The Washington herald., 1907-11-14
CHAPTER XVI-Continued.

II was that night that Phil. for the
first time, acquired the mysteries of
that tricksome game. in which he ac-
quilted himself with such remarkable
lack Of success that the old man was
delighted. Backgammon and draughts
were with Mr.. Nunsby quite infanible
tests Of intelligence. He judged that Of
Vic Morris new assistant as Of ne
groid, OF perhaps even gOrilloid in type.
II was only when his daughter had beat
en- him twice IN succession that Mr.
Nunsby began 10 suffer from cold feet. -
Then he ordered her 70 get him the
Educational News, and the last four
numbers of the Palladium. the organ OF
vested rights. and the defense OF the
classes against the masses.
And I hope, Mr.. Calmont, that you
have not imbibed your chiefs foolish and
erroneous doctrines on that head" said
Mr. Nunsby. shaking out his favOrite
journal
Mr. Morris never speaks to me OF
anything but business" said Phil: 1t
takes me al my time TO keep up with the
daily routine of the Office work
Il suppose it is necessary that the en-
gineer should have an assistant" said
Mr. Nunsby; but II you are TO succeed
in life you must get Mr.. Kahn to put YOU
in the general Office That is where you
will get on-there and only there
Mr. Morris gave me this chance" said
Phil Loyalty. "and certainly l have not
yet begun to understand one half OF
what is necessary if am 10 be a real
help to him. He is very patient with
me
-I-l,. ,,-ob,.,,,.- - A. iii. ~ -
aTched in surprise.
why, we all thought that he would
have cursed you UP hill and down dale.
1t seems we have been throwing away
our sympathies. What can you have
done 10 Vie Morris? He is not so ac-
commOdating as a rule"
Come, father" said Rose, who had
been standing. waiting impatiently
enough, here are your papers and your
glasses"
She placed footstool under his Slip
pered feet. arranged him in the best
| light. so that he could read at his ease
pat steaming tumbler at his elbow. IN
which spoon stood upright in gauzy
mist of melting sugar
Then Rose drew her chair opposite Phil
They moved the pieces on the checker.
board without much thought, Rose glanc-
rather
She had a little pile OF spectacles close
at hand. Mr. Thurman Nunsby, late ma.
! tiOnal schoOlmaster. slipped. read. and
nodded-nodded and read. Each time that
he nodded he pushed HIS spectacles up on
the crown of his bald head. Each time
he felt the paper slipping he reached out
for another pair OF spectacles which hi:
daughter had placed conveniently 10 hi.
hand. These adjusted. and in five min
| utes they. too. were on the top of hi
| head. Great care was needed lest Tn,
pile should fall. But after a quarter %
an hour the schoolmaster slept, and hi.
daughter disembarrassed his crown of il.
/ pile of spectacles, drew the Palladium
gently from his hand, cast a light plaiC
over his knees, and finally lowered tn,
! light
Now. he is safe for couple of hours.
she whispered softly in Phil's ear AnC
| hand in hand. with backward glances
/ they withdrew 20 the kitchen. where thel
set fresh kindling wood and coal upon tn
ashes. For in that country of forest anC
coalpit more need go either lightless ol
cold. To go hungry was at times quit,
another thing. as the workers at tht
Incubus pits had occasion to find out
And now. Phil, what is It? 1 see yol
] nave something on your MlnO- has th'
engineer fellow been beating you Will
Vida. or have things not been goinl
smooth ct the office?"
1t was the little music-teacher VIII,
spoke, sitting in her low wicker chair
with her own face IN the deep dusk an,
her eyes on those OF her friend
For ali his calmness Phil had a way o
blurting out things to his only confidani
quite unlike his reputation as known L
the world, which was that of a shy, silen
lad
vida thinks I have behaved badly t
you" he said And the little girl. sudden
" shooting up her higher shoulder as If 4
pain. went all pale. Her lips quivereo
and she trembled violently in the dar
where none could see her But she com
imandeG herself. and answered. 'NOnsenst
Phil; you misunderstood Vida. You .weT
either dull. or vi was IN a bad humorr
Possibly both" said Phil Calmont
but, at least, that is what she sayl