Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-04

approvingly when the Irishman drank
And so, you see, Mallory" I concluded,
there's but the thing to be DONE a
desperate thing maybe, and God knows
how 1t may fall out, but the only thing -
For long time after l finished he sat
silent, staring at the wall and chatting
! his two hands together gently, as they
| rested upon the tables edge but he wan
| aered in no reveries this time, he peeped
into no heavens led by his great green god.
HIS face seemed to have changed to that
or another man. keen, frowning a bit,
close-mouthed and thoughtful.
! saw Won Altdorf's eyes glisten excitedly,
and even old MacKenzie's face had gained
| a bit Of eager color
| Yes" said young Mallory at last, nod
! ding his head. Yes, you have the trick
It's the only thing to do, though as you've
| said, God knows how it may fall out. It's
| the only thing-an' now who's to do it?''
| Why-why. you. mani" I cried.
| why you of course, didn't you under
stand? You're the only one could carry it
| through
| He stared at me an instant amazedly.
| ~ said he, "I?' with little unbeliev-
| ing laugh. Come man, you're joking.
You don't mean it. seriously? I do the
] thing? Oh, I say"' and he burst out in a
roar of laughter that died away quickly
could see the swift course of his thoughts
as well as If he had spoken them. I could
see him picturing the possibilities of the
| scheme, balancing it's risks, gloating over
prise to take his fancy as I had known
before l called him across the room.
| Then all at once his face became puzzled.
| "But-but I say'' he cried, why didn't
| one of you go in for the part? Why did
| you drag me into it? Why not you,
Creighton, or you, Colonel yon Altdorf? I
don't quite understand"
'Why, you see,' said I stammering a bit,
and turning color I've no doubt, you see
II couldn't do it because but Mac
Kenzie interrupted me.
There are excellent reasons" said he.
! mo use going into them. You are the man
| to do it, Mr.. Mallory You're used to
deeficult situations an dangers Let be at
| thatl Now we'll make 1t business mat
| ter We stand ready to offer you-no, wait,
wait bit, man!-to offer you one thou
sand francs a month for your services.
| That will do away with your havin' to fol-
| low your regular vocation, for we could
not think Of bringin' you into the affair,
that is none of yours on other grounds
The angry flush died slowly away from
young Mallory's face as he considered.
"Why to be sure" said he thoughtfully,
1--WE my living to make, such as it is, and
| this will let me out of that cursed news
| paper work for bit. A thousand a
| month-forty quid! why. that's luxury. And
| the checker game again-lives and deaths.
| By the saints, 1t gives me a genuine thrill.
A quick eye and ready hand and mind
gods! done, gentlemen I'm your man. "
| And he laughed aloud joyously. and put
out hand to Mackenzie over the table.
But Mackenzie was busy with the big
meerschaum Just then.
| AS for Won Altdorf, he was suddenly en-
gagged in rolling a cigarette which seemed
| to demand his whole attention. And Lob,
| take no pride in telling 1t now-I was do
ing something wholly unnecessary to my
| cravat. And my cheeks burned red. Yves
! not grown old in such matters like Mac
| Kenzie and Won Altdorf.
| Young Mallory looked at our faces quick
| ly. In turn. then down at his outstretched
hand and up again. He frowned little.
and his eyes were puzzled. hurt like a
child's. He drew the hand back to him
| slowly and touched 1t with the other as IL
he thought there must be something wrong