The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1906-09-21

weakness. Ye've not been sober at
your homecoming for a fortnight.
Ye've not been in fitting condition to
be seen at the Office, and ye're afraid
to present yourself there. wonder
ye're not ashamed of yourself"
I'm sorry to have caused you any
Inconvenience" said Billery, who was
very much ashamed of himself, in
deed.
'Sorry!" said Miss MacNab. "And
what good does your sorrow do me-?
I'd like to be answered that, Mr.. Bill
cry. Ye're three weeks In arrear, and
here am with notice from the water
rates. Ye have some money, l sup
pose, and I'll not leave this room till
I've something on account"
"I'l make an effort to settle up to-
morrow" said Billery, but at this
moment I haven't silver. It's no
use to go down to the Office to-day be-
cause It's Saturday, and there'll be no
body on the premises"
I'm not taking that for an answer"
said Miss MacNab, 'T'm wanting the
money tonight, and unless I have 1t
I'll lock the door against you as sure
as judgment I'm just weary OF your
idle, worthless way, and I'd be very
well satisfied II you'd just betake your
self elsewhere and make room for one
O. your betters, Mr.. Billery."
I'm sorry" said the wretched Bill
cry; I'm awfully sorry, but don't
know what can do before tomorrow.
"Ye can march out Of my hoose,"
said the implacable creditor, "and ye
can stay out Of 1t until ye're prepared
to pay me my just dues. the which
amount is one pound seventeen shll-
lings and sixpence, for rent, for money
lent, and for goods supplied. I'm
wanting that sum tonight, and I'm
gaun to have it, or to know the reason
why. An that's my last word upon the
subject. Mr.. Billeery."
With that she founced from the
room and came into impetuous collis-
ion with a very dirty-faced and slhl~
ternly girl.
What are ye doing here. ye slut?
asked Miss MacNab.
Here's a gentleman for Mr.. Billery,"
the girl answered, In tone OF injury.
"And don't you call me names, maam,
for have it will not. You're down on
the dodgers fas: enough. but you're
none too fast at paying up yourself"
"And this" said Miss MacNab, is
the treatment I'm subject to in conse-
quence of your Irregularities, Mr.. Bill
cry. It's for the last time I'm telling
you. I'll have that one pound seven
teen shillings and sixpence this night,
or out Of my hoose We CO."
"Helloa, Billery," said voice from
the landing. Il seem to have chosen
the wrong time for call. Where
have YOU been this two weeks? Have
you been ill?"
Billery recognized Truscott's voice
and dared not face him.
mo-" said Miss MacNab, "he's not
been i'll. He's just surrendered him.
self to his auld habits, and II yere as
well acquaint with him as am, yen
know what they are"
"I think" said Truscott. II heard
you mention the sum OF one pound
seventeen and sixpence. Will you
kindly take it out of that? I shall
dock that from next weeks screw,
Billery."
Miss MacNab tucked up her gown
and sought for and found meager
handful of silver In the pocket OF an
undergarment. Having handed two
and-six to the visitor, she retired
wordlessly and closed the door behind
her.
II had guess as to what might be
the matter" said Truscott. rs 1t any
use to talk about 1t, Hamilton?"
Il don't believe it is." said Billery,
sitting on the bedside and hiding his
face in his hands.
"But what's going to be the end OF
It all. old man?" asked Truscott with
hand upon his shoulder.
II know" the other answered, mis-
erably. There's nothing that any
body can say to me that ! haven't said
to myself thousand times"
tBy Heaven, Hamilton" cried Trus.
cott; .'it's . great shame! Here you
are, 40 lovable . fellow a. walks the
earth, and man with brains, q man
who might carve out q career for HIM
self. just feebly sadntering to perdi-
tion.'
mot willingly" said Billsry; I'm
being draggo1 there"
Dragged" said Truscott, with An
angry pity. you've no right to let
yourself be dragged"
Il know. Rsggy." Billery answered;
mo man knows 1t better"
''Well," Truscott declared, ~ you
won't mend It, I WILL"
Billery made no answer. and Trus-
colt went on
"I,ll hire I professional puncher. and
I'll give him his instructions. I'll
make him dog you ike ! shadow. and
X he has to lay you out III pay his
fines tor him."
''It's awfully kind of you - say 90,
Reggy," said Billery; hut | don't
think I could put up with that, even
1t your hands" I.
Don't your" retorted Trusoott:
Wen -. my boy. I've been think