Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-09-07

WIFI IL pdluellc TclertuCe W IOSlLS tie
prop of his old age Paul listened re-
spectfully and held to his own opinion.
In defense of the same he replied in
detail:
II am aware that | talk to my IA
Their. SIR" said he, with spirit. You
never allow me to forget that fact. If
another man spoke to me as you do !
should probably break his head. l
have read the Bible and find therein
that parents owe a duty to their chill
dren which certainly does not include
being abused like a pickpocket. My
mother will not pine away if you will
leave her alone for at least three hours
day. And as to my being the prop
of your old age, your vigor of language
assures me that you are strong enough
to stand alone"
SO Paul Beecot repaired to London
and after the orthodox fashion began
to cultivate the muses. on little oat-
meal by renting a bloomsbury garnet.
There he wrote reams on all subjects
and in all styles and for six months as
siduously haunted publishers doors
with varying fortunes. Sometimes he
came away with a check. but more
often with bulky manuscript bullying
his pocket.
Shortly the great manager of the
Universal theater enlisted Paul as an
actor, and he assumed the double role
of an unappreciated author and sigh
ing lover In the first capacity he had
in his desk ten short stories, couple
of novels. three dramas and n sheaf of
doubtful verses. These failed to ap-
peal to editor, manager or publisher.
and their author found himself re-
duced to his last five pound note. Then
the foolish, ardent lad must needs fall
in love. Who his divinity was, what
she was and why she should be div.
inized can be gathered from q CONVEX
sation her worshiper held with an old
schooifellow.
1t vas in Oxford street at 3 o'clock
on n June afternoon that Paul met
Grexon Hay. Turning the corner of
the street leading to his Bloomsbury
attic. the author was tapped on the
shoulder by resplendent Bond street
being-that is, the said being wore a
perfectly fitting frock coat, Il silk hat.
trousers with the regulation fold back
and front an orchid buttonhole, gray
gloves, boots that glittered. and carried
gold topped cane. The fact that Paul
wheeled without wincing showed that
he was not yet in debt.
"Reecotw said the newcomer, taking
, rapid stock of Pauls shabby serge suit
and worn looks. II thought l was
right"
The voice IL not the face awoke old
memories.
"IIay-Grexon Hayr cried the strug-
Cling genius. well, am glad to see
you And he shook hands with the
frank grip of an honest man.
| "And you" Hay drew his friend
up the side street and out of the human
tide which deluged the pavement. But
you seem"-
flushing "Come to my castle and I'll
tell you all about it, old boy. You'll
stay to supper. won't you? See here
Paul displayed a parcel-"a pound OF
sausages. You loved 'em at school
and I'm superfine cook"
GreXOn Hay always used expression
and word to hide his feelings. But
with Paul-whom he had always con
| sidered a generous ass at TorringtOr
sehool-a trifie Of self betrayal didn't
matter much. Beecot was too dense
and, it may be added, too honest to
turn any opportunity to advantage
Its most surprising thing" said
Hay in his calm way, really a most
surprising thing, that a Torringtor
public schoolboy, my friend and the
son of wealthy parents, should be buy
ing sausages."
"Come, now" said Paul, with grea
spirit and towing Hay homeward. g.
haven't asked you for money"
'If you do, you shall have it" salt
Hay, but the offer was not so gener
Gus a one as would appear. That wa
Hay all over. He always said VIVA
he did not mean and knew well tina
Beecot's uneasy pride SHE'D at loans
however small.
Paul, the unsophisticated, took tn
shadow of generosity for its substance
and his dark face lighted up. Your
brick, Hay" he declared, "but don
want money. No"-this in reply to a
eloquent glance from the well to do
81 have sufficient for my needs. ant
besides" with a look at the resplenden
dress of the fashion plate dandy. ''
don't glitter in the west end"
: (Which hints that those who do ar
rich" said GreXon, with an arcti
smile. Wrong, Beecot I'm pool
Only paupers can afford to dress well.
I'm that case must be million
aire," laughed Beecot. CHANGING down
: ward at his we'll worn garb. .'Bu
mount these stairs. We have much t
say to one another"
: Much that is pleasant" said tn
courtly GreXon.
Paul shrugged his square shoulder
:, and stepped heavenward. "On you
part. I hope" he sang back; Certain
l ly not on NINE Come to Poverty cas-
: tie" And the fashionable visitor foun
, his host lighting the fire in an apar
3 ment such as he had read about, bu
$ had never seen.