The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-07-22

bread and cheese with cold water-and
to think oyer the young man.
A week later Lorn and his lpawning
OF the book were recalled to. her mind
by a stranger who entered the shop
shortly after midday. This man was
short stout elderly. and vulgar. He
was much excited, and spoke badly, as
Hagar noted when he laid a pawn
ticket number eight hundred and TWEEN
~ on the counter.
Ere. girl said he in rough tones,
gimme the book this tickets for.
You come from Mr.. Lorn?" asked
Hagar remembering the Dante.
Yes, he wants that book. There's
the brass Sharp. now. young woman"
Hagar made no move to get the vol
une. or even TO take the money. In
4 stead.of doing either. she asked ques-
ton. rs Mr.. Lorn I'll, that he could
not come himself?" she demanded.
looking keenly at the mans coarse
face.
No: but I've bought the pawn ticket
off him. Ere, gimme the book
u cannot at present" replied Hagar.
who did not trust the looks of this
man and who wished, moreover, to see
Eustace again.
Dash yer imperancei Why not?'
Because you did not pawn the Dante;
and as It is a valuable book / might
get into trouble If gave it into other
hands than Mr.. Lorn's.''
Well, I'm blest, There's the ticket"
so I see; but how do knqw, tag way
you became possessed of it?TsFsS
"Lorn gave II me-" said the man.
sulkily, and want the Dante"
I'm sorry for that" retorted Hagar,
certain that all was not right. for no
one but Mr. Lorn, shall get IT. If he
I isn't i'll, let him come and receive it
from me-"
The man swore and completely lost
his temper-a fact which did not dis
turb Hagar inSthe least. You may as
well clear out she said. colby. Il
have said that you shan't have the
book. so that closes the question"
I'll call in the policer'
do so; there's a station five minutes
walk from here"
All the evening Hagar anxiously
waited for her visitor and-such is
the inconsequence OF maids-she was
/ angered with herself for this very
anxiety. She tried to think that IT was
sheer curiosity to know the truth of
/ the matter that made her impatient
/ for the arrival of Lorn, but deep in
her heart there lurked a perception
of the actual state of things. It was
not curiosity so much as a wish to
] near MIN speak, anu leel IndI he was
beside her. Though without a chap
eron. though not brought up under
parental government Hagar had her
own social code, and that a strict one
In this instance she thought that her
mental attitude Yves unmaidenly and
unworthy of an unmarried girl. Hence,
when Eustace made his appearance at
9 o'clock she was brusQue to the verge
OF rudeness.
who was that man you sent for
your book?" she demanded abruptly
when Lorn was seated in the back
parlor.
"Jabez Treadle. I could not come
myself, so I sent him with the ticket.
Why did you not give him the Dante?'
Because l did not like his face. and
I thought he might have stolen the
ticket from you. Besides =" here
Hagar hesitated, for she was not
anxious to admit that her real reason
had been desire to see him again
besides, 1 don't think he is your
friend" she finished. lamely.
Very probably he is not" replied
Lorn, Struggling his shoulders Il have
no friends."I
THAT is "a pity" said Hagar, cnst-
ing a searching glance at his trresolute
face. II think you need friends-or. at
all events. one stanch one.Y
May that stanch one be OF your
own sex" said Lorn, rather surprised
at the interest this strange girl dis
played in his welfare-"yourself, for
instance?"
IF that could be so 1 might give you
unpalatable advice Mr.. Lorn.''
such as-whatg" z
Don't trust the man you sent here
Mr.. Treadle. See, here is your Dante
young man. Pay me the money and
take it away"
ar oaos4 -, 49,, A. .,,o,o.. -. 49,.
none. 1 am as poor as Job. but hardly
so patient"
But you offered the money through
that Treadle creature"
Indeed. nor explained Eustace
frankly. II gave him the ticket. and
he wished to redeem the book with his
own money"
fully. He does not look like stu
dent-as you do. Why did he want
this book?"
ITO find out secret"
"a secret. young man-contained in
the DanteT'
Yes. There is a secret in the book
which means money"
ITO you or Mr.. Treadle?" demanded
Hagar.
Eustace shrugged his shoulders
ITO either one of us who finds out The
secret" he said carelessly. But, in
deed. ] don't think 1t will ever be dis
covered-at all events. by me. Treadls
may be more fortunate"
IF crafty ways can bring fortune
your man will succeed" said Hagal
calmly. He is dangerous friend fol
you. that Treadle There is evidently
some story about this Dante of yours
which he knows, and which he desires
to turn to his own advantage. If the
story means money tell it to me anC
may be able to help you to the
wealth am only a young girl. 1t 1.
true, Mr.. Lorn; still, I am old in ex.
perience and 1 may succeed whore yor
fail"
II doubt it." replied Lorn gloomily
still, II is kind of you to take this in
terest in stranger 1 am much
Obliged to you. Miss