Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1899-09-06
DICKS GUEST.

He was a single man on principle. II
was the right thing economically, and
therefore right Individually.
To n person in the world Richard
Whinstone was generous, and that was
bis dear friend, Richard Whinstone.
Richard Whinstone had done a good
days work. He had made one or two
profitable shaves. He had sold up the
Widow Marten and turned her and her
six children out of doors for nonpay-
ment Of rent, and finally had read a lit
tie boy with a pinohed and pitiful face
who had besought the price of a loaf Of
bread and who said he had a sick moth
er at home a lecture on the sinfulness
Of begging that evidently touched the
little wretch's conscience, for he turned
aside and wept bitterly.
"You're a good citizen, Dick" he
said as he sat down to dinner, "and de-
serve to be rewarded"
The dinner was one after his own
heart. 1t was a treat he had promised
himself if things went right, and they
had gone right.
He ate, drank and was merry. If his
appetite lost it's edge, the bottle of bur-
gundy was there to whet it, and he fell
to again till the last morsel, Hike Mac
beth's amen, stuck in his throat.
Safety normally begets placidity. The
lion Tho 1ooporI ond tho 1opoh posohS
lie down together any day with perfect
safety to the latter provided the two
former had their bellies full. The boa
constructor gorged with an OK betakes
himself for a season to a life of quiet,
but the effect on. Richard Whinstone
was different. The expense Of dinner
rested heavily OF his conscience, and
his brain began to busy itself with
schemes of reimbursement.
The current Of his thoughts was in
terrupted by a loud knock. Who could
be coming on business at that hour,
Some one perhaps with a bill to discount
in an emergency that would bear nc
waiting. So much the better, and ht
fastened to open the door.
"How are you, Dick?" the strange,
greeted him, with a familiarity alto,
gether too careless for a needy customer.
II have not the pleasure of your &C.
quaintance, sir" said Richard in tone
more freezing than polite.
"But I know you very we'll, return
ed the stranger, "and pray don't let us
stand here bandying ceremonies. for it's
COMPOUNDED chilly" Saying which be
ledsthe way to the apartment Richard
had just quilted.
well, this is comfort, +" he contin-
ned, rubbing his hands before the fire.
II haven't felt so much at home since !
left there"
A hasty survey Of his visitor added
alarm to Richards establishment. He
was a wiry, i'll looking little man, in a
rusty suit Of black, with a wicked leer
OF his face and one club foot.
II say, Dick" the little man re-.
sumed, holding his hands in the blaze
as il they were fireproof, "what an in
hospitable dog you srel"
whether hospitable or inhospita-
ble," growled Richard, losing his tenn.
per as he gained his courage, sis not
your business, but I would like to know
what is"
"It's bad talking business on an
empty stomach"
II don'tssee how it's to be helped"
answered Dick doQQedly.
"Don't you see how it's to be helped.
you curmudgeon?" Numbered the little
man feroely. "With the remains Of
such a feast on the table there must be
mose where it came from"
Upon my word" replied Richard
meekly, for be was getting frightened
again, ''there ism bite in the house"
Don't lier" roared the other.
There's q cold ham in the pantry and
q demijohn Of brandy in the closet"
How do you know that?'' it was on
the tip Of Richards tongue to ask, but
he was too much amazed to speak.
"How do | know it?'' broke in the
stranger, as II reading his thoughts.
"Why. I smell them. So bring them
out"
Richard would have demurred, but
his guest made a movement which con-
WINGED him delay might be dangerous,
and the required articles were produced.
Without changing his seat, the little
man drew up to the table and began to
eat. Aud how be did eati A chunk Of
ham. big enough for a shark bait, was
stuck on the point Of the carving knife
and thrust down his throat with the
audacity Of q sword swallower. Another
and another followed, till nothing re-
mained but the bona which be crushea