The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-09-13

motley gathering of good-for-nothingS
of the back alleys, and tipping clerks
from the Main street stores. There
came loud cries for song, and, in an
swer, the voice of Crailey rose over the
general din, somewhat hoarse, and new
er so musical when he sang as when he
spoke, yet so touching in it's dramatic
tenderness that soon the noise fell
away, and the roisterers sat quietly to
listen. 1t was not the first time Ben
Jonson's song had stilled a disreputa-
BILE company.
Il sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honoring thee,
AS giving it the hope that there
1t might not withered be-"
Perhaps, just then, Vanrevel would
have wished to hear him sing anything
in the world rather than that, for on
Crailey's lips it carried too much mean
ing tonight, after the voice in the gar
den. And Tom fingered no more near
the betraying silver of light beneath
the door that he had by the gap in
the hedge, but went steadily on his
way.
Not far from the hotel he passed a
small building brightly lighted and
echoing with unusual clamors of in
dustry; the office of the Rouen Jour-
nal The press was going, and Mr.
Cummings thin figure crossed and re-
crossed the windows, while his voice
could be heard energetically bidding
his assistants to Look alive!" so that
| Tom imagined that something might
have happened between the Nueces
river and the Rio Grande; but he did
not stop to ask the journalist for he
desired to behold the face of none of
his friends until he had fought out
some things within himself. So he
strobe on toward nowhere.
Day was breaking when Mr.. Gray
climbed the stairs to his room. There
were two flights, the ascent of the first
of which occupied about half an hour
of Craileys invaluable time; and the
second might have taken more of it, or
possibly consumed the greater part of
the morning, had he received no assist
ance. But, as he reclined to mediate
upon the first landing, another man
entered the hallway from without, as
cended quickly and Crailey became
pleasantly conscious that two strong
hands had lifted him to his feet; and
presently, that he was being borne aloft
upon the newcomers back. 1t seemed
quite journey, yet the motion was
soothing, so he made no effort to open
his eyes, until he found himself gently
deposited upon the couch in his own
chamber, when he smiled amiably, and
looking up, discovered his partner
standing over him.
Tom was very pale and there was
deep, violet scrawls beneath his eyes.
For once in his life he had come home
later than Crailey.
First time, you know" said Crailey,
with difficulty. You'll admit first time
completely incapable? Often needed
guiding hand, but never-quite-be-
fore"
yes" said Tom, quietly, ft is the
first time 1 ever saw you quite fin-
ished."
Think must be growing old and
constitution refuses to bear it. Disgrace
full to be seen in condition, yet celebra-
ton justified. H'rah for the news!" He
waved his hand wildly. "Old red, White
and blue! American eagle now kindly
proceed to scream! Star spangled ban
ner intends streaming to all the trade
Winds Sea to Sea! Glorious victories
on political thieVing eXhibition-no, ex-
petition! Everybody not responsible for
the trouble to go and get himself pa
triotically killed."
What do you mean?"
Water" said the other, feebly. Tom
brought the pitcher, and Crailey, set
ting his hot lips to it, drank long and
deeply; then, with his friends assist
ance. he tied a heavily moistened
towel round his head. "AIl right very
TnItt1TRd
and lay back upon the pillow with ewes
tightly closed in an intense effort to
concentrate his will. When he opened
them again, four or five minutes later.
they had marvelously cleared and his
look was self-contained and sane.
Haven't you heard the news?" He
spoke much more easily now. 1T came
at midnight to the Journal"
No; I've been walking in the coun-
try"
THE Mexicans crossed the Rio
Grande on 26th of last month, captured
Capt Thornton and murdered Col.
Crook. That means war is certain"
1T has been certain for a long time"
said Tom. Polk has forced it from the
first
Then it's devil of a pity he can't
be the only man to diei'
Have they called for volunteers q"
asked Tom, going toward the door.
mo; but if the news is true. thew
will"
YES" said Tom; and as he reached
the hallway he paused. Can 1 helm
you to undress?"
Certainly mott" Crailey sat I'D. in
dignantly. Cant you see that I'm per-
fectly sober? 1t was the merest tenn
porary fit, and I've shaken it off. Don't
you see?' He got upon his feet, stag
gered, but shook himself like a dog
coming out of the water, and came to
the door with infirm steps.
You're going to bed, aren't you ?"
asked Tom. You'd much better,
mo-" answered Crailey Are you?"
mo. I'm going to work"
you've been up all night. too
haven't you?" Crailey put his hands
on the others shoulder. Were Won
hunting for me?"
mo; not last night
Crailey lurched suddenly, and Tom
caught him about the waist to steady
him.
'Sweethearting. tipping, vingt-et-un
or poker, Ell, TOM" he shouted, thick
ly, with a wild laugh. "Ha, ha. old
smug-face, up to my bad tricks ar
last" But, recovering himself imme-
diately, he pushed the other off ar
arms length, and slapped himself
smartly on the brow. Never mind. ali
right, all right-only a bad wave. now
! and then. A walk will make me moro
a man than ever"
You'd much better go to bed Graf
ley"
Il can't. I'm going to change nv
clothes and go out
''Why?"
Crailey did not answer, but at that
moment the Catholic church bell sum
moning the faithful to mass, pealed
| loudly on the morning air; and the
steady glance of Tom Vanrevel rested
upon the reckless eyes of the man he
side him as they listened together to
its insistent call. Tom said. gently, al
most timidly: