Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-24

good feeling and went our different ways
saw him many times in the next two
years, but his life and mine were wide apart
ard he seemed to have forgotten my exist
ence.
Three years sailed past in the fog. Before
the next would come and go l would be a
member of the bar of California. | was of
age aud had fallen in love. This, with a
sertain self reliance some small success had
brought me, must have changed me some
what. Yet when ] saw Fearson's face look
ing out of the window of a passing cab |
forgot my dignity, and with my green bag
over my shoulder, l ran after the rafting
four wheels, and. catching it, jerked at the
door handle and almost plunged into Fear
son arms
He was never exactly demonstrative, but
ne was oVerJoyed to see me and shook me
by the shoulders until my head ached
But he was sadly changed. His neatness
in his dress was gone and then he smelt
of liquor. His face was pale and rather
worn and his eyes were not so clear and
bright as they used to be: despite his sleep
less nights l he had been ill.,
Almost his first inquiry was for Roach
Had l seen him." No, not for months"
l felt piqued that he did not ask about
myself. 1t seemed unkind.
Don't leave me, Tommy boy" he said
Drive with me. we must find the Rajah''
The cab rumbled on again
L looked at Pearson closely. / felt as If
he were not he at all. He placed his hand
on my knee in the old way and at last he
broke the silence. He told me that he had
only Just arrived in town. Back from
hell and nowhere" he said But one thing
he must find Roach at once
grew frightened at this persistence, and
tried to tell him about my own position and
future, almost in desperation
1t was use. He paid no attention to
me; looking out of the windows from side
to side. and boiling out of the carriage
into the places where he thought he
might find Roach with Wait here I'll be
back, and slam of the door
Two or three times / was TEMPTED to
clear out and leave him In the lurch But
Tor some reason did not do so.
From the last place he entered he shot
out on a run.
Hes been there" he shouted. "Rack
to the hotel. Drive! Drive, you lazy devil
he screamed to the man on the box. Drive
quickly
On the way he apologized for his abstrac-
ton. He spoke in high. excited voice. I
could just hear what he said above the
roar of our fast driving
He wanted to hear everything about me
ne SAID. But just now he must find Roach
ICnight ned tell me everything-we'd have
an old-time pow pow.
tried TO smile and nodded, as we swung
sharp about corner and pulled IN ar the
motel 1t was well stopped the horses
Knees were trembling and their heads pitch
ca forward Pearson glanced at the clock
and gave sigh of relief. He paid the fare
III small change. fished up from various
pockets and was somewhat short of the
amount. 1t was quite pitiful to see his
Ike schoolgirl when I handed it to the
driver. but made comment
me reeking horses were slowly driven off
and turned to Pearson.
How long is it since you have seen
Roach?' / asked to relieve the silence.
Three years-we split, you know"
But you were making money! 1 half
inquired.
1t al back in hole In the earth. I
blew 1t into the place 1t came from-fast as
we made it," Pearson answered 1T was
the gambling desire, I suppose There is
fighting"
l looked at him in establishment. He
probably OWNED my thought.
oh no; not that" he said quietly.
Roach knew. He trusted to my luck. I
was just fool. I wanted to get rich and
quick. BUT Tom. old chap, my luck's gone
and worse, too, l fear" He stopped and
bit his teeth into his lower lip, which was
trembling.
Look here" he went on nervous!y i've
peen praying lately-think of that. and dye
know, I'm going away-soon. Back to a
niue place where most people have forgot
ten me- There's an old man living there
whose heart I've broken. and and he'd die
naPpy II Il knelt down beside him-I'm going
10 90 II, lad, God willing, and God held me
Could this be the cd Courageous Fearsono
MS man whose eyes were filled with tears
ana whose voice broke weakly I found
myself studying his face attentively. Re
a aUre ! XXI. Knew what was coming he had
sllpped the gold ring he wore from his mid
die finger, saying; Keep it, Tom: not for
luck, dear boy, but just because 7 wsnt
you to- want
As l took 1t l noticed that Fearson,s
PAINS We're calloused and the inside surface
or the ring was scratched and dented.
balanced 1t in my hand. and for the life OF
me could not think Of one word to saw
l Wisheo TO put my arm about him and com.