
cost me a quarter-forgOt to pay the
messenger"
"Never mind your certain man. Come
on cried the lieutenant, rising. button
ing his coat, and drawing on his loves.
Come on" cried l, following my
friends example.
Filkins sighed, knocked The ashes out
of his pipe and arose.
Very well, if YOU insist" he said.
But I know there viii be trouble. ami
1 am very rusty with my fists. Now, I
would not care if 1 was like l was
when"
curry! We're late" interrupted
Swash. And as we were filing down the
stairs he whispered 20 me
"A million to one that we don't see
the certain man"
Il would be a fool to take you up l
replied softly.
When we reached the gymnasium OF
the Olympic Club the first bou, was over.
Several hundred men, generally in their
shirt sleeves. were seated on low benches
about the ring. all smoking so vigorously
that a thick haze filled the room, and