New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-12

and he sat staring at the handsome. shaver face
with its little fringe Of gray whisker waiting for
enlightenment.
George my buck" said the stranger, giving him
a hearty slap on the shoulder 'how goes it?'
D Bless my eyes / mean." said Mr. Burton.
correcting himself If it amt Joe Stiles. L didn't
know you without your beard"
u hats me-" said the other. IT'S quite by acct
dent l heard where you living, George;
offered TO go and sling hammock with old
Dingle for a week two and he told me. Nice
quiet little place. Seacombe. An, you were lucky
Z get your pension, George.
IT deserve it, said Mr.. Burton, sharply. as he
fanced he detected something ambiguous in his
friends remark
.'Of course you did," said Mr.. Stiles so did 1.
but I didn't get It Well, it's poor heart that
never rejoices. What about that drink you were
speaking of, GeorgeT'
q hardly ever touch anything now" replied his
friend.
i was thinking about myself" said Mr.. Stiles
Il can't the stuff but the doctors must
have it. You know what doctors are, George"'
Nj. Burton did not deign TO reply, but led the
way indoors
VERY comfortable quarters George, remarked
Mr.. Stiles. gazing round the room approvingly;
'shp-shape and tidy. I'm glad met old Dingle
Why I might never ha' you aga.n; and US
such pals, too.'
His host grunted. and from the back of small
cupboard produced bottle OF whiskey and glass
and set them the table. After a momentary
hesitation he found another glass.
Our noble selves" said Mr.. Stiles, with dnge
Of reproach in his tones land may we never for
get old friendships.
Mr. Burton drank the II hardly know
what it's like now. Joe" he said, slowly. You
wouldn't believe how soon you can lose the taste
FOR it"
Nj Stiles said he would take his word for it.
You've got some nice little public houses about
here. too" he remarked. There's one 1 passed
called the Cock and Flowerpot; nice coy little
place it would be to spend the evening in"
Il go there" said Mr.. Burton. hastily. Il
friend o mine here doesn't approve o. public
'ouses.'
What's the matter with him?' inquired his
friend anxiousy.
'It's-it's a 'er." said Mr. Burton in some con-
fusion.
Mr. Stiles threw himself back in his chair and
eyed him with amazernent. Then, recovering his
presence OF mind. he reached out his hand for the
We'll drink her health" he said. in deep voice.
Nh ses With ons i hand reply o5 his heart
her feelingly; then, filling UP again. he drank 10
She's very strict about drink" said Mr.. Burton.
yG tef p6fad with some g9e severty
pocket which failed ed to ring in response.
q Got little statiohsrs t shop PIN in the town:
seady: old fashioned business She's chapel. and
Just u.s.. what what you want" remarked Mr. Stiles plac-
s 9E hls glass on the table What dye say to
Mr. Burton assented, and, having replaced the
black bottle In the cupboard led the way along the
cliffs toward the town. some half mile distant.
Mr. Stiles beguiling the way 10y narrating his al
ventures since they had last met A certain swag-
ger and richness OF department explained by
his statement that he had been the stage.
"OnIy walking on he said with a shake of his
head. THE only speaking part ] had was q
cough You ought 10 ma heard that cough Cieorgef'
Mr. Burton politely voiced his regrets and
watched him anXiously. Mr. Stiles, shaking his
head over a somewhat unsuccessful career. was
making Il Decline for the Cock and Flowerpot.
Just for small soda" he explained, and. once
inside changed his mind and had whskey instead.
Mr. Burton sacrificing principle to friendship, had
Wit
Stiless ideas to it's coziness. and within the
space Of ten minutes he was on excellent terms
with the regular clients Into the little. old world
bar with IFS loud ticking clock. its Windsor chairs
ana its cracked jug fun Of roses, be brought a
breath OF that hustle of the great city and tales
OF the great cities beyond the seas Refreshment
wac forced upon him. and Mr. Burton pleased at
his friends success, ghared mildly I'm his reception