The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-03-18


Of it John Gordon found himself on his
knees by the side Of his friend holding
his head and, now thoroughly alarmed.
"Why, this can't 80 on, David" he
expostulated.
eyes, it can apparently. At least it
seems to go on quite easily"
"But you'll simply commit suicide
if you don't listen to reason and quit
all work for at least six months.
Cant do it. Get too much at stake" :"
Barton answered. He rose, and, going
into an adjoining room, he took some
medicine, bathed his face and came
out looking so much better that John
Gordon was amazed.
"Only triding little cough, John.
It's not on my lungs. Just a throat
trouble I got caught out in the rain
down near Hope House the other
night and didn't have chance to steal
an umbrella without getting caught
again. Come in and let's have out the
reform business. You can't let Harris
offer 60 by. It's too much Of a
chance"
"But I'm keeping you up TOO Late"
Gordon said doubtfully.
"Why, old man, haven't you sent
your things over here to stay until you
get married or something? Whose are
those duds out in the hall?'
They're mine, expect. sent them
over this afternoon. The break had to
come at hcme some time, and knew
you would take me in at any time
"Sit down, then,' said Barton, giving
his friend push into IN easy chair.
he himself went over to a lounge and
Lay down on 1t, turning his pale, thin
face, with its great, glowing eyes, to-
ward John Gordon.
The grim death had already laid a
long hand on Barton's chest, but with
the stubborn cynicism Of his character
Barton refused to acknowledge any
mastery, although, contrary to most
victims of consumption, he knew and
acknowledged himself that do what he
would he could not shake that hand
off.
John Gordon mournfully eyed the re-
cumbent figure on the lounge.
Forgive me, David. ! have been so
busy over my own plans that I have
not thought Of you. Why have you not
let me know about
"Oh, let's talk of your matters. Mine
can wait. Besides, don't you know it's
not the thing to talk to sick people
about their condition? Don't make me
believe that I have anything. How
about Harris offer:"
Il have decided not to accept il" re-
Piled John Gordon quietly.
That's plump. Say why"
John Gordon did not answer at once.
i've already told you partly. Seeing
Harris confirms my opinion concerning
his insincerity. BE simply wants to
use the fact Of my connection with
Hope House to get feature more or
less sensational for the News
You didn't take to him very loving
", did your Barton cbuckled.
81 found myself in danger Of hating
bim."
''StL, Harris has his good points.
He's the most egotistic man I ever
knew, but with the exception Of that,
and perhaps a dozen other remarkable
faults, he's interesting. He's interest
mig" Barton repeated. You're too
particular, John. I don't see why you
can't carry on the department and
make things around Bowen street just
hum for reform If you have the paper
to help you. If you expect an angel to
come along and give you q page Of his
daily to boost your reforms, you'll have
to wait till angels are thicker in the
newspaper business than they are now.
I don't know any myself. Ny ac-
ouaintance so far has been in the other
direction
There's another reason haven't
given for refusing Harris" John Cor