Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-10
CHAPTER ~.

Mr.. Sabin. who was never. for its own
sake, fond of solitude, had ordered dinner
for two at $50 in the general dining room.
At a few minutes previous to that hour
Mr.. Skinner presented himself.
Mr.. Skinner was not in the garb usually
affected by men Of the world who are in
vited to dine out. The long days exertion.
too. had had its effect upon his linen. His
front, indeed. through broad gap. con-
fessed to foundation of blue. and one Of
his cuffs showed a marked inclination to
escape from his wrist over his knuckles.
His face was flushed, and he exhaled
strong odor of cigars and cocktails New
ertheless. Mr.. Sabin was very glad to see
him. and to receive the folded sheet of
paper which he at once produced.
II have taken the liberty" Mr.. Sabin re-
marked on his part, ''of adding trifie to
the amount we first spoke Of which beg
you will accept from me as mark of my
gratitude for your promptness."
"Sure!' Mr.. Skinner answered terSely,
receiving the little roll of bills without
hesitation. and retreating into a quiet cor
ner. where he carefully counted and ex-
amined every one. That's all rightr' he
announced at the conclusion of his task.
Come and have one with me now before
you read your little billet-doux. eh?"
1 shall not read your report until after
dinner" Mr.. Sabin said, land 1 think If
you are ready that we might as well go in.
At the head-waiter's suggestion 1 have
ordered cocktail with the oysters, and if
we are much later he seemed to fear that
1t might affect the condition of the-I
think it was terrapin, he said.'
Mr.. Skinner stopped short. His tone be-
trayed emotion.
did you say terrapin. sir?''
Mr.. Sabin nodded. Mr.. Skinner at once
took his arm.
Guess we'll go right in." he declared.
Il hate to have a good meal spoiled
They were an odd-looking couple. Mr..
oolg I..k
usual evening dinner garb, Mr.. Skinner
addressed, untidy, unwashed and frowsy.
But here at least Mr.. Sabin's incognIto
had been unavailing, for he had stayed at
with an odd little pang-with Lucille and
the head-waiter. with low bow. ushered
them to their table. Mr. Skinner saw the
preparations for their repast, the oysters,
of champagne in ice, and chuckled. To
take supper with duke was novelty to
him, but he was not shy. He sat down
and tucked his serviette into his waistcoat
raised his glass, and suddenly set 1t down
again.
THE boss!' he exclaimed in amazement
Mr.. Sabin turned his head in the direc-
ton which his companion had Indicated
Coming hastily across the room toward
them. already out Of breath as though
with much hurrying, was a thick-set, pow
erful man, with the brutal face and coarse
lips of prize-fghter; beard cropped so
days only covered his chin, and his mus
tache, treated in the same way, was not
thick enough to conceal a cruel mouth. He
was carefully enough dressed, and a great
diamond flashed from his tie. There was a
red mark round his forehead where his
hat had been. and the perspiration was
streaming from his forehead. He strobe
without hesitation to the table where Mr..
Sabin and his guest were sitting, and with
out even a glance at the former turned
upon his myrmidon. :~:,.7~
Where's here's that h rsport?" he cried rough
a. smaller man.. He pointed across the ia
.ble.-.: ...-;f, .>r.->.- = r,e.-.- = So.
1--WE given it to him." he said. "what: IS
wrong, boss? - 49,. .ta-s,
The newcomer raised his hand as though
to- strike Skinner: He CRASHED his teeth
with the effort to control himself.
You id blithering idiot" he said
hoarsely. gripping the side of the table
why wasn't 1t presented to me first?'
Guess it didn't seem worth WHILE"
Skinner answered. There's nothing in
the darned thing"
+ You ignorant fool, hold your tongue. {"
The newcomer sank into chair and
wiped the perspiration from his streaming
forehead. Mr.. Sabin signaled to waiter
y you seem upset. Mr. Horserr' he re-
marked politely. ALLOW me to offer You a
glass of wine"
Mr.. Horser did not Immediately reply
but he accepted the glass which the waiter
brought him. and after a moments hest
tation drained its contents. Then he turned
to Mr.. Sabin.
You said nothing about those letters you
had had when you came to see me this
morning.
1T was you yourself" Mr.. Sabin re-
minded him, who begged me not to enter
into particulars: You sent me on to Mr..
Skinner. I told him everything"
Mr. Horser leaned over the table. His
ewes were blOOdShOt. his tone WAS forco
and threatening. Mr.. Sabin was coldly
courteous. The difference between the de-
meanor of the two men was remarkable,
'You knew what those letters meant!