Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-05-27

latter's office without Hillsman's
learning something of them, and so
he began quietly to cultivate that
individuals society.
The clerk did not prove very com
municative, and Warde came to the
conclusion that it was because he
knew but little. Hillsmar's idea was
that 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, Hillsman was dis.
charged from Col. Franklin's employ
ment on the ground of too frequent
drunkenness, and because he had col
lected considerable sum of money
for his employer and while under the
the influence of liquor had gambled it
away. When Warde heard this he
abandoned any hope of getting any
trustworthy information from Hills
man.
But singular thing happened that
very night. Warde's habit was to
take n light lunch about midnight.
and he usually got it Mt restaurant
which was then great resort in the
city. This hostelry kept open all
night, and sold everything in the line
of liquors and food, from glass Of
beer to 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
iabors with plate of oysters or
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 distant corner, however, he saw
Hillsman sitting alone.
The clerk saw him ut the same time
and rather hilariously beckoned to
him. Irving accordingly seated him
self at Hillsman's table. He soon dis
covered that Hillsman was in 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
maudlin good humor. He had been
fired" that morning, and he was
glad of it. He had 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 thorough
and painstaking manner. And so with
malice aforethought he was rapidly
approaching state of complete al
coholic Nirvana.
He had welcomed Warde cffusively
and told him recklessly to order what
he wanted. The invitation was ac-
cepted, and, as he was hungry and
through work for the night, he or
dered substantial supper. While
they We're waiting, Hillsman Insisted
on their taking a drink together, and
the liquor was soon Forthcoming.
II suppose you heard about my be-
ing fired by the governor this morn
ing" said Hillsman, tossing off large
drink of whisky.
"Yes," said Warde, what was the
matter?"
why, he complained about my
drinking, and accused me of getting
drunk. l told him pretty plain that |
didn't see any reason why he should |
do the entire drinking for the office"
what did he say to that?"
why, he cussed me, but lemme tell
you, Irv Warde, just between you and |
me, the governor made big mistake
when he cussed me and fired me out.
know blamed sight more than he
gives me credit for. Tll make him
knuckle 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 I've got 1t,
Irving's curiosity was now aroused,
and he made up his mind to find out
what it was that Hillsman had. His
thoughts wavered between the
Wright case and the mysterious Mer-
ivale, and he felt intuitively that the
paper to which Hillsman referred had
some connection with the matter in
which he was deeply interested. 1t
was easy to see that the clerk would
in the course of an hour or two be
densely intoxicated, and Warde con-
cluded that he would cling to him and
wrest the secret from him if it took
all night. He accordingly called for
another round, and they ate and
talked and drank so freely that
Warde himself gave every evidence
Of being intoxicated. 1t was two
o'clock when they arose from the Ia
BILE and settled their score. Then frv-
ing, rather uncertainty, but with COM
mendable firmness, assisted his more
companion out, and they
locked arms with the intention Of GO
ing to Hillsman's room. On the way
they became very affectionate and |
confidential, and WEde in broken ao-
cents, swore that Franklin had treat
ed Hillsman like brute.
"Thish paper II fix him." said Hills
man thickly.
What paper2" said Irving, no less
thickly.
"Thish paper in my pocket. bet
he'll give me $4,000 for It,"
Hope you'll make him pay every
cent of it."
"see here, Irv, you're my fren,' amt
you? Well, now, / want you to look
over this paper, and tell me how much
to ask for it. Look at It when you'sh
shober."
He handed the coveted paper over
to Warde, who placed it with drunken
In his inside pocket and
then buttoned up his coat.
They pursued their zigzag way up
the street until they were suddenly
stopped by dark, stalwart man in
heavy cloak. 1t was Col. Franklin.
'You're the very man I want To