Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-08-18

WI ''''N Nv "''''' hi' Ii'IlliSc thul u Ic l'lt
me his fortune, I'd never, neverso help me
God-never share it with any man or woman
that torcd. didn't think il would be hard
to keep that promise then, Mr. IIamln, for
was very poor and hednt n friend nor a liv-
ing boin' that was kind to INC but him"
"l'ut you've as good as broken your prom
Use already" said Hamlin "You've given
Jack money" rs | know"
"Ony what made myself Listen to me.
Mr. iinmlin. When Jack proposed TO mo, |
slered him about what kalklated could
earn myself. When he went away, and was
sick and in trouble, came here and tool; this
motel knew that by hard work could
make it pay. Don't laugh Mt mc, please.
tud work hard, and did make it pay--without
takin one cent Of the fortin. And all
made, workn' by night aud day, gavc to
INN. did, Mr. llamlin. ! amt so hard TO
him MS you think, though l might be kinder,
l know
Mr., lIomlin rose, deliberately resumed his
cont, watch, hat and oYcrcoat. When he was
completely dressed again he turned to Peg
40 you mean to say that you've been givii \
all tho money you made here to ths Al frs,'
class chcruhimH
Yes but he didn't know whore got it.
Oh, MIR. Hnmn. he didn't know that
"Do | understand you, that hos bin buck.
Ing ngin faro with the money that YOU ruisod
ON hasn't And You maxim the hash!'
But he didn't know thot. lie wouldn't
hey took it if III told him"
"No, he'd hcv died fust." said Mr.. Hamlin
~,
Folusboo-that it nearly kills him to take
money even Of me. But whore does this
angel reside when he isn't fghtin the tiger
and is so to speak, visible to the naked eye"
'lie- he- stops here" said Peg, with an
awkward blush.
81 sec. Might ask tire number Of his
room--or should he a--disturbing him in
his moditatons" continued Jack Iamlin
with grave poiitenos..
"Oh, then you'll pronisc' And you'l talk
to him, and make him PROMISE"
"Of course said Ilamin quietly.
"And you'll remember he's sck-very sick'
His rooms No. ~, at the end of the hall Per
haps III better go with your
an find it
"And YOU won't be too hard on hirnlr
"l'll he father TO him said Hamlin de
nurcly, as he opened the door ard stepped
into tho hail. But he hcsitated u moment
and then turned and gravely held out his
hand Peg tool; it timdly. He did not seem
quito in earnest. and his black eyes, vainly
questioned. indicated nothing. But he shook
her hand warmly, and the next moment was
gone.
lie found tho room with no difficulty. a
faint cough from within, and querulous
protest, answered his knock Mr. Iamlin
entered without further ceremony. y sick
enins smell of drugs. palpable flavor Of
stale dissipation. and the wasted figure of
Jack FolinSbcc. half dressed extended upon
the bed, greeted him. Mr. Hamlm was for
I'M instant startled. There were hollow cir
cles round the sick mans eyes; there was
palsy in his trembling limbs; there was disso-
luton in his fcvcrsh breath.
What's up" he asked huskiy and nerv-
ously.
Il am, and ! want you t. get up too"
81 cant. Jack. I'm regularly done MP"
IIc reached his shaking hand toward glass
half filed with suspicious, pungent smelling
liquid; but Mir Hamlin stayed it.
"Do you want to get back that $1,000 you
lo>tN
"Ycs."
"Wer, get up and marry that woman
down stairs"
lolnshoo laughed half hysteri ally, half
eariomcauy
"Sho won't give it to me-"
y. I