Evening star., 1898-02-19
WAS rs The MANNER BORN

There was q t1ean and hungry look
about him as he opened the door OF the
lunch room and advanced toward the
desk.
IT want to see the proprietor" he said,
with the cir Of one born to command.
The man behind the desk took In at Z
glance the heavy fringe on the strangers
pantaloons the I-have-seen-bstter-day as
pect Of his torn coat, and the mutilated
and discolored appearance OF his hat.
well, whatll you have7' he said. short
ly. his eyes moving suggestiveiy toward
the door and back again to the stranger.
Sir" said the latter. Strengthening him
self and proudly throwing back his head.
you see before you a gentleman to the
the Klond-"
That's enouEhr' interrupted the pro-
prietor. and there was q coldness in his
voice that reminded the stranger Of an
Alaska blizzard he had read about.
Theres the door," went on the man be-
hind the desk. pointing toward that aper-
Surely I am at liberty to ask a civil
question:" remarked the stranger in an
injured tone. Il merely wanted to know
the price OF q square meal"
twenty-five cents, and In advance.'
snapped the proprietor.
The stranger sighed and stepped back a
pace. Unfortunately for me at the pres
ent moment. I gave my last half dollar
to poor man last night who was in search
OF lodging; but. gentleman to the manner
born though am, can work. Isn't there
something can do to earn mealT'
think l showed you the door once. -
said the proprietor, bouncing UP from his
seat.
''One moment" said the stranger, edg-
ing regretfully toward the door, Il no.
tice that your place is in one Of the older
in ho pft a.
that perhaps the rats are a source of an
nOyance to YOU"
We'll, what II they are?" asked the pro-
prtetor, pausing abruptly.
A new light shone in the strangers eyes,
and the gentleman to the manner born in
stinct showed itself In the graceful bow he
made.
Because I am a great rat exterminator.
Give me square meal and am ready to
kill the vermin. wipe them out"
Tne proprietor seemed impressed. He
hesitated only q moment, and then bade the
stranger to be seated An hour afterward
tne stranger sat back in his chair with a
sigh Of contentment as he finished his
dessert.
Here is 10 cents" he said to the waiter,
put am gentleman to the manner born
small sum-" and he returned the dime to
his pocket.
Now for the rat killing" he muttered,
rising from his seat.
am going to ask you for a biscuit roll
er, ne said suavely to the proprietor.
When that implement was brought he roll
ed up his sleeves in a business like manner,
and looking at those who were crowded
around him, Are you ready to go ahead?'
he asked
Certainly" said the proprietor a little
puzzled.
well. I'm ready, too. Just waltz out
your rats and I'll kill them, according to
the letter of my contract"
The netghbOrS didn't know inst bof
was happening. but 1t seemed like merry
go-round was In operation within the res
taurant. Half an hour later the proprietor
was caressing his eye with a piece of raw
beefsteak and tall, soldierly man was
walking down the street. Part of his coat
tail was gone and he looked as if he might
have been used temporarily as a patent
floor scrubber. but his face was illumi-
mated with seraphic smile. such as arises
only from clear conscience and a full
stomach.