Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1899-05-12
DICKS GUEST.

To get money ard to keep It, accord
ing to Richard Whirstone's catechism,
were the two chief ends Of man.
He was a single nan on principle. 1t
was the right thing economically, and
therefore right individually.
To one person In the world Richard
Whinstonc was generous, and that was
bis dear friend, Richard Whinstone.
Richard Whinstone had lone a good
days work. He had made enc or two
profitable shaves. lie had sold up the
Widow Marten and tnrued her and her
six children out Of doors for nonpay-
ment of rent, ard finally had read a lit
tie boy with a pinobed and pitiful face
who had b%esought the price Of a loaf Of
bread and who said he had q sick moth
or at homo a lecture On tho siufulness
of begging that evidently touched the
little wretch's conscience, for he turned
aside and wept bitterly.
You're Z good citizen, Dick" he
said as lie Eat down to dinner. land de-
serve to be rewarded"
Tho dinner was one after his own
heart. II YVES q treat he had promised
himself if things went rishc, and they
had gone right.
He ate, drank and was merry. II his
appetite Lost its edge, the bottle of bur
gundy was tkero to wEet it, and he fell
10 again till the last morsel. like Mac
beth's amen, stuck in his throat.
Safety normally beget5 placidity. The
lion, tho Leopard and the lamb might
lie down together any day With perfect
safety to tho latter provided the two
former had their bellies full. The boa
constructor gorged with an OK botakes
himself fer n season 10 a life of quiet,
but the effect Oh Richard Whinstone
was different. The expense Of dinner
rested heavily on his conscience, and
his brain began to busy itself with
echemos Of reimbursement.
Tie current CT his thoughts was in
~terrupted by q loud knock. Who could
be coming on business at that houri
Some enc perhaps with "a bill to discoul
In an emer yency that would bear nc
waiting. So much the better, and he
FASTENED to open the door.
"How are you, Dick?" the stranger
greeted him, with a familiarity alto
gether too careless for a needy customer
81 have not the pleasure of your &c
quaintanec, siT, " said Richard in toni
more freezing than polite.
"But | know you very we'll, " return
ed the stranger, land pray don't let u
stand here baudying ceremonies, for it,
~uonfcupded chilly" Saying which b
led tho way to the apartment Richart
had just quilted.
"Well, this is comfort, he contin
ued, rubbing his hands before tho fire
81 haven't felt so much at home since
left there"
4 hasty survey Of his visitor adde
alarm 10 Richards astonishment. II
was q wiry. Ill looking little man, in
rusty suit Of black, with q wicked lee
On his face aud one club foot.
81 say. Dick, -" the little man r
umed. holding bis hands in tho bla1
as u they wCrs hrepraof, what an il
hospitabls dog you arep'
Whether hospitable or inhospit.
bic. " frowled Richard losing his ten
per as lac gained his courage, "is NJ
your business hut would like to kno'
what 81.
"ft's had talking business on a
empty stomach
..rl sr how it's 20 DO helped,
90 be helpe'
.loered the lit
WITH the remain
.u the tlble there must
,-arsi NJ clme trOm.
t.n my word replied Richal
meoEiy, foT be was getting frightenC
again "thsreis n'ta bite ID the house.
lnut Hoi' reared the othe
-Il. CO. a cold ham IN the pantry al
a ceuij1bn " brandy in the closet.
How do You know thatf' it was {
the tip d Richards tongue to ask, b
he vas too muoh amazed to speak.
"duw do l know it," broke in Il
stranger. as il reading his thought
"NYhy. I smell them. So bring the
out"
Richard would have demurred, b
his guest made a movement which 90
WINGED him delay might ba dangerou
and the required articles were produce
Without changing his seat, the lih
man drew up to $40 table and began
cat And bow he did esJl a chunk
nam big eaorgb for a shark bait, W
siue4 on ihe point OF the carving kni
and thruss down his throat with I
audacity Il a sword swallower. Anoth
and auo,hep followed, ill nothing !
mained but The bone, which he crush