Gilpin observer., 1901-01-17

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"'d give round hundred for an
hdeaw Willard Hess suddenly exclaim-
ed. throwing a magazine upon n table
(which served as a writing desk and
catch all in his Bohemian den. Then
he pushed his chair back, ran his hand
through his thin sandy hair and stared
Pt the low, dingy ceiling.
what kind of an idea, old boyT de-
manded Burdett Brooks, a tall. slim
fellow Of 80, with dark, dreamy eyes
and an immense black mustache.
Brooks moved his canvas more to the
light and stood, brush in hand, waiting
for a reply.
H"An idea that would wiring about
1000 words from my empty pate" an
ewered Hess. The Blue Ok offers a
cash prize Of 5000 for the most orig
anal story of 1000 words received be-
fore Sept. /. Now, all I 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
Btory." Hess jumped to his feet and
stood with his thumbs in the armholes
of his vest. He was a short man,
smooth shaved, gray eyed and full Of
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, I don't know" Brooks said.
with a slight. Indifferent drawl. II
don't believe that quite see the drift
tof 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 n bunch Of keys. You
have money" he remarked abruptly.
"Some," admitted the artist. THAT
meat little sum l 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 a distinct pause between
each word. II could advertise or-or
something of that kind"
ut might work." Brooks said doubt
fully. But the thing looks bit risky.
Hess. II 1t failed. we'd either have to
y
tnnds publisher before long"
"But it shan't fail. Brooks" Hess
paced the floor excitedly. Lend me
hundred" he entreated. IN return it
swith.half of the five thousand"
The artist stepped to the table and
wrote out a check for the amount.
I''rake It. old boy" he said. ITS my
all. Well sink or swim together"
I'VE 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.
pHe turned to the right and went
down the long street leading TO the wa
ter front. On and on he walked. his
pulse beating high. his brain In n tu-
mutt. "a hundred dollars for m ideal"
The words thuudered In his ears until
he half fancied that he was shouting
them. When die reached the wharf. he
Sat down ON II pile OF lumber and
watched the crowds OF people that
were filing out of a steamer which had
Just arrived from an Asiaiic port.
p Among the last of the passengers to
land was small woman dressed in
black. n long. heavy mourning veil over
Aer face. She looked about inquiring-
BY, advanced 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 tic-
tton. there was strong undercurrent
Of gallantry In his nature. Going quick
ly toward the little wasnan In black. he
said:
Excuse me. madam. but may rem
der you any assistaDoey'
4 She pushed the long veil aside. dis
CLOSING a round. almost ehildlike face
and n pair OF liquid brown eyes. III
you'll be 30 kind" she answered in
bow, musical tones. ~ wish TO 30 to
the depot where I can take the over
Hand train for the east"
Permit me TO accompany you" the
author said. taking her small grip md
Heading the way.
A low mrrmured THANK you." was
her only response. She replaced the
dong veil and followed the man In ST.
hence.
The train was almost ready to leave
ps the two reached the platform. VIII
lard hurriedly seated his charge In the
car and turned to go.
, "You may sit here" said sweet
voice. md the little woman In black
tmotioned to the seat ut her side.
i The man hesitated and turned red.
He opened his mouth to explain that
he was not going east, but his tongue
seemed thick, and his lips refused to
frame the words. Some strange, ire
sistible power held him motionless and
spcechless. The whistle blew. the con.
6uctor shouted, the trim pulled out,