The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1901-01-02


;,,.a" willard Hess suddenly exclaim-
cd. throwing magazine upon table
which served as n writing desk and
catch all in his Bohemian den. Then
he pushed his chair back, ran his hand
through his thin sandy ha.- and stared
at the low, dingy ceiling.
"What kind of an idea, old boy? 2" de-
manded Burdett Brooks, q tall, slim
fellow Of 80, with dark, dreamy eyes
and an immense black mustaclie.
Brooks moved LIS canvas more to the
light and stood, brush In hand, waiting
for reply.
can idea that would wiring about
1000 words from my empty pate," an
swered Hess. Tho Blue Ok offers q
cash prize Of $1,000 for the NEST orig
inal story of 1000 words received be-
fore Sept. 1. Now, all need is an
original idea, and, presto, the prize is
mine! What do you say to going halves?
You furnish the idea, and I'll do the
story Hess jumped to his feet and
stood with his thumbs in the armholes
Of his vest. He was short man,
SluOOtu chuVCoS 6Ady CSCu dSu LuAA Va
nervous energy. The lines in his face.
especially the deep set horizonal ones
across the high forehead. told that he
took life more seriously than did the
artist.
"Oh, don't know" Brooks said,
with slight, Indifferent drawl. II
don't believe that quite see the drift
cf your scheme. What's the use Of
beating around the bush, Hess?"
Willard Hess changed his position.
He ran his right hand into his pocket
and jingled bunch of keys. "You
have money" he remarked abruptly.
"Some," admitted the artist. ''That
neat little sum 1 received for my last
painting is not all gone"
Money will procure most anything
in this world" continued the other.
$50 they claim" assented Brooks.
'Then why not an idea? Hess spoke
slowly, with distinct pause between
each word. 81 could advertise or-or
something Of that kind.''
1T might work." Brooks said doubt
fully. "But the thing looks bit risky,
Hess. If it failed. we'd either have to
:starve or beg unless that novel Of yours
finds publisher before long,
"But it shan't fail. Brooks" Hess
paced the Aoor excitedly. LEND me a
hundred" he entreated. .'1'll return it
with half Of the five thousand
The artist stepped to the table and
wrote OUT q check for the amount.
Take It, old boy" he said. "It's my
all. Well sink or swim together"
1--WE shan't SINK" was the authors
hopeful remark as he grasped his
friends hand and wrung 1t with un-
spoken gratitude. Then he donned his
hat and coat and went out into the
open air to think, to formulate some
plan by which to buy an idea.
He turned to the right and went
down the long street lending to the va.
ter front. On and on he walked, his
pulse beating high. his brain in tu-
multi "a hundred dollars for IN ideaW
The words thnndered In his ears nDtii
he half fancied that he was shcuting
them. When he reached the wharf, he
sat down on d pile Of lumber and
watched the crowds Of people that
were filing out Of q steamer which had
just arrived from an Asiatic port
Among the last of the passengers to
land was small woman dressed in
black. long, henvy mourning rel. over,
her face. She looked about inquiring-
~, advanced q step or two and then
paused hesitatingly.
In an Instant Willard Hess was on
his feet, Though he had mingled little
with women, save in the world Of flc-
ton, there was a strong undercurrent
or gallantry In his nature. Going quick.
~ toward the little woman In black, he
said:
Excuse me, madam. but may ! rem
DER you any assistanceT'
She pushed the long Sell aside, dis.
closing round. almost childlike face
ana a pair Of liquid brown eyes. "If
you'll be SO kind" she answered in
low, musical tones. 81 wis', to 60 to
the depot where can take the over
land train for the east"
Permit me to accompany you," the
author said, taking her small grip and
leading the way.
a low mCrmured sThank your, was
her only response. She replaced the
long veil and followed the man In ST.
lence.
The train was almost ready to leave
as the two reached the platform. VIII
lard hurriedly seated his charge In the
chr and turned to go.
You may sit here" said sweet
voice, and the little woman In blac,
motioned to the sent at her side.
Ihe man hesitated and turned red.
He opeaed his mouth to explain that
ne was not going east. but his tongue
seemed thick, and his lips refused to
ilame the words. Some strange, irrc-
sistible power held him motioniess and
speechless The whistle blew, the con-
auctor shouted, the train pulled out
and Willard Hess sank Imply into the
seat beside the woman. q
I'm so glad that you offered to ac.
company me-" she said frankly in
pleased tone.
Willard wiped the pers2iration from
MS brow and cleared his throft.