The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-28

you ever known anybody TO act in so
strange a manner before?"
Never. But somehow. Olive. be-
lieve no is as sane as you or me"
las you or I. you should say" cor
rected the young wife. You are ter
ribiy ungrammatical. dear"
We'll. you or I. If you like Il better
l repeat that I believe him 20 be thor
oughly right in his mind, but perhaps
he has some curious purpose in his
brain"
But whatever can It be?"
''Ah. that is a mystery-a blssl, fnys-
terry. as they say in the penny dread
fuls. which l cannot fathom."
On the following morning Lawrence
Deane went 10 the office bordering over
the events Of the previous night. He
sat down at his desk and began his
work, but hardly had he commenced
when a small office boy lounged to-
ward him and tapped him on the arm.
You're wanted in the governors
ROOM" he said; and at once
Very we'll"
The clerk put down his pen and
walked swiftly in the direction OF Mr..
Carboy's private apartment He tap
ped al the door and went In.
Mr.. Carboy was seated "a his table,
with a bottle OF Scotch whisky beside
him. A couple Of glasses stood on
the tray. and he looked up smillngly
when the clerk entered.
Aha, Good-morning, Mr. Deane;
good-morning. I have sent for you in
order that may apologize for my
somewhat unconventional Intrusion on
your domestic circle last night"
Don't mention It, sir, replied Deane
politely.
ITO prove that you have no resent
ment." went on his employer. will
you Join me in a drink"
He took UP the bottle az he spoke.
Lawrence shook his head with hrm
decision.
II am very sorry. sir" he said,
but. really. you must excuse me-"
Excuse you. What the deuce do
you mean? DO you actually mean
to tell me that you don't drink?''
L certainly take drink In modera-
ton. sir. but not at this early hour
In fact. I rarely touch spirits till the
evening
HIN! You seem a trihe straight
laced. I must say; but make an ex-
ception today and join me in a drink
with all respect 20 YOU, sir, / Ial:st
decline" replied Deane. 4 could not
give proper attention to my work II
1 began tippling at 10 o'clock a. N"
Mr. Carboy held the bottle tempt
irglv
Just a couple of drops" he urged.
Come, surely you cannot refuse7 ?"
Il both can and do"
We'll. YOU are certainly the most
obstinate young man ! have Nor met.
However, II you won't drink you won't.
so there's an end OF the matter. Er
you can go back TO your work"
Lawrence Obeyed, telling himself
that Mr.. Carboy's eccentricities were
simply amazing, and throughout the
remainder of the morning he wonder
ed what the next Outburst woulI be.
Nothing OF Importance occurred for
a week. Then, on certain foggy
morning. Deane was summoned 10 his
employers room. and found the old
gentleman exceedingly excited.
"Come, here's a pretty thing.
Deaner' he yelled. Il told you to
quote Haywood and Ropes the sum
Of ten-ahd -slxpehce apiece for those
Red Deep shares. and you actually
quoted nine-and-six.
Deane shook his head.
Il beg your pardon" he said; but
you have made a mistake"
"A mistake, sir BE careful how you
talk. never make mistakes"
Then I can only say. sir. that you
are more than human. I am willing 10
affirm. on oath. IL need be. that you
instructed me to quote nine-and-six.
See, here is the memorandum which 1
made in my book at the time"
He produced the book as he spoke.
AMI indicated the entry
Yes. yes. yes; that's all very WE'LL
snapped MIR Carboy; but how do you
know you heard me aright?"
Il am positive 1 did, sir. The words
nine and ten are utterly dissimilar in
sound. and l could not possibly have
mistaken one for the other
Mr.. Carboy glared furiously.
Suppose I told you that II you re-
fused TO acknowle1 ge your mistake. I
should dismiss you from my service"
he cried. what them"
II should still adhere to my original
statement"
"Oh you would would your snap
ped Mr. Carboy Very well. III take
your word for II. Go to the cashier
and get a months salary, and then
clear out
Deane turned toward the door. II cut
him TO the heart to lose an excellent