The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-07-04
IN THE TOLLS OF 4 VIGIL.
Unhappy Experience for Two Sdangt
Bedfell0ws.
Each Suspected the Otter of Designs
On His Wealt,i-Onc Leaves the
Room iu Disgust-Lafer They Meet
as Co-Efoaters of n B;g Phosphate
Company.
tReprint from Charlotte Observer.

(Reprint from Charlotte Observer
Old Simon MADISON reached the city
by n Midnight train. He remember
ed exactly the directions given him as
TO reaching the American Hotel. The
omnibus ne waved aside, for there was
really no occasion to spend a quarter.
The gong Of a nearby street car, how
ever offered a vociferous invitation; so
he got aboard and rode as close as pcs
sible TO his chosen hosiery.
There were many loungers on The
side porch by wdich the Office was
reached; AMI the lights shone brilliant
y over the tubs d tropical plants and
the numerous bird cages which were
hanging On all sides. In the narr.g
yard adjoining, there was a large
grape arbor, still in full leaf; and I'M
der it were deep. black recesses sug-
Se5tiVe OF lurking mischief. Simon saw
II all, for ne was very observant. The
conversation was of the wonders OF
the fair, and, to all appearances. every
one was oblivious or the lateneSs OF
the hour. Foolish" thought he, to
waste the night II talking" and, nu:-
rying TO the clerks desk, he laid down
his valiso 70 engage in the more rea-
sonaole task OF arranging his nights
lodging. Terms, a dollar a day, Just
as his friend had told him. Could he
get a BED tonight? Oh, yes; in No. ..
Would h0 CLAN of0nnc Drnhoh1- M
for the patronage Of the nouse vas
great, and few We're fortunate enough
to sleep alone.
impossible" muttered he; and his
wiry s~;de-whiskeTs bristled in protest
Il want a o 10 myself a bed, al
least, ST." he u35ed.
Friend, answered the clerk cool.y,
perhaps you had better go down town
to some other MOTEL. I've told you
the best we can do"
Simon looked away to the wall in e.
fiectiOn; and the fire gradually faded
from his sharp, little eyes. 1t was a
question OF one dollar against TIN &c
and the argument for the former vas
too weighty to bc sighted.
Well, show me- the ROOM" he sal1
at last meekly, and followed the porter
up to No. 8.
Simon MADISON was a short, thin man
somewhat bent IN figure, with a Tacs
and which ~betokened the COZ
calculating, close listed man that he
was. He was accustomed to taking the
economical side Of everything, and thus
in times past he had been prosperous
and OF late was recovering from sOme
heavy financial losses. To be fair, he
was not mean, although he practiCed
his charities On dn economical scale
and dispensed his good will with q
studied reticence.
His valise he threw upon the floor
at the foot of the bed, and he Stoot
! before it to survey the situation. 1t was
by no means satisfactory, and his ma
ture rose in protest again; but he sooT
| became resigned, for" he thought
when a man does the best he can h
may as we'll tough it out" He raise,
the valise to the bed, and, unlocking
it with elaboration, took from It {
neatly folded night shirt, exposing t.
view a small, green pasteboard box
wrapped with several rounds Of tvino
! That box was the real key to his dis
| comfort; it contained just tw~enty-thfe'
hundred dollars IN cash; which FAC
had given rise to the reflection thai i
! would be far better had he the oppor
tunity to close the door upon himself
draw the bolt, and enter upon n
nights rest with a feeling of at leas
partial security.
He soon fell asleep-hard, fast asleep
He had disposed CT the green box un
: der one end of his pillow, and his han'
was g~rasping it. Suddenlyhe was awak
ened by a noise il his room and. raisin;
his head. he beheid a stern, dark-vlS
toned man leaning over the bed, peer
ing at him. His hat was upon his hcad
and his beard in the dim light Dor
the semblance of a mask.
What do you wan;!" demanded 81
mon, sternly.
Il want to know who | am to sleel
with" answered the man laconicail5
ut seems like we're TO have this be
together tonight.
Simon reflected a moment. Wei
pitch in he said; and stretched hiri
self into an easy position, suggest:v
of sleep, with one eye buried in IN
pillow: but the other was opened sight
ly 10 ODSeEFe his pTOSpectIfc Dcu-A~i
low. The latter partially undressef
and sat on a chair in meditation, hold
ing a small handbag upon his lap. Iii
lips moved as if in mysterious convex
sation; and he looked al Simon with
long, ominous gaze. Simon saw it. IN
stranger then cast nervous glances Z
the gas light, at Inc door, al the dress
er. and back again at Simon.
Simon opened his eyes. What's you
name, neighbor, ," he asked in a one o
feiGned Indifference.
"Jedrow's my name-"
kin to the ..edrow's up in Curt
county,"
We'll" answered the man, begin
ming 10 display some interest, Il he
iieve | am-kind o distant"
Simon did not volunteer information
! as 10 his own identity. He Away
, held things in eserve. Nor did Jedrov
ask
When everything was quiet again
.Ied.ow took his handbag, and placin