The Washington times., 1904-02-07

Joe Wilder's manner toward
Long Leary did not accentuate
i his own probity. Industry. thrift
and good standing as compared
with the latters shifty, indolent. spend
thug i'll repute. sJoe had the angulari-
ties of his virtues He often seemed to
be calling untimely attention to them
with a sharp elbow.
Tonight he was unusually aggressive
as, in his proud capacity of treasurer to
the Massaboag Club. he addressed the
two chronic delinquents, Long Leary
and his boon companion. Quinn
See here. you fellows" he began
tactfuuy raising his voice so that the
attention of the whole club was called
TO the group. you're three months be-
hind in your dues. If you two loafers
don't pay UP next meeting. Wen see
about havin' you give us your room in
stead of your company"
Quinn, ponderous. slow moving. and
wrathful. turned threateningly toward
the little treasurer; but Long Leary
placed a OBTAINING and soothing hand
upon his arm
Leary himself sat tipped back against
Wilderness the smoke Of the Massapoags
had long since dulled and streaked. The
look on his lantern jawed, saturnine
face was evil in the Pickering Of the I'M
shaded gas above him. His long legs
were stretched wide before him; his
hands were, as usual. in his pockets.
You'll never find anything else there. "
was the club verdict upon that habit OF
his. though some OF the more censorious
occasionally congratulated one another
when they beheld him thus ITS the
only time you're sure his hands amt in
your pockets" they said darkly.
In spite of his sneer as he looked al
Joe Wilder carrying an ostentatious
account book. his drawl was conciliat-
ing. almost wheedling. as he remarked
Say. Wilder. you've been out Of a
job yourself now and then
Now and then" replied the senten-
tious Joe, lis now and then: it amt my
permanent business TO be out of job.
Again the rubicund and unshorn Mr.
Quinn seemed 10 find the reflection a
personal one. and again his attitude was
threatening; but the pacific Leary was
quicker than he
nips," he reminded Joe mildly wei
pay as soon as we can. Sure the treas
ury can't be empty with all they took
in at the fair last night let alone the
dues
It's no thanks TO you that the treas
ury amt empty" snapped joe turnins
away and instinctively buttoning hi.
coat over a wallet that ridged it.
shabby front Leary looked up siEnin
cantly to Quinn. and Quinn, catchin;
the glance. opened his mouth for al
exclamation which he checked as in
discreet.
Wilder stalked through the smoi,
room. heated by diminishing wave
from a central stove, round which tn
loiterers were gathered. He gave then
good night CURLY, and, followed %
their shrugs and stares. passed over Z
the door that led to the narrow hal
stairway.
Some of them commented on hi
gruffness with a "Wilder's not him
self tonight" or a What's come Owe
Wilder?" To which Leary, saunterin
10 the stove. remarked that he ma
heard Wilder was worried-expected L
loose his job as foreman of one of tn
rooms at the Big Mill because Of
disagreement with the boss, and wa
in debt. Thereat the club locke
grave. 1t had long regarded Wilde
as more solid than the national treas
ury.
When Wilder sliding into his hea "
ulster, went down the stairs an,
gained the street. it was quiet and de
serted At the next corner a drIr
store sent rays of red and blue upon tn
white pavement, like the signals Of
life-saving station in a waste of drift
ing snow. An electric light was siIs
pended midway across the road ON
wire crossing the trolley thread. and 4
its wavering the shadows OF the oar
Gins moved Historically. like tie ARA
of miserable old women swaying be
hearth some grief.
Farther down the long village street
in front Of Greenough's grocery. Their
was blur of light like a great. 10,
lying star, where a late trolley frol
WendOver waited for another ca
TO pass it on the switch. Be
fore. the windows OF the room
words "Massapoag Club gieamc
rustily behind an ancient red lantern
and these were all the signs OF wake
fulness in the little town
Wilder was not happy as he trudge
through the deep silence Of the snow
night. The irritability he had display
ed at the club was more than his hab
itual pride Of office. and rigor in al
that pertained TO it. II was even NOR
than his deep seated animOsity 10 Lon
Leary. whom he hated from prihcipl
and from instinct. TO say nothing of al
unreasonable jealousy. Lucy had mar
fried him. and had never hardened [
Leug Leary's idle wooing. as many girl
Ehad done, TO their blight.
i But tonight. to the sensitive. pomp
Lous pride Of the dig1itary and to the ir
kof his antipathy, he added the anger o
Il man futilely incensed against his wife
kThey had quarreled over their cheerles
little supper table-as they generally die