The Colfax chronicle., 1904-11-12

keep him away from P. B. Hathaway 9
Co. That's ALL"
They landed In Donaldson. And sure
CROUCH, as they sauntered down the
street, there was Debevoise walking on
the other side, grip in hand, hot and tired
and dusty.
They caught up with him, and MIR.
Dobbins was duly introduced. Nov
remember" whispered Hlgginson, into
the ear of Dobbins, keep him away
from that big factory that you see there
in the hollow, and keep him drunk all
day tomorrow"
| Mr.. Dobbins, past master In the art of
making an evening go pleasantly and
fast, started in. And Mr.. Debevoise, find
| ing that Mr.. Dobbins was made up of the
real fibre. joined him. They began with
a wine supper that diminished Mr.. Dob
bins roll to some extent; then they took
| in the local theaters, then gambling
house or two. then with few other
kindred spirits, sat about table at the
hotel, and just drank, drank, drank. Mr..
Dobbins kept constantly at the side OF
Mr.. Debeyoise, and kept up a flow OF
conversation that was remarkable.
"Higginson." remarked Mr.. Dobbins
to himself, may know how to make
money, but certainly know how TO
spend it, all right, all right"
Mr.. Debevoise was not altogether at
ease. Something seemed. from time to
time, to trouble him. He was trying
evidently not to forget himself. But
Dobbins was constantly on hand with a
fresh order and fresh sally, and mer-
ry burst of laughter which attracted Mr..
Debevoise's attention from whatever he
may have had in mind.
Once he took out note book. 81
mustn't" he murmured to Dobbins, II
II mustn't forget-business. Business
before pleasure, don't you know. IL
mustn't forget"
Pleasure" returned Mr.. Dobbins,
neatly, 'is my business. SO | have pleas
ure before pleasure and pleasure after
pleasure: in fact I'm very busy at It all
the time"
Whereupon Mr.. Debevoise called for
another round, and time went on-and
op-and on.
The others left. but the two still re-
mained. Debevoise kept constantly re-
ferring to something that ne had to do
IL must not forget business" he said
But he did forget business. He forgot
everything. 1t was after five o'clock In
the morning that his head sank upon the
table and he fell asleep Mr.. Dobbins.
who had drunk sparingly during the
evening. but who, nevertheless, was
weary, called hotel porter.
II think can improve on Higginson'x
plan,' he whispered to himself Then
he spoke aloud to the porter Porter"
he said, this gentleman and | are due
at East Monroe, up on the mountain, at
eight o'clock. Can you get us rig?'
East Monroe. as Dobbins had found
from inquiry the night before, was a
small deserted village far up the noun
tain side without railroad accommoda-
tions. Dobbins reasoned that if Mr.. De-
bevoise were landed there. he would
have some difficulty. considering every
thing, in making connections with P.
B. Hathaway, the manufacturers Of
glue. The rig was procured-a large,
affair: and they hoisted
Mr.. Debevoise inside, and Dobbins took
seat beside him, and they were of,
for long, gentle, weary drive up the hill |
side. 1t was such tedious drive that |
Mr.. Dobbins himself, was forced to close |
his eyes; and side by side, the two men |
slept. At East Monroe the driver woke |
and, as Debevoise still slept, |
they carried him gently into the village |
tavern and put him carefully to bed.
Then the carriage turned around and |
went back home "Now," whispered
Dobbins to himself, as he sat beside the /
prostrate form of Debevoise in the little |
room, now I've got to keep awake, to
see that he keeps asleep" Twice did De-
bevoise start up somewhat wildly, his
hand on his notebook, and cry that he
must attend to business. But Dobbins
piled him with the cup that
cheers and inebriates as well, and he
dropped of once more. All that day
Debevoise slept, and all that day Dob
bins watched. At dusk the landlord
.aIIed Dobbins down to the telephone.
aigginson was at the other end of the
wire. He had found out at Donaldson
hat they had climbed the mountainside.
You can come down now" he said
o Dobbins. "just as soon as you like.
iood-by." Then he rang off. Dobbins
vent back to Debevoise with a broad
,rin on his fac@
Hey, old man." he said, wake up.
Tou've got some business to transact.
Don't forget that you've got to go down
o p. B. Hathaway's."
Debevoise stretched his arms above
lis head and yawned.
"P. B. Hathaways." he asked. For
vhat?"
Dobbins grinned. ITO get an order
or that glue"
Debevoise snorted. Then he reached
n his inside pocket and drew forth q
aper. Good Lord" he answered.
there's their order, for the whole
lamed thing. had it in my pocket
esterday afternoon. and had packed
ny grip and was going home when you
haps met me-" He rose and slapped
lis thigh. by George" he exclaimed.
I knew there was something. For IS
ours I've been trying to send back to
be shop a good news telegram and :
aven't done It yet" II
lAnllIM HAS TpAnE -NAlIIc ,