The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1899-12-27

of hope, II not OF promise. Can't we
be brave together? You always have
said you wanted only chance; that
something must turn up. Perhaps it
will when the New Year comes"
He shook the hand away, and the
razor cut his cheek.
You must have had a wlndfall," he
snarled as he stanched the wound.
you talk like you might be an heiress.
1t wasn't the nelghbors, thcnT
"rhere was no windfall." she answer
ed slowly. II was only trying to hold
on for your sake and-and his, | had
ring, you know"
Her voice faltered, and he wheeled
sharply, looking into her face. She
held mp her bare left hand and smiled
int his eyes bravely for one fitting
moment, Then she flung herself prone
upon the bed, shaking with convul-
slve sohs. The child ran to her and,
burying his face In her skirts, cried
too
lIalverson made haste TO finish dress
ing AS he hurried into his ulster his
wife rose quickly and staid him with
gesture.
you won't stay?"
~ can't" he muttered surllly. 81
have an engagement"
You'll be back tonlght?"
"Wherc else could GOT" he answer
ed, hut his eyes cvaded hers.
George" she said plcadingly. to
morrow VIII be New Years There Is
something | wish you would bring me
home tonight for n New Years gift.
VIII your" His wife chung to him as
she spoke, both arms around his neck
what is ~" he asked. His throat
was full of husks, but his manner
softcned The boy crept TO him and
wrapped him tight.
~ new man, George" she said bro
kenly
He kissed her. stopped and kissed tho
boy and went out without n word.
IIalvcrson walked with uncertain,
hestating steps eastward In the dim
bystreet to Clark. Empty cars were
running southwark. 1t was o'clock
The sky was clearing and the night
promised fair. Along the great artery
of the North Side. smooth In its new
dress OF asphalt the brilliant electric
light shonc In farfetchIng lanes,
milky way fallen to gross earth. As
the bell OF an approaching train her
aided Its coming he felt mechanically
In his pockets for fare. There was
nothing, Struggling closer into his col
lar, he started riycrward, walking
more brlskly now. lie was shlverlng,
although well clad, and within block
he entered saloon. The barkeeper
was alone.
81 guess you'll have to let me have
one on credit till next time, Dick" said
IIalyerson, with affected brlskness.
ITS pretty sharp outside. old man.
Off the shelf, please"
The barkeeper looked at him curious
ly as he poured out glassful of whls-
Ky aud drank It eagerly.
you look Hike ghost, sure enough"
his host commented as IIalverson set
down the glass. "What have you been
doing to yourself, my sonY'
rolstering party of young men
burst through the doorway before
IIalvcrson could answer lie knew
them all, and they greeted him effu-
sIvely.
Were out for sport tonight, Geor-
gle, my lad. Come along and see the
old year out. BE a good fellowW cried
one, slapplng his back with Jealous
energy.
IIalverson laughed. I'm broke to
night, Charley" he said airily, as IL IT
were Joke he could not but relish.
THAT makes no difference" returned
Charley bosterously. i've got enough
for both of us. Just drew n months
pay, you know. Come on"
WAat did II 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, II
last whlrl of the town! 1t might hard
en- his grim resolution. He would go
and he went.
1t was ten hours later when n porter
with bucket, mop and broom shook
him roughly by the shoulder. He
chair In an all night saloon In Fifth
avenue. How lie had come there he
did not remember.
Get out and get some alrl It's New
Years" called the white nproned man
beuInu 1nu ALL 4
your"
Haiverson rose with start, AWAKE
Recollection had rushed upon him Ike
an armed man and thrust home. He
knew what he had to do and grlmly
set to do 1t quickly Without n word
he went out He walked fast to Ran
dolph street and put his face to tie
east. SO this was the hour! Well, he
was ready. The water might be cold,
but he would not SILVER long. lie
went on swiftly.
Presently he was aware one paced
behind him with equal step. II he
slackened, the other Jagged. When he
put forth brlsker foot, the other held
to his heel This annoyed him, but he
| did not look around. 81 will shake him
off at the vladuct," 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 agoi Why not to
morrow"
The other drew beside him. IIalyer
son looked furtively and knew his com
panlon, though It had been long since
they had spoken. A gloomy frowr
clouded his flushed brow.
at must be tonight. 1t Is the end.
he said, as II In apology.
"Ahr' said the other. rs II so? 1
Is you, then, who Will leave 1t all be
hind. who viii fee, who will be thu