Connecticut western news., 1903-05-07

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 Dick leaned Ggdinst the sOdu and sketched tor dn hour. no more. Torpenhow handed him a filled pipe, and he smoked as men | smoke who for three weeks have been deprived of good tobacco.
 "OufT said he. That's heavenly. Wellw
 Why in the world didn't you come
 to me?"
 Couldn't. I owe you too much al- ready, old man. Besides, I had a sort
 of superstition that this temporary starvation-that's what it was, and it
 hurt-would bring me more luck later.
 It's over and done with now, and none of the syndicate knows how hard up
 was. Fire away. Whats the exact
 state of affairs as regards myselfT'
 You had my wire? You've caught
 on here. People like your work i'm
 mensely. I don't know why, but they
 do. They say you have a fresh touch
 and a new way of drawing things.
 And, because they are chiefly home bred English, they say you have in ] sight. You're wanted by half a dozen
 papers. You're wanted to illustrate
 books"
 Dick grunted scornfully.
 You're wanted to work up your kn h.,
 dealers. They seem to think the money
 sunk in you is a good investment Who
 can account for the fathomless folly of the public?' --- "They're a remarkably sensible peo- pie"
 "They are subject to fits, if that's whal you mean, and you happen to be the object of the latest it among those who are interested in what they call
 art. Just noN you're fashion. phe
 nomenon, or whatever you please. appeared to be the only person who knew anything about you here, and have been showing the most useful l men a few of the sketches you gave me from time to time. Those coming | after your work on the Central South ern syndicate appear to have done your business. You're in luck" "Huhi Call it luck Do call it luck!
 When q man has been kicking about the world like a dog waiting for it to come. I'll luck 'em later on. I want Il place to work in first" Come here" said Torpenhow, cross | ing the landing This place is big box room really, but it will do for you | There's your skylight, or your north | light, or whatever window you call it
 and plenty of room to slash about in and bedroom. What more do you
 want?"
 Good enough" said Dick, looking
 round the large room that took up a | third of a top story in the rickety cham bers overlooking the Thames. A pale | yellow sun shone through the skylight and showed the much dirt of the place. | Three steps led from the door to the landing, and three more to Torpen- | how's room. The we'll of the staircase disappeared into darkness, pricked by l tiny gas jets, and there were sounds of men talking and doors slamming seven flights below, in the warm gloom.
 Do they give you free hand here" said Dick cautiously. He was Ishmael enough to know the value of liberty.
 Anything you ike-latchkeys and H. l cense unlimited. We are permanent
 tenants for the most part here. 'Tisn't place I would recommend for Young | Mems Christian association, but it will serve. I took these rooms for you when I wired
 en-'s " great deal too kind old
 You didn't suppose you were going | away from me, did you?" Torpenhow 1 put his hand on Dicks shoulder, and 1 the two walked up and down the room,
 henceforward to be called the studio, 1 in sweet and silent communion. They heard rapping at Torpenhow's door.
 That's some ruffian come up for | drink" said Torpenhow, and he raised
 his voice cheerily. There entered no one more ruffianly than portly, mid dle aged gentleman in a satin faced frock coat. His lips were parted and | pale, and there were deep pouches un-
 der the eyes.
 Weak heart" said Dick to himself | and, as he shook hands-"very weak heart. His pulse is shaking his fin gers"
 The man introduced himself as the head of the Central Southern syndicate and "one of the most ardent admirers i of your work, MT. Heldar. I assure you, in the name of the syndicate, that we are immensely indebted to you, and
 I trust, MT. Heldar, you won't forget that we were largely instrumental in bringing you before the public" He panted because of the seven flights of stairs.
 Dick glanced at Torpenhow, whose
 left eyelid lay for a moment dead on
 his cheek.
 T shan't forget" said Dick. every
 instinct of defense reused in him. You've paid me so well that couldn't.
 you know. By the way, when I am settled in this place I should like to
 send and get my sketches. There must
 be nearly 150 of them with you"
 That is-er-is what came to speak about. fear we can't elloE it exact