Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-08-02
DAILY STORY
A GENTLEMAN'S CABMAN.

Frederick Wicket and his son, Bob.
We're boon companions. They belonged
to the same clubs, played billiards and
golf together, and on one occasion-the
father was a widOwer-made love to
the same woman. But there was nc
rivalry in the matter, for neither knew
of the others attentions and neitherS
intentions were serious. When they
became aware of the fact, they had Il
good laugh over it.
But the day came when a girl came
between the WickettS. She did not
move in their exclusive circle, for she
made her own living. Her family had
been wealthy, but that was before her
time. Wicket senior forbade the
bans. The couple We're married, and
the father and son became as strangers.
There was nothing to do but fOt
young Mrs. Wicket to retain her posi-.
ton. Bob had no knowledge of and
was not fitted for business. He tried
several subordinate positions and failed
at them all. At last he grew desper-
ate and resolved on some cOngenial
work, no matter how humble. He was
very fond of horses, and livery stable
keeper offered him the post of assist
ant manager. He accepted it. Il
can't go with the swclls any more"
he said, 80 it doesn't make much diff
ference what | do
Despite the difference between the
Of
man Bob found his work endurable.
Had it not been for this difference he
would have found it to bis taste. AS
it was, he was in constant terror Of
being recognized by some of his for
mer associates.
Meanwhile Frederick Wicket was
having a dull time of it without his
chum son. Arrived at an age when
new intimaCicS are hard to make, he
pinned for cOmpaniOnship. He would
have married, but cOngenial marriages
are as difficult to make to order as
friendships. All he could do was to
spend the most of his time driving.
autOmobiling or at his club, but at
neither did he find those with whom
he could obtain enjoyment.
One day Bob Wicket had n run of
bad luck. While all the drivers We're
out there was Il telephone call from 4
lady, one of the best customers of the
stable, for a carriage TO drive her to
catch train. Bob was directed to do
the job. When returning from the
station he saw on the sidewalk one Of
his old friends approaching. He drew
his coat collar up about his chin and
pulled his hat down over his eyes. IL
this way, though the former friend
looked straight at him, Bob passed IN
recognized.
Scarcely had he escaped one morti-
tication than he fell into another
Hearing sharp Hey" on the side
walk. he drew rein and turned his
head. There stood his father
Free for awhle?" asked Mr.. Wick
EFT.
Bob was about to say no" when it
occurred to him that his father would
recognize his voice. He said nothing,
but. quickly turning his face to his
horses, pulled up to the curb.
"Athenaeum club" said Mr.. Wicket
senior, stepping into the carriage.
Bob experienced Il singular sensa-
ton at having his father inside to
drive whittier he liked. Various plans
passed through his head. but none got
foOthold. He thought OF driving to
his humble apartments to show his
father how miserably he lived. hoping
to touch his heart, but he feared it
would rather offend his pride. He
reached the club without having hit
upon anything feasible His father
alighted, took out his pocketbool and
handed up the fare His eyes met
Bob's, and he recognized him.
The two men stood looking at each
other without speaking There was 4
strange expression in the fathers eyes.
Many a time they had been driven to-
gether. Many Il time one or the other
had handed the fare to a coachman.
The father thought Of this and more.
He saw his boy mounting his pony.
He saw him later, in fashionable at
tire. astride his horse in the park, ad-
mirable alike for his handsome face
and figure and horsemanship. Then he
went back TO the beginning and saw
the babe in his mothers arms.
Come in and get something warm"
said the father, in the tone he would
address a coaChman.
Bob left his horses standing in the
street and followed his father into the
visitors room in the club. The father
kept the bearing of n gentleman to his
cOachman; the son maintained a coach
mans reserve.
Waiter, pint Of champagne"
The waiter, though astonished at
such call for coachman, was too
well trained to show his surprise. He
disappeared, and when he returned the
gentleman was striding back and
forth, while the cabby was standing
as befitted his grade, with his whip
in his hand. The waiter opened the
wine, poured out n single glass, not
supposing for Il moment that the gen
tleman would honor cabman by drink
ing with him. Then he left the room.
Ten minutes later the waiter saw MI.
Wicket leave the club with the coach