The Monte Vista journal., 1907-12-07
By ROBERT CARLTON BROWN

Luggins entered the smoking-car at
the psychological moment and sat
down beside me just as though he be-
longed there.
Tell you how 1t was; we were both
tired Of the monotony Of the rolling
plains and a good talk. even with
stranger, was most welcome. But,
somehow. Luggins did not seem like
stranger; after ten minutes talk I
had known him a lifetime and yet
what did know about him? Absolute
ly nothlng-still, would have staked
my life on him.
l didn't notice his little finger at
first, but when l did turned around
and looked at him narrowly. Was it a
phenomenon Of nature? Was 1t a little
vanity in which he INDUCED? Was 1t
a fad or fancy? What was It?
But was no man to ask him why
the little finger on his right hand was
polished so highly that 1t shone like a
jewel. I have travelled somewhat and
learned to avoid foolish questions. But
II ever burned to know anything 1t
was at that moment when his nail
flashed upon me. l knew 1t was his
nail and yet 1t looked and shone and
glanced like a bit of glass with q
silver coating.
He talked Of Frisco. whittier we
were bound. I was puzzled. 1t got upon
my mind, 1t grew upon my magma.
ton; when l looked at him he fairly
scintillated with sprouting little finger
nails. in the most impossible places.
l fear l was rude in my fascinated
staring. for, suddenly. he jerked out
his hand. palm downward, held the
nail in the light and watched me as l
puzzled over the phenomenon.
Notice that nail? Bad for sore eyes.
eh?" he ventured.
"Well-well. er. rather l gasped.
fearing that he was administering a
deserved rebuke to my curiosity.
odd habit OF mine. Been In the
same condition for 20 years or more.
That finger nails insured for $50. 000."
he mused. valuable finger that. II I
lost 1t I'd never make another cent"
uttered an embarrassed laugh to
show him that took his words light
ly and he went on. In q moment. Don't
show that finger to everybody. 1t isn't
everybody that Id care to have see 1t.
You wouldn't have noticed 1t IL l had
thought for a moment that 1t wouldn't
interest you or would interest you too
much
ventured the remark. I've often
wished l had something like that.
Something different. Something with a
romance built around 1t. A fellow new
er feels alone II he's got hobby-a
hobby's n fine thing and II might as
well be the care OF polished finger.
nail as the collecting OF totem-poles."
Then the conversation quite natural.
ly changed to those horses which the
obby.people ride.
We parted at the station In Frisco.
I hated to have Luggins leave me. lit
tie finger and all. wanted to see more
press OF business. he said. would keep
him from having dinner with me and
We parted with the mutual hope that
We would meet again.
After finishing up my business I had
but one engagement to keep before
leaving Frisco. II necessitated my put.
ting In another lonely night In the
city and cursed my luck as sat In
the hotel lobby and wondered why
had become such = slave to business
~ to lose - hours Of this good life
Just to keep an engagement. But
there was. with . choice Of the the.
ater or bed.
Suddenly. I thought Of roulette: a
nights quiet play over the table would
b Just the thing. I knew Of u comfort
able little place where the stakes were
high and tho play racy. I was Just In
tho mood for II.
was early. tho wheel was not yet
running. but already two poker tables
were busy In other rooms and I asked
for . chair. There was room for me At
one table and I walked In quickly.
took my scat. and then looked around
1t my companions.
ny George! There was LuEgins.
right opposite me.
I leapcd from my chair and crushed
bis hand. $4,000 nail and all In my
hand.
lie did not appear ovcrjoycd At see.
Ing mo and q cloud Immediately set.
tied on bis face - VIC resumed our
n~afa