Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-11-23

strained him, and a voice OF singular
~ agreeable quality besought him for
attention:
IF you would be so very kind as to
let me pass through on your book you
would do me the greatest possible Ia
vor / have an important engagement
at the country house of Mr.. Eliot
Robinson. and there is no other train
until afternoon"
Underhill looked into the strangers
mild brown eyes. which were pathetic
as a dogs. and suddenly he seemed to
see himself in the others place, de-
frauded of his chance by bit of trick
cry. Surely he would have held 1t
most unfair that he should be barred
from competition in this way. Doubt
less this man was struggling worthily
to get a start I'm his profession.
Certainly" said he. And the two
passed in together.
Il am Harold Archer said the
young man, and from this moment
your humble and obedient servant. You
have pulled me out of a serious diff
Guilty. Mr.. Robinson has asked me
most urgently to go out to his place to-
day, and he is Il man whom l should
be most unwilling to disoblige."
'Your destination and mine are the
same" said Underhill, land our err
rands also. I fancy"
quite So" responded Archer. You
are Mr.. Underhill."
Cnderhill bowed in assent. and he
scanned his rival warily. Aside from
an attractive personal appearance Mr..
Archer was conspicuous chiefly for
the serene confidence which visibly ra-
dated from him. Here was n man ac-
customed TO success. one OF those easy
winners who are spared the pain of
anxiety. \ sudden hostility famed in
Underhill's breast. He regretted hav-
ing passed Archer through the gate.
This fellow could afford to lose, and
ne himself could not.
Matter of the new kennels, l sup
pose?" said he curly.
Archer nodded and smiled
MY excellent friend. Mr. Robinson.
intends TO erect n very pretentious
structure" said he. Il am honored by
his desire for my services"
So this fellow regarded 1t as all over
u
from that moment refused to be drawn
into any discussion of architecture Ell
Their general or specific. Archer. in
deed. seemed perfectly we'll pleased to
speak OF other themes. He conversed
huently upon topics of the day. He
showed vivacity. interest. even wit
now and then. He became so much alb
sorbed in his own easy eloQuence that
he neglected to raise any protest when
the conductor took two fares ont of
UnderhilPs mileage book.
Eliot Robinson, Jr.. was waiting for
them in an enormous automobile laden
with expensive furS. He lazily gave
q hand to each of the Travellers but adj
dressed himself to Cnderhill alone.
Hello" said he. You're looking
a little out OF sorts. What's the mat
ter"
II haven't had any breakfast" an
swered Underhill gIoomily.
"Well. well. III fix that. Got your
he added and took them
out OF Underhill's hand. Pretty good,
eh, Archer"
Archer examined the drawings with
critical attention. making the most
fattering comments and ending by pro-
nouncinG the work admirable, ad-
sir. No better design could
be desired
Underhill and Robinson were alone
for moment at the door. for Archer
lad skipped nimbly into the house.
.Who is that monument OF brass"
demanded the architect in i low voice.
Don't say a word" responded Rob
inson. This is your lIcky day.
You've got Archer solid. Pay anything
for him? Only his fare? Well, that's
cheap. Archer is one OF those artistic
bunko steerers who come of good fam
lilies and make their living by being