Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-05-25

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 se1f-protection, and if any of the peo- pie on his list undertook to impose on him or to hold him to account for any of his vagaries or irregularities, why, he had the edge on them. No one knew anything of HillsTnan's strange collection, but people did know that he had wonderfully in- guiring mind, and a memory of other mems 1apses and peccadillos which was both appalling and embarrassing.
 Warde at first surnised that the consultations between Merivale and Franklin had not taken place in the latter's office without Hi1lsman's learning something of them, and so he began quietly to cultivate that individuals society.
 The clerk did not prove very com n1unica tive, and Warde came to the conclusion that it was because he knew but little. Hi1lsman'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 Iected a considerable sum of money tor 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. Wardes habit was to take light lunch about midnight, and he usually got it at a 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 a glass of beer to crisply cooked pompano. There was scarcely an hour of the night when it was not filled with guests. It was a great rendezvous for actors and persons who had been to the theater. The fast young men about town and the gentlemen gam b1ers made it their midnight meeting place. Here well-known politicians who had been at work under cover of darkness usually topped off their labors with plate of oysters or 8 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. | Tn distant corner, however, he saw Hillsman sitting alone.
 | The clerk saw him at the same time and rather hilariously beckoned to him. Irving accordingly seated him. self at HilIsnan's table. He soon dis covered that Hillsman was in weav- l ing way; his face was flushed, his eye had an artificial lustre, and it l was evident that he had imbibed not wisely, but too much. He was in a | maudlin good humor. He had been l 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 painstaling manner. And so with malice aforethought he was rapidly approaching state of complete al coholic Nirvana.
 He had welcomed Warde effusive1y and told him recklessly to order what l he wanted The invitation was ac- cepted, and, as he was hungry and through work for the night, he or dered a substantial supper. While they were waiting, Hillsman insisted on their taking a drink together, and the liquor was soon forthcoming.
 CT suppose you heard about my be ing fired by the governor this morn ing,' said Hillsman, tossing of 8 large drink of whisky
 ssYes,' said Warde, "what was the matter?"
 .sWhy, he complained about my drinking, and accused me of getting drunk. told him pretty plain that
 didn't see any reason why he should do the entire drinking for the ofice.' 1 ssWhat did he say to that?"
 'sWhy, he cussed me, but femme tel l you, Irv Warde, just between you anc me, the governor made big mistake when he cussed me and fired me out I know blamed sight more than h. gives me credit for. I'll make hin knuckle to me yet; just put that il
 your note book and write her up il Dlg type. I've got sometning Tn my pocket here" tapping his breast which Col Franklin would like tt have. He don't know I've got it either"
 Irving's curiosity was now aroused and he made up his mind to find ou what it was that Hillsman had. Hi thoughts wavered between tn, Wright case and the mysterious Mer ivale, and he felt intuitively that tn,
 paper to which Hillsman referred hat
 some connection with the matter il
 which he was deeply interested. I
 was easy to see that the clerk woul, in the course of an hour or two b.
 densely intoxicated, and Warde con T. e