Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-26

ding cordially to Groves he stepped over to
the bed. And hows the corpse?" he asked
jovially, as he gently shook the waxy fin
gers
Never better I'll be out soon"
Good. Sure you will. You're looking
better" But Mac lied. He knew it and
Groves knew it; but Groves was grateful,
for it was lie of the utmost charity.
Groves, old man, I'm sorry you're ut
but it's part of the game, you know. 1
know how 1t is myself-and-and you've got
this convalescent here to take care of, so
thought I'd stake you to this. Here's $50
until you get on again in case you're short.
This was rather sudden, you know" But
there was a hardening in Groves eyes that
thought of the eleven lone dollars in his
jacket, looked at the sick boy and stretched
out his hand for the loan. But the pale
face on the pillow turned hectic.
No, thank you Mac We don't need It,"
coughed the sick boy and the older brother
instantly changed the direction of his grasp
toward the table and picked up his pipe
But Mac had noted the move and under
stood.
well, boys glad you don't. But you
know where to come If you do. Must hus-
tie along, or Martin will be firing me again
-er.er-Ive got to make long trip out
to Forest Park this afternoon, so must
hurry. Good luck" And he was gone.
Groves savagely locked the door, stepped
to the bed and the eyes Of the brothers met
Il would have starved frst-for myself
but for you, Jim, l would have taken It
even from him.
And was foolish, Bob. I forgot what it
meant to you How much humiliation and
trouble those thirty dollars would save Won
till you get work worthy of you"
But the older brother said not a word
Sitting bumped over on the bed, his square
jaws locked In his open palms, his elbows
on his knees. he stared at one of the holes
in the dull carpet till 1t became a wet blur
But the long, white blue-livid hand, a
violinist hand it was, caressed his hair
M a ri 1v,1 hoo
hardened.
Good. Bob, good! You'll win out vet.
Remember Cortez at Otamba" This was
their battle cry. They had read Prescott
aloud together, and when pressure came
the memory of that iron Spaniard always
put new courage into them. That slogan
had kept the sick alive for months; its
ringing import was second only to the older
brothers care.
Remember Cortez at Otamba," repeated
the sick boy.
Then Groves armed himself with fresh
determination and stoutly put on his over
coat.
THE old he-wolf will go out on the hunt,
my cub; and he'll bring down kill before
more help to me as you are than If you
were on your feet; for you keep me
straight, and you keep me going
Giving mock growl. the older brother
went through the door another man. An
hour before he had dragged home: but
now he was going forth again almost light
hearted.
Right on the corner a hearty slap caught
Groves across the back.
Hello, old man. Heard you were out
That's rank. Not your fault. But we all
know Fisher. Here-you may need these
Take your time about returning them.
Adios. I've got to jump this car. See you
later"
| Before Groves could recover, the speaker
| his chum Dan. was on the car. He looked
| at the two pieces Of metal in his hand
| two $40 gold pieces.
God is good, after ALL" he murmured.
| Grit and square dealing will win out in
| the end; and 1t never lacks frends-even ii
| 1t can't make tea" he unused, as he stared
| at the yellow joy In his hand.
But there was one thing about 1t all that
he did not know. Ten minutes before three
| fourths Of that money had been handed to
| Dan by Mac. To Macs rejected $50 Dan