The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1906-08-16
CHAPTER vIl.-(continued).

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rule. But that's how things happen,
and of course you may expect a cove
to be away when most he's wanted
my governors the cove for regu-
larity' said Gervase's friend. He
comes home about seven O'Clock in the
morning with his dress tie under one
ear, and swears at ne because | won
let him go 10 bed in his boots He
takes his half-bottle at four or FIVE,
breakfasts at six, dresses for the
theayter about eight. and turns up at
seven hay hem with his tie under the
other year. Then for a change he'll
cry because | won't let him go TO bed
with his boots on, but he can always
be relied on with regard 10 hours.
That's been his line of life ever since
I've been with him, and he's as strong
as a bullock and as healthy as foot
baller in full training"
That's the queer part OF H." said
Gervsse It's the unequal way as
things are distributed. Now my gov
ernor, he's obliged 10 be pretty nearly
as careful as ! am A little bit Of
gaiety and he'll be knocked clean OF
his perch for a month OF Sundays.
Wen have just one more and then l
think il would be as well IL we had a
bit OF snooze"
''All right" his friend returned.
you take your snoose and III keep
watch. My tulip won't be home for
three hours yet, and shall be through
with him In bali an hour"
Gervase bestowed himself for slum-
Der The morning hours passed I'M
eventually and in little while all the
three under that roof were asleep.
The tulips guardian was awakened by
the sound of a heavy and uncertain
footstep on the stair, and darted out 70
the performance Of his customary
morning functions.
Billery slumbered more like death
than life to look at, and Geryase. dis
turbed by his companions departure,
arose 10 battle and dress and 10 ar
range the rooms for his masters ar
rival. II was near noon when Alexis
appeared, perfectly attired and
groomed. but looking pale, tired and
harrassed.
why, what In heavens name is
this?" he asked, as his eye fell on
Billery. isn't that fellow recovered
YETI"
Il suppose 1t was you, sir, that left
the gentleman here last night?" asked
Geryase.
YES" said Alexis. 81 left him here.
He was drunk, confound him, and
put him on my bed. What's this
dreadful smell of gas, Gervase?"
Can you smell II STILL sir?" Gervase
inquired. We've had the windows
open hours and hours. There's been
a dreadful business here. sir" and he
began to tell the story with many
windings and circumlocutions, whilst
Alexis listened apparently more in
wrath than sympathy.
THE drunken brute" he said. ct
was a wonder he didn't kill himself"
well, sir" said Gervase, ''its none
so certain that he hasn't. II was half
an hour before the doctor was sure
that there was pulse left In him.
He's been in twice to see him, and
he's none too hopeful. The gentleman
hasn't moved a little finger since we
laid him there, and | shouldn't be sur
prised, sir, IL he never moved anoth.
err"
Alexis walked to the side OF the
couch and looked down at the recum-
bent figure. Billery's face was all
pulled and swollen his lips were lead
color, and his cheeks of a greenish
gray.
Il think he is breathing trifle freer
than he was, sir" Gervase said.
You'd ha' took him for a corpse at
five this morning, sir"
WELL" returned Alexis, reluctantly,
81 can't turn him out like this. You
can make room for him somewhere, |
SUPPOSE"
He'd be as well off as anywhere in
the library" Gervase suggested, but
he'd get the properest nursing at the
hospital"
Alexis still stood looking down at
the pulled features. He stopped to
take the wrist between his thumb and
finger. consulting his watch mean
while.
WOii, WChs ht oaiu, do nC dilOWcu
the hand to fall. This poor beggar
was friend Of mine until he went to
the dogs through drink. suppose we
must look after him, Gervase. When
do you expect the doctor back again."
From what he said. SIR" Gervase
answered, "he might be here at any
minute now. That's him, expect,
SIR"
In effect there was ring at the bell
that moment. 1t did not herald the
advent of the doctor, however, but of
two young ladies In summer morning
costume, looking. delightfully."- dainty.
fresh and cool, and sparkling with
health and high spirits.
"Lilian!" cried Alexis. advancing
4 with outstretched hands. what
brings you here?"
TWAS that brought her here"
said Belle Malloy. In her laughing
Irish voice. We've stolen holiday
70 London, and persuaded her to let
M chapercn her here, because want
~ 70 have . look at these elegant
quarters Of yours that rye heard 80
81 1870 ey,H,st Hut vhat's thatr"