Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1899-12-28


George" she said pleadingly. TO.
morrow will be New Years. There is
something l wish you would bring me
home tonight for New Years gift.
Will you?' His wife chung to him as
she spoke, both arms around his neck.
what is it?'' he asked. His throat
was full of husks, but his manner
softened. The boy crept to him and
wrapped him tight.
IA new man, George" she said brok-
emily.
He kissed her, stopped and kissed
the boy and went out without a word.
= Halverson walked with uncertain,
hesitating steps eastward in the dim
bNstreet to Clark. Empty ears were
running southwark. 1t was o'clock.
The sky was clearing, and the night
promised fair. Along the great ar
terry OF the north side, smooth in its
new dress of asphalt the brilliant
electric light shone in farfetching
lanes. a milky way fallen to gross
earth. AS the bell of an approach
ing train heralded it's coming he felt
mechanically in his pocket for fare.
There was nothing. Struggling closer
into his collar. he started riverward,
Walking more briskly now. He was
shivering, although we'll clad, and
within a block he entered saloon.
The barSeeper was alone.
81 guess you'll have TO let me have
one on credit till next time. Dick
said lialyerson, with affected brisk
ness. Its pretty sharp outside, old
man. Oft the shelf, please.
The barkeeper looked at him cur
iously as he poured out a glassful of
whisky and drank it eagerly.
You look like ghost. sure
enough" his hos, commented as Hall
version set down the glass. what
have you been doing to yourself, my
sono"
A FOSTERING party of young men
burst through the doorway before
Halverson could answer. He knew
them all, and they greeted him effu-
sively.
We're out for sport tonight, Geor-
gle, my lad. Come along and see the
old year out BE u good fcllow!'
cried one. slapping his back with
Jealous energy.
Halvorson laughed. I'm broke to-
night, Charley" he said airily. as if it
We're a joke he could not but relish.
THAT makes no difference" re-
turned Charley boisterously. I've got
enough for both OF us. just drew a
months pay. you know. Come on"
What did it matter? Since he was
going to end ii all, was going to make
his escape, was going to shuttle off his
responsibilities this night before ever
the new year dawned. what did it
matter? One more night. with the
riot of spirits in his shaking pulses,
last whir of the town! 1t might
harden his grim resolution. He would
go. and he went.
1t was ten hours later when por-
ter with bucket, mop and broom,
shook him roughly by the shoulder.
Get up and get some air. Its New
Yeal''s!" called the white aproned
man behind the bar. ''You amt dead,
are you?"
Halvorson rose with start, awake.
Recollection had rushed upon him like
an armed man and thrust home. He
knew what he had to do and grimly
set to do it quickly. Without word
he went out. lie walked fast to Ran
dolph street and put his face to the
east. So this was the hour! Well, he
was ready. The water might be cold,
but he would not SILVER long. He
went on swiftly.
Presently he was aware one paced
behind him with equal step. If he
slackeDed, the other Jagged. When he
put forth a brislser foot, the other he'd
to his heel. This annoyed him. but he
did not look around. Il will shake
him off ut the viaduc,," he said to him
self.
You are in haste tonight the 9TH
CT called banteringly over his Shout
der why tonight? Why not yester-
day? Why not ten years ago? Why
not tomorrow?'
The other drew beside him. Hal
version looked furtively and knew his
companion, though it had been long
since they had spoken. A gloomy
frown clonded his flushed brow.
ut must be tonight. 1t is the end"
he said, as if in apology.
''Ah!" said the other. SIS 1t so? III
is you, then. who will leave it all be-
hind, who will flee. who will be the
coward? What OF them? What of
her? What of the boy? Must they
bear the brlnt aloneo'
II cannot help it," he Taltered. "'They
can be no worse off anyway. And it
isn't my fault. It's the cursed ucll."
he ended savagely.
Yes, the cursed luck, the other
answered, echoing his own innermost
thought. Whose cursed luck? Theirs,
not yours. Has she been loyal, de-
voted LOVING true forhaarinU n wife
a mother? And has he called you pa
pa, DEAR and looked with his deep,
truthful eyes to you as his shield and
his refuge, his solace, his God? And
you, what have you done? Have you
poured your patrimony down your
throat? Have you sunk your manhood
at the gaming cloth? Have you paid
love with neglect and cast the joys of
fatherhood to swine? Have you, who
have talent and education and once had
friends, sold your possessions stick by
stick until your wife pawns her we'd
ding ring to buy fire and food for her
baby-and for you?"
Halverson hung his head. They
were on the viaduet now. The other
! drew yet closer until he touched him.
\ pale light faltered among the stars
which marked the east before them.
They walked on together.
''Pah." cried the other in a burst of
high scorn. You sicken me. You are
less courageous than the mere beast,
you with brain DO You think YOU
are nothing? Do you believe by pull
ing the shelter of the lake over your
own miserable head and body you pre-
serve your honor? Why, man, man,