Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 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
Us 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
stretched full length on sofa; his
eyes were closed, The other reclined
in basket chair, his feet propped up
on a STOOL A bottle of spirits stood
on a 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
What a flrst-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 IL, old
son, else--well, 1t 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
20, 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
own hand at present." he remarked
mo, I'm burned ii 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
tot up to your present condl-
ton, all by its sweet self" He
paused Il suppose there are few
other things, among them the usual
thing. And the bits di.l't fit in nice
Iy, 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 I
leaned against the edge Of the table, !
watched him from the ,
corner of his eye, but said nothing.
ITS quite like a 2penny novelette,"
be~an Stavert, rolling cigarette med |
tatively. my mother made a runaway .
match with poor devil of an artist /
She was woman of title and be /
onged to a noble family, who prompt J.
Nv disGwned her for daring to marry
the man she loved. She was absolutely .
cut off; her name was never to be Z
mentioned again in the family. The .
artist, my father, worked hard and .
managed to keep her in modest but .
circumstances. they I
loved one another. anu don't think
she ever regretted the step she had 1
taken" Stavert paused. Then, when .
I was about 10, | found myself an
orphan, with an odd hundred pounds
10 my name My great idea had been
The navy, and a friend wrote to my .
uncle. who was a lord Of the admir-. .
atty. to know If he would help me,
The dear entleman replied that, as he
refused to recognize bis sister, so he
n.st refuse to recognize her son .
Then some one suggested the y. I,
G. service, and put me ia the way OF
going through the course
But" interposed Brickenden, what
about the impossible thing-the in.
,idcnt whi1h has caused you to adopt
brandy seat as your fayo
rite recreation"
Stayert wetted his dry lips.
After putting IN my Ave years at
Calcut Point. I went home. ] had .
pretty good time knocking around In
he midst OF ii | went to Cowes for
he regatta week. | ran against some
decent people. who invited me on
heir yacht He paused. And there
II met her."
II was my fathers case over again,
but without his means TO carry II e
IN Issue. She was clean above me in
station She loved me. anf ! loved her
T. ~