Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1907-05-02

ders without looking at Cripps, ana
made no reply. But the little man,
whose thirst was rapidly getting the
better Of every other condition,
promptly seized him by the arm and
began to lead him across the road in a
desperate hurry.
You shall taste it, my young
friend" he cried, in an ecstacy of good
fellowship. Not, mind you-not that
would have any young man follow in
my footsteps, for I, my young friend,
am wreck. But little stimulant,
especially at this hour Of the days
very necessary! It gives tone to the
constitution"
It appeared to have given something
besides tone to the Doctors constitu-
ton; but he did not say so. He walk
ed with his new friend into the little
Railway inn and ordered refreshments
for both; discovering to his dismay,
when asked for the price of them, that
he had no money. He had performed
the same excellent trick SO often that
he was an adept at it; and tears of in
dignation actually sprang to his eyes
as he solemnly cursed the unknown
man who must have stolen his purse
Containing gold, sir-gold-and my
dear and sainted mothers portrait-aS
miniature, sir, from which would not
have parted, except at the sacrifice of
my last drop of blood. The gold, sir,
was nothing-but the miniature
Here the old sinner hid his face in the
folds of a very doubtful looking hand
kerchief and appeared to weep.
The young man, whatever, his sus-
picions may have been, was good
natured fellow, and he paid the reckon
ing. Immediately the little man be-
came all smiles again, and raising his
glass insisted on drinking the young
mans health.
IF, my dear young friend, could
have the privilege of knowing to whom
I am indebted should be glad; If l
could pledge you by name"
my names Routley = Harry Rout-
ley," replied the lad. "Your health,
sir"
"And yours, Mr.. Routley," respond
ed Cripps. Whatever station of life
may be yours, sir, am convinced that
it is station YOU adorn. Bamberton
should be proud OF you, Mr.. Routley.'
Harry shrugged his shoulders and
laughed little bitterly. cat the pres
ent time," he added, neither Bamber-
ton nor any other place is particularly
proud of me, think And l have no
!.
That's pity - great pity" said
Grips, gravely, shaking his head. If
man has no position, Satan is likely
to find him one. My young friend am
sorry for you"
"You needn't be- replied Harry,
savagely. cts my own falkland my
own business, If it comes to that. de-
serve everything get. sold the best
man and best master ever a lad had
and don't care what becomes of me-"
"Sold mani" exclaimed Cripps. Il
don't understand you"
Don't suppose you do" replied Har-
ry, recklessly. Maybe, not belonging
to these parts, you haven't heard of
Mr.. Dandy Chater-eh?"
The unfortunate Grips, with gasp,
dropped his glass to the floor and fed.
But, before he had managed to wrench
open the door, Harry had laid strong
hand on his shoulder and was hauling
him back again.
LET me go-let me go!" cried
Cripps, wildly. II won't be pestered
with that fendish name any more Let
me go! I've found him in the river;
he's got the diamond necklace; he's
got the banknotes; he's frightened the
count and myself out of our senses;
and can't have quiet drink with i
stranger without hearing of him again.
Let me go.
"Stop a bit" said Harry, quickly,
with his carelessness and reckless de-
meanor gone; ''stop bit! What do
you know of Dandy Chater?"
"a great deal too MUCH said the
doctor, shaking his head and looking
all about him. what do you know
about him?"
Ito Be Contlnued)