Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1901-01-24
THE NEAREST THING"

tuted the quarters of the Universe
Telegraph ompany's station at Mar
enzoa the tropical sun was blazing
down. 1t was called Marenzoa, though
as a matter of fact distance of three
miles separated it from the little
Portuguese town inland. from which
the station took its name.
In the dim light of the living-room
were two young men. One was
full length on sofa; his
eyes were closed. The other reclined
in basket chair, his feet propped up
on stool. A bottle of spirits stood
on table close by. He stretched for
ward shaking hand and poured out
half a tumblerful
Brickenden, the man on the sofa,
opened his eyes. He shivered slightly
Thank heaven. I'm through with
this weeks dose!" he exclaimed
What first-class all-around joy is in
termittent fever!" Then his eyes
fell on his companion, who was in the
act of raising his glass to his lips
Here, go easy, Stavvy!" he cried
That's the third since lunch, and it
don't do in sweet, lovable climate
like this! You'll have to stop it, old
son, else-well, it is equivalent to go
ing out by your own hand, that's all; :"
Stavert gulped down half the
brandy. He was young man of about
23, with strikingly handsome features.
Fever and hard drinking, however
had told their tale, and the eyes were
sunken and red trimmed. the cheeks
hollow, the face haggard and worn.
There doesn't seem to be any par
ticular drawback to going out by my
own hand at present." he remarked.
NO, I'm burned il there does!" he
added thoughtfully.
Brickenden raised himself on the
sofa, and looked across at his friend.
Il admit Marenzoa is bit "nervy'
at times, and about the worst of the
stations!" he said slowly %"But it
wouldn't tot up to your present condl-
ton, all by it's sweet self" He
paused. Il suppose there are few
other things, among them the usual
thing. And the bits diSn't fit in nice
ly, eh?"
Stavert tossed down the remaining
brandy.
1t was impossible in any easel" he
said jerkily. Then he broke into
harsh laugh. I've never told you my
little story, have |, Brick? | don't
make habit of doing it, you know"
He got up from his seat shakily and
leaned against the edge of the table
watched him from the
corner of his eye, but said nothing.
Its quite like 2-penny novelette,"
beGan Stavert, rolling cigarette med
tatively. my mother made a runaway
match with a poor devil of an artist. !
She was woman of title and be. |
onged to noble family, who prompt |
" disowned her for daring to marry |
he man she loved. She was absolutely |
cut off; her name was never to be !
mentioned again in the family. The |
artist, my father, worked hard and |
to keep her in modest but |
comfortable circumstances. They |
owed one another, and / don't think
'he ever regretted the step she had |
AIKEN" Stavert paused. Then, when |
was about Is, found myself an
orphan, with an odd hundred pounds
o my name. My great idea had been
he navy, and a friend wrote to my
lncle, who was lord of the admir-.
Llty, to know If he would help me.
The dear entleman replied that, as he
efused to recognize his sister, so he
must refuse to recognize her son.
Then some one suggested the u. 7.
:. service, and put me in the way Of
.oing through the course"
But, interposed Brickenden, what
bout the impossible thing-the in.
ident which has caused you to adopt
brandy neat as your favo.
lite recreation?"
Stavert wetted his dry lips.
After putting in my five years at
'aicnt Point. ] went home. had 2
retty good time knocking around. In
he midst Of it went TO Cowes for
he regatta week. ran against some
ecent people, who invited me on
heir yacht" He paused. And there
Il met heri"
1t was my fathers case over again.
ut without his means to carry it te
L issue. She was clean above me in
tation. She loved me, and loved her
was a mad timel" He sighed softly