The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-07-28
The Madness Of MIR. Lister

was producing. Altogether I've got q little over
four 'undered pounds"
The cook gasped, and with gentle firmness took
the cabbage from him as being unft work TOT
man OF such wealth.
ITS very nice" lie said, slowly. IT'S very nice.
You'll. be able to live on 1t In your old age"
Mr. Lister shook his head mournfuly, and his
eyes became humid.
There's no old age for me-" he saia, sadly;
but you needn't tell them," and he jerked hts
thumb towards the forecastle.
mo, no. said the cook,
i've never been one to talk over my affairs,
said Mr.. Lister, In low voice I've never yet
took fancy enough to anybody SO to do. No, my
lad, I'm saving up for somebody else"
What are you going to live on when you're
past work then?" demanded the other
Mr.. Lister took him gently by the sleeve and
his voice sank with the sOlemnity of his subject;
I'm not going to have no old age ne said, re-
signedly.
uneasily at knife by his side. How DO you
known
Il went to a orsepittle In London" said Mr..
Lister. i've been to two or three altogether,
while the money I've spent on doctors is more
than like to think Of and they're all surprised
to think that I've lived so long. I'm so chock-full
O complaints that they tell me can't live moro
than two years. and might go on at any mo
ment."
"Well, you've got money" said the cook, "why
don't you knock off work now and spend the eve
min of your life ashore? Why should you save
up for your relatives?"
I've got no relatives" said Mr.. Lister: I'm all
alone. 'spose shall leave my money to some
nice young Teller, and / hope It'll do I'm good"
With the dazzling thoughts which flashed
through the cooks brain the cabbage dropped
violently into the saucepan. and shower OF cool
ing drops fell on both men.
Il spose you take medlcine?' he said, ut
length.
"A little rum" said Mr. Lister, family; "the
doctors tell me that II is the only thing that keeps
me up--o course, the chaps down there"-he indi-
Gated the forecastle again with jerk OF his head
accuse me O. taking too much"
What do We take any notice OF EN- for?" in-
CURED the other, Indignantly.
II 'spose II Is foolish" admitted Mr.. Lister; "but
l don't like being misunderstood. keep INV
troubles to myself as rule, cook. / don't know
what's made me talk to you like this. card the
other day you was keeping company with young
woman" @q
Well, | won't say as aint" replied the other.
busyng himself over the fire.
AN the best thing, too, my lad" said the old
man, warmly. 1T keeps you stiddy, keeps you
out OF public-ouses; not as they amt good in mod
eration-I 'ope you'll be Apply
The cook thanked him. and noticed that Mr..
Lister was fdgeting with piece OF paper.
"A little something wrote the other day." said
the old man. catching his eye. If let you SEQ
1t, will you promise not to tell soul about It. and
not to give me no thanks"
The wondering cook promised, and. the old man
being somewhat emphatic on the subject, backed
his promise with home made affidavit OF Singh
lar power and profanity. 0N
Here 1t Is, then, said Mr. Lister.
The cook took the paper, and as he read the
letters danced before him. He blinked his eyes
and stared again. slowly. In plain black and
white and nondescriptcolored fingermarks, Mr.
Lister. after a general statement as to his bodily
and mental health. left the whole OF his estate to
the cook. The will was properly aate.. and wit
messed. and the cooks voice shook with excite
ment and emotion as he offered to hand 1t back
don't know what I've done for you to do
this" he said.
Mr.. Lister waved 1t away again. Keep IT," ne
said, simply; while you've got 1t on you, you'll
know It's SAFE"
From this moment friendship sprang up be-
tween the two men which puzzled the remainder
OF the crew not little. The attitude OF the cook
was as that OF SON to father; the benignancy
OF Mr. Lister beautiful to behold. II was noticed,
too, that he had abandoned the reprehensible
practice of hanging round tavern doors in favor
OF going inside and drinking the cooks health
For about six months the cook, although always
In somewhat straitened circumstances, was well
content with the tacit bargain, and then. BIT by
bit, the character Of Mr.. Lister was revealed to
him Il was not nice character but subtle. and