The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-04-14

BY KENNETH BROWN.
Copyright, 1903. by Robes. Howard
1oIssell.O

young Ted CARTS obtained the famous
DelWateT story was hardly legitimate
even in these days when one paper in
Chicago proudly published a diagram
OF rs a1rshaft down which It's enter
rising reporters were suspended that
they might listen TO the deliberations
of q jury and write them up for the
public public which IS s~candallzed,
but gladly pays to hear. As every one
will remember. the hid West was the
first paper that published anything like
the true inwardness of the Delwater
affair; and for several days after it's
DubIication-indeed until the Marquis
Of ELEVATE left the country in such
haste-the story vas received with the
Jeers with which newspapers always
treat the beats of their rivals so long
as there is a chance Of those beats not
being true.
Curtis tried to see the noble marquis
first at the Auditorium hotel, Curtis
was covering hotels at the time), but
Delwater was more tina a match for
the reporters who did the hotels, and
insU1ted them right and left when they
managed to speak to him, and at other
times refused outright to see them. 1t
may not generally be known that re-
pOrters are long-suffering and forgiving
and only colOr the news with their per-
sOnal feelings as much as the city edi-
tor approves of. in the majority OF
cases. What paragraphs appeared
about DelWater, however, showed ami
mus; for he was one that would have
tried a more than human fO~rbearance
For example, when Schneider was put
on he story, and went UP to him in the
lobby of the Auditorium with his pOlit-
est manner-he could be very ~ingratiat-
ing when he Chose-and asked him a
question hat to a man as much a pub
lie character IS he, could not in the
least be considered an intrusion into
his private affairs, Delwater looked over
his head, and said to his secretary:
Curious they allow these vermfn in
the hotels"
Curtis happened to be standing a few
feet away, and marvelled at Schneider,
not knowing the self-cOntroI q f1rst-class
reporter acquires. Schneider said Moth
ing. He turned very pale, and walked
out Of the hotel. Curtis followed him,
not speaking for a few minutes; words
were inadequate to the situation. When
they came opposite the C. a. A. club
Aouse, Schneider stopped to light q
cigar. He took a few puffs at it with
his head thrown Il little back to keep
the smoke out q his eyes, and then
aid in quite an ordinary ,tcne OF voice:
Tough customer, Tad"
Why didn't YOU give him a swift
punch? The r.aper'd have paid your
fine, wouldn't lt?'
I'd miss the ~story-I've got to get
tina first"
They separated IT the Palmer House,
and Curtis did not see Schneider again
for q week. Then he happened to be
In the city EDITORS office and hear him
say in II cher a sneering o n to Schnei-
der: You seem to be spending a very
enjoyable week. Ioafing owe that Del
water story"
Nobody else has got ahead of me,
have they?'+ Schneider answered quick
y.
"Hlo; and [ can't see thar o with
your keen, centre-board nose for news
have got ahead Of anybody else, either"
Brainard said
Schneider only smiled IN a sickIy way,
and went out int the general office.
Tad could sympathize with him; he had
felt the encouragement of Bratnard's
tongue himself pretty often IN the few
months he n been on the Mid West.
The next day was Tad's day off, and
he slept late in the morning, prelimf-
nafy TO enjoying the rest of the day.
About noon he was dressing leisurely
when Schneider came into my I'M
carrying a little handbag.
Say, Tad. o are you going to spend
the day." he asked.
Well, I think I shall play some ten
MS on theWyandOtte courts. and then
make a caE. if I have time; and this
evening
This evening you're coming with me,
to help me out of a hole"
"And these7" Tad fshed about In the
pockets of his coat, hanging over the
back of a chair, and found a couple of
theatre tickets. II wormed 'em out of
the dramatic editor with infinite palms,"
ne explained.
Those you may send to the lady who
was going to enjoy them with yo}I. and
let her choose her own escort. She'll
be the more grateful to you" Schnei-
der grInned.
And what shall 1 get for helping
you out of n nOle-in which Doubtless
the fates have put you for your own
desserts?"
Il shall get great glory, and YOU Will
win my everlasting gratitude
HIN! What's your plan?" Curtis
had an immense admiration for Schnei-
der. and not for all the girls in Chicago
would he have missed the chance of en-
gaging In a promising enterprise with
him. He was grutnbling 10 hide his
pleasure.
I'm going 10 abstract from the gen
tlemanly Marquis of DelWater the true
inwardness OF his casting off OF his
daughter. if l have touse a cork-screw."
Cant Q get him drunk without
me?"
You are too literal, Tad. We are
rniv1c n hlanDo1 ---o- d, ~, -,-1, FrnrS