The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-08-08
able in Hillsman's eyes as rare bric-a-


conclusion that it was because he
knew but little. llillsman's idea was
that Il big land purchase of some
kind was in contemplation, but for
what purpose he could not say.
While Warde was still hoping that
he would be able to learn something
from this source, llillsman was dis
charged from Col. Franklin's employ
ment on the ground of too frequent
drunkenness. and because he had col
lectcd Il considerable sum of money
for his employer and while under the
the influence of liquor had gamblcd it
away. When Wur,e heard this he
abandoned any hope of getting any
trustworthy information from Hills
man.
But Il singular thing happened that
very night. Warde's habit was to
take Il light lunch about midnight,
and he usually got it at Il restaurant
which was then Il great resort in the
night and sold everything in the line
of liquors and food, from Il glass of
beer to Il criSply cooked pompano.
There was scarcely an hour of the
night when it was not filled with
guests. 1t was great rendezvous
for actors and persons who had been
to the theater. The fast young men
about town and the gentlemen gam
blers made it their midnight meeting
place. Here well-known politicians
who had been at work under cover
of darkness usually topped off their
labors with Il plate of oysters or u
bottle of champagne. The place was
always cheerful and inviting, and gave
bright side to the night life of the
city.
When Warde entered nearly all the
tables were occupied by the guests.
In Il distant corner, however, he saw
Hillsman sitting alone.
The clerk saw him at the same time
and rather hlariously beckoned to
him. Irving accordingly seated him-
self at Hillsman's table. He soon dis
covered that IlilIsman was in Il weav-
ing way; his face was flushed, his
eye had an artificial lustre, and it
was evident that he had imbibed not
wisely, but too much. He WAS in a
mau,llin good humor. He had been
fired" THAT morning, and he was
glad of it.. He had Il sense of relief,
which he easily persuaded himself
was delightful. There was really
some fun in getting fired, and he was
determined to celebrate in Il thorough
and pains taking manner. And so with
malice nforrthought he WAS rapidly
approaching a state of complete al
coholic Nirvana.
lie had welcomed Warde eifusvely
and told him rcrEless!y to order what
he wanted. The invitation was ac-
copied and. as he was hungry and
through work for the night, he or
dcrcd a Substantial supper. While
they were waiting. lIillsman insisted
on their taking Il drink together. and
the liquor was soon Forthcoming.
81 suppose yoll heard about my be-
ing fired by the governor this morn
ing" said liiIsman, tossing off large
drink of whisky.
"Yes," said Wardc, what was the
matter?"
"Why, he complained about my
drinking, and accused me of getting
drunk. told him pretty plain that L
didn't see any reason why he should
do the entire drinking for the office"
"What did he say TO that?"
''Why. he c,lssed me. but lemmc tell
you, Irv Wardc, just between you and
me, the governor made a big mistake
when he cllsscd me and fired me out.
] know Il blamed sight more than he
gives me credit for. Til make him
knncllle to me yet: just put that in
your note book and write her up in
big type. I've got something in my
pocket here" tapping his breast,
which Col. Franklin would like to
have. He don't know Eve got it,
either ...
Irving's curiosity was now aroused,
and lac made up his mind to find out
what it was that Ilillsmnn had. His
thoughts w"verrd between the
Wright ease and the mysterious Mrr-
ivale, and he felt intuitivrly that the
paper to which IlillSmnn referred had
some connection With the matter in
which he was deeply interested. 1t
was easy to see that the clerk would
i'll the course of an hour or two be
densely intoxicated. and Wnr,le con
!, cluded that he would cling to him and
wrcSt the secret from him if ii tool,
all night. He accordingly called for
another round, aud they ate and
talked and drank so freely that
Warde himself gave every evidence
, of being intoxicated. II was two
O'Clock when they arose from the ia
= bic and settled their score. Then lrv
, ing, rather uncertainty. but with com
+ mendable tirmness, assisted his moro
: unbalanced companion out. and they
: locked arms with the intention of go
T ing to llillsman'S room. On the wa,
}. they became very airrctionatc ant
n confidential. and Warlr in broken &C
4 cents, swore that Franklin had treat
). ed Hillsman like Il brute.
y "Thish paper II fix him." said Hills
r man thicllly.
9 What paper?" said Irving, no les
y thirky.
n "Thish paper in my pocket | be
l. he'll give me $1,000 for it,"
e "lIopc you'll make him pay ever
p cent of it,
i See here, lrv, you're my frrn.' ain
d you? Well. now, I want You to loo
n over this paper. and tell ne how niue
q to ask for it. Look at it when you's
T. shober."
70 He handed the coveted paper owe