Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-12-17

upon WnOm MerlNale called frequent
", and this was Col. James Franklin
AS has already been animated in this
story. Col. Franklin was a man who
dabbled in a great many enterprises,
but he had considerable reputation as
q chancery LAWYER. He was man
whom if was worth while to consult
about real estate Investments, cues
tons involving titles and intricate is
sues connected with the settlement OF
estates and the rights of ownership
Frequent consultations with Franklil
coald only be explained on the GROUND
that business of considerable import
ancc was contemplated. business re
quiring the services of an astute law
yer. Warde knew that ii would be
useless to try to elicit any informa-
ton from Franklin, but Hillsman
light be induced 10 become garrui-
Gus and tell what he knew. The
colonels clerk was a person to keep
his ears open. and who had an inordi-
nate tondness for gossip. DiSsipated
and INSCRIPTIONS, he had IA certain
natural cunning which had developed
in him the peculiar mania of collect
ing all the diScreditable things he
could find against those with whom
he was acquainted or likely to come
in contact. If he could secure the
evidence of anything crooked in the
life of an apparently respectable man,
something that had been hushed up
or forgotten, he was as happy as
stamp collector or an autograph tiend
over a fresh find. A clipping from an
old newspaper narrating n long-for-
gotten scandal in the life of some
prominent officer or respected citizen,
a letter in which some fncally proper
person had given himself away" a
copy of paper which was never in
tended to see the light of day. a
gambling |. o. L. that had never been
paid. or the notes in the suppressed
divorce case were objects as valu-
able in Hillsman's eyes as rare bric-a-
brac to virtuoso. He first began
this collection with the idea that per-
haps some day he might need these
odd bits of information for his own
f-protection. and if any of the peo-
on him or to hold him 10 account for
any of his vagaries or irregularities,
why, he had the edge on them. No
one knew anything Of Hillsman's
strange collection, but people did
know that he had a wonderfully in
quiring mind. and memory of other
mems lapses and pcccadillos which
N nj ,i,n CT
Warde at first surmised that the
consultations between MeriNale and
Franklin had not taken place in the
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 10 the
conclusion that it was because he
knew but little. IIllsman's idea was
that a 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, lIillaman was dis
ment on the ground of too frequent
drunkenness. and because he had col
lectcd It considerable sum of money
for his employer and while under the
the influence of liquor had gambled it
away. When Wardc heard tins he
abandoned any nope of gCtt.ng any
trustworthy information from Hills
man.
But singular thing happened that
very night. Narde's habit was to
take light lunch about midnight.
and he usually got il at restaurant
which was then "a great resort in the
city. This hostelry kept open all
night, and sold everything in The line
OF liquors and food, from glass of
There was scarcely an hour of the
night when il was not hiled with
guests. II was a great rendezvous
for actors and persons who had been
to the theatcr. The fast Young men
about town and the gentlemen gam
blers made il their midnight meeting
place. Here woll-knoVn politicians
who had been at work under cover
of darkness usually topped of their
labors with plate OF oysters or IA
bottle of champagne. The place was
always cheerful and inviting. and gave
bright side 10 the night life of the
city.
When Warde entered nearly all the
tables were occupied by the guests.
In "A di slant corner. however he saw
Hillsman sitting alone.
The clerk saw HIM al the same time
and rather hilariously beckoned 10
him. Irving accordingly seated him
self AT Hilsman's table. He soon dis
covered that lIillsman was in a weav-
ing way; his face was flushed, his
eve had an artificial lusire. and it
was evident that he had imbibed not
wisely. but too much. He was in a
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 fur in getting fired, and he was
determined to celebrate in a thorough
and painotaldng manner, And so with
malice aforethought he was rapidly
approaching state of complete al
coholic Nir>ana.
He had welcomed Warde effusively
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