The Cairo bulletin., 1904-04-08

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regret rs he realized that 1t was not.
Half an hour later Ridgeway drew
him aside. Il say, Ross, let's get out
of here. You can't stand here talking
ali night Jerry and YOU and will go
up to ms rooms, and we can talk there
in peace. III order up three quarts of
l2Z. and"-
"Oh, rot your izz!" declared Wilbur
IF you love me, give me Christian to-
| bacco."
AS they were going cut Of the bail
room Wilbur caught sight of Josie
IIerrick, and, breaking away from the
others. ran over to her.
oh" she cried. GREATNESS ITO
think, and to think of your coming back
after all, No. don't realize It'll can't
1t will take me until morning to find
out that you've really come back.
just know now that I'm happier than
| ever was in my life before. OH
she cried, do need to tell you how
glnd | am? It's just too splendid fer
words. DO you know, | was thought
10 be the last person you had ever
spoken to while alive, ana the re-
porters ana all oh, but we must have
such talk when all are quiet again!
And our dance we've never had our
dance. I've got your card yet. Re-
member the one you wrote for me at
the tea? 4 fac-simile of it was publish
cd in all the papers. You are going TO
he a hero when you get back 70 San
Francisco. OH Ross, RosSw she cried,
the tears starting to her eyes. you've
really come back, and you are just as
glad as | am, aren't you-glad that
you've come backbone back to me"
Later on. in Ridgeway's room, VIII
bur told his story again more in detail
TO Ridgeway and Jerry. Al but one
portion of 1t. He could not make up
his mind TO speak to them--these So
clcty fellows, clubmen and city bred
of Moran. How he was going to order
his life henceforWard- life, that he
felt TO be void Of interest without her
he did not know. That was a question
for later consideration.
"WcIl give another cotillon," eN.
claimed Eidgeway 'up IN the city
give ii for you. Ross, ana you'll lead.
It'll be the event Of the season."
Wilbur uttered an exclamation of
contempt. I've done with that sort
Of foolery," he answered,
Nonsense, Why. think. Wen have
it in your honor Every smart girl in
town will come, and youll be the lion
Of
You don't seem to understand"
cried Wilbur impatiently. DO you
think there's any fun in that for Ele
now? Why, man. rye fought fought
with naked dirk. fought with
coolc who snapped at me like an ape
and you talk to me of dancing and
functions and german fayors, 1t
wouldn't do some Of you people bit
Of harm if you were shanghaied your
selves. That sort of life, if it don't
do anything else, knocks big bit of
seriousness into You You fellows
make me sick" he went on vehement
~. Gas though there wasn't anything
else to do but lead cotillons and get up
new figures"
"Well what do you propose to do?'
asked Nat RidgeWay. where are
you going now back to Magdalena
bay?"
mo"
where then"
Wilbur smote tie table with his fist.
CUBA" he cried. i've got crack
title schooner out in the bay here,
ond I've got 100000 worth Of loot
aboard Of her. I've tried beachcombing
for awhile and now I'll Try G.ibuster-
ing. 1t may be crazy idea, but it's
better than dancing. Id rather lead
an expedition than a german, and you
can chew on that, Nathaniel Ridge
way"
Jerry looked NJ him rs he stood
there before them In the filthy recking
blouse and jeans the ragged boots and
the name Of hair ana tangled beard,
aud remembered the Wilbur be used
TO know. the Wilbur of the carefully
creased trousers, the satin scarfs and
fancy waistcoats.
You're a different sort than when
you went away, Ross" said Jerry.
fright you are, answered Wilbur.
"But | will venture a prophecy"
continued Jerry. looking keenly at bin
Ross, you are a born and bred city
man. Its in the blood Of you and the
bones of you. III give you three years
for this new notion Of yours 90 wear IT.
self out. You think just now you're
going to spend the rest Of your life as
an amateur buecaneer. In three years
at the outside you'll be using Your
loot as you call It. or the interest Of
it. TO pay your taxes and y0ur tailor.
your pew rent and your club dues.
and you'll be what the biographers call
a respectable member OF the eommu-
nifty"
Ibid you ever kill a man, Jerry"
asked Wilbur. "Nof Well you kill one
some dav-kil him in a fair give and
take hght-1nd see how it makes you
feel aud what influence il has on you.
and then come back and talk to me-"
1t was long after midnight Wilbur
rose.