Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1903-04-02
.Got anything to eat2g said Dick, his

nights
Now. what lunacy has been your
latest?'
with unbridled speech. Then he open
ed his coat. There was no waistcoat
below ran it fine, awfully fine, but
I've just scraped through"
you haven't much sense, but you've
got backbone anyhow. Eat and talk
afterward." Dick fell upon eggs and
bacon and gorged till he could gorge
no more Torpenhow handed him
filed pipe, and he smoked as men
smoke who for three weeks have been
deprived of good tobacco.
"Oufr said he. "That's heavenly.
Well?"
'Why in the world didn't you come
to me?v
couldn't. owe you too much al
ready, old man. Besides, had sort
Of superstition that this temporary
starvation-thats what it was, and it
hurt-would bring me more luck later
It's over and done with now, aud none
of the syndicate knows how hard up
was. Fire away. What's the exact
state of affairs as regards myself?"
'sYou had my wire? You've caught
on here People like your work i'm
mensely. don't know why, but they
do. They say you have fresh touch
and a new way of drawing things.
And, because they are chiefly home
bred English, they say you have in
sight. You're wanted by half dozen
papers. You're wanted to illustrate
books"
Dick grunted scornfully.
you're wanted to work up your
smaller sketches and sell them to the
dealers. They seem to think the money
sunk in you is good investment Who
can account for the fathomless folly Of
the public?'
They're a remarkably sensible peo-
ple"
"They are subject to fits, if that's what
you mean, and you happen to be the
object of the latest fit among those
who are interested in what they call
art. Just now you're q fashion, phe-
nomenon, or whatever you please.
appeared to be the only person who
knew anything about you here, and l
have been showing the most useful
men few of the sketches you gave
me from time to time. Those coming
after your work on the Central South
ern syndicate appear to have done your
business. You're in luck"
.'Huh! Call it luck! Do call it luck!
When man has been kicking about
the world like a dog waiting for it to
come I'll luck 'em later on. / want
a place to work in first
..Come here" said Torpenhow, cross
ing the landing. 'This place is big
box room really, but it will do for you
There's your skylight, or your north
light, or whatever window you call it.
and plenty of room to slash about in
and a bedroom. What more do you
want?"
"Good enough said Dick, looking
round the large room that took up q
third of top story in the rickety cham
bers overlooking the Thames. A pale
yellow sun shone through the skylight
and showed the much dirt of the place
Three steps led from the door to the
landing, and three more to Torpen
how's room. The well of the staircase
disappeared into darkness, pricked by
tiny gas jets, and there were sounds Of
men talking and doors slamming sever
flights below, in the warm gloom.
"Do they give you free hand hereg
said Dick cautiously. He was Ishmae
enough to know the value of liberty.
Anything you like-latchkeys and Ii
cense unlimited We are permanent
tenants for the most part here. 'Tisn't
place would recommend for Young
Mems Christian association, but it will
serve. | took these rooms for you
when l wired"
you're a great deal too kind, ole
man.
"You didn't suppose you were going
away from me, did your Torpenhov
put his hand on Dicks shoulder, an6
the two walked up and down the room
henceforward to be called the studio
in sweet and silent communion. They
heard rapping at Torpenhow's door
THAT'S some ruffian come up for
drink said Torpenhow, and he RAISED
his voice cheerily There entered NJ
one more ruffianly than a portly, mid
die aged gentleman in satin facet
frock coat. His lips were parted ant
pale, and there were deep pouches un
der the eyes.
Weak heart" said Dick to himself
and, as he shook hands-''very veal
heart. His pulse is shaking his fin
gers
The man introduced himself as th'
head of the Central Southern syndicat,
and zone of the most ardent admirer
of your work, Mr.. Heldar. assure
you, in the name of the syndicate, tha
we are immensely indebted to you, ant
trust, Mr.. Heldar, you won't forge
that we were largely instrumental IL
bringing you before the public" 81
painted because of the seven flights o
stairs.
Dick glanced at Torpenhow, who's
left eyelid lay for a moment dead OF
his cheek
81 shan't forget" said Dick, ever.
instinct of defense reused in him
you've paid me so well that couldn't
you know. By the way, when an
settled in this place | should like t
send and get my sketches. There mus
be nearly $50 of them with you"
''That is-er-is what came to speal
about. | fear we can't allow it exact
| ly, Mr.. Heldar. In the absence Of an.
specified agreement the sketches ar
our property, of course"
tDo you mean to say that you ar
going to keep them?''
| 'sYes, and we hope to have your help
| on your own terms, Mr.. Heldar, to as
sist us in arranging little exhibition
| which, backed by our name and the in
fluence we naturally command amoni
the press, should be of material serv
ice to you. Sketches such as yours
.sBelong to me. You engaged me b.
wire, you paid me the lowest rates yol
dared You can't mean to keep them
why, man. they're all I've got in th
worldr'
Torpenhow watched Dicks face an
whistled. Dick walked up and down