The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1899-12-27
ITS pretty sharp outside, old man.

III 8 pretty SndTp oulSlue, oiu HILL.
Off the shelf. please"
The barkeeper looked ut him curious
ly as he poured out glassful of whis-
ky and drank it eagerly.
You look like ghost, sure enough"
his host commented as Halverson set
down the glass. What have you been
doing to yourself. my son?'
A roistering party Of young MEN
burst through the doorway before
Halvcrson could auswer. lie knew
them all, and they greeted him ef'u-
sively.
Were out for sport tonight. Geor-
gle, my lad. Come along and see the
old year out. Be good fellow" cried
one. slapping his back with Jealous
energy.
Halverson laughed. I'm broke to-
night. Charley" he said airily. as If it
were a joke he could not but relish.
THAT makes no difference" returned
Charley boisterously. I've got enough
for both Of us. Just drew months
pay. you know. Come on"
What did it matter? Since he was
going to end it 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 whirl of the town! 1t might hard
en- his grim resolution. He would so.
and he went.
It was ten hours later when a porter
with bucket, mop and broom shook
him roughly by the shoulder. He
found himself sleeping heavily in a
chair in an all night saloon in Fifth
avenue. How he had come there he
did not remember.
Get out and get some air! It's New
Years." called the white aproned man
behind the bar. "You amt dead, are
you?"
Halverson rose with q start. awake.
Recollection had rushed upon him like
an armed man and thrust home. He
knew what he had to do and grmly
set to do it quickly. Without a word
he went out. He walked fast to ran
dolph street and put his face to the
east. So this was the hour! We'll. he
was ready. The water might be cold,
but he would not shiver long. He
went on swiftly.
Presently he was aware one paced
behind him with equal step. If he
slackened. the other Jagged. When he
put forth brisker foot. the other held
to his heel. This annoyed him, but he
did not look around. 81 will shake him
off at the viaduct." he said to himself.
You are in haste tonight" the other
called banteringly over his shoulder.
"Why tonight? Why not yesterday?
Why not ten years ago? Why not to-
morrow"
The other drew beside him. Halvcr-
son looked furtively and knew his COM
panion, though it had been long since
they had spoken. A gloomy frown
clouded his flushed brow.
1T must be tonight. 1t is the end"
he said. as If In apology.
"Ah" said the other. 'Ts t so? Il
is you. then. who will leave it all be-
hind. who will fee. who will be the
coward? What Of them? What Of
her? What Of the boy? Must they
bear the brunt alone:'
~ cannot help it," he faltered. "They
can be no worse of anyway. And it
isn't MY fault It's the cursed luck?
he ended savagely.
eyes. 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. forbearing. a wife.
mother? And has he called you pa
pa, dear, and looked with his deep
truthful eyes to 80: Is his shield and
his re'uSe, his so,"ce 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
wedding ring to buy fire and food for
her baby-and for you:'
Halverson hung his head. They
were on the viaduct now. The other
drew vet closer until he touched him.