Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-01-04
scoundrel understands every word W,

scoundrel understands every word We
say"
He does look knowing. Benjamin. T
just dropped in to tell you that | think
you needn't worry so about Sans Sam.
Your neighbor has promised Willy King
that she will help us with him. But 1
want you to talk the matter over with
Samuel and"
rupted. his lower lip dropping with dis
may. "Ye don't mean-the female at the
Stuffed Animal House,"
Yes. Mrs. Richie. She will snub him
If it's necessary, William says: but she'll
help us by urging him to attend to bust
ness. See?"
Il see-more than You do,' cried Ben
jamin Wright. Much Willy King has
accomplished! It's just what I've always
said-if you want a thing done, do II
yourself. It's another case of these con-
founded canaries. If they are not to be-
eaten up by some devilish cat. I've got
to sit out here and watch over 'em. IL
that boy is not to he injured. I've got to
watch over him. My neighbor is going
to help? Gad-a-mercy! Help
DIR. Lavendar took off his broad brm-
med felt hat and wiped his forehead with
his big bandanna. BENJAMIN. what's
hurt him. Why, before / was his age
had lost my heart to my grandmothers
first cousini'
But the older man was not listening.
his anger naQ suddenly Ddrtened INTO
alarm; he even forgot the canaries. Shes
going to help? Lavendar, this is serious:
1t is very serious. He's got to be sent
away-if 1 have to see'-his voice trailed
into a whisper: he looked at DIR. Lay
endar with startled eyes.
The green cock hoped down into his
glass tub and began to ruffie and splash.
but Benjamin Wright did not notice him.
DR.. Lavendar beamed. You mean you'll
see his father"
have to see-my son.
Thank Godr' said DIR. Lavendar.
Dominic said Mr.. Wright, its better
to make your manners when you've got
your 'baccy.' Yes, I'll have to see-his
father: if there's no other way of get
ting him out of town."
"Of course there's no other way. Sam
won't go without his fathers consent
But you mustn't make play-writing the
excuse; you mustn't talk about that"
Il won't talk about anything else" said
Benjamin Wright.
DIR. Lavendar sighed, but he did not en-
courage perversity by arguing against it.
BENJAMIN" he said, II will tell Samuel
of your wish to see him
My wish!"
DIR. Lavendar would not notice the in
terruption. ':Will you appoint the timer
.'Oh. the sooner the better; get through
with it! Get through with it"' He stared
at his visitor and blinked rapidly; mo-
ment later he shook all over. "Lavendar.
ii will kill mel He was very frail, this
shrunken old man in the green dressing
gown and high HEAVIER hat, with his
lower lip sucked in like a frightened
child's. The torch of life, blown so often
into furious flame by hurricanes of rage.
had consumed itself. and it seemed now
any slight gust '1e may come up to-
night he mumbled. shiverng in the hot
sunshine and the drift of locust blossoms
as if he were cold.
1T can't be tonight he's gone out west
He gets back Saturday. I'll send him up
Sunday evening-if 1 can"
"Gad-a-mercy, Lavendar." Benjamin
Wright said, whirhpering, you've got to
come. too!' He looked at his old friend
with scared eyes. Il won't go to the
I'm slave to en-
But DR.. Layendar saw that shaking legs
were the real excuse; and he went away
a little soberly in spite of his triumph.
Would there be any danger to Benjamin
from the agitation of the interview? He
must ask Willy King. Then he remem-
bered that the doctor had started for
Philadelphia that morning; so there was
nothing to do but wait. I'm afraid
there's some risk" he thought. Burt
Benjamin had better die in peace than
live in anger. Oh, this writing BUSH
ness! If l could only depend on him to
hold his tongue about it. but / can't
Then as he and Goliath trudged along in
the sun, he gave himself up to his own
rejoicings. ITO think I was afraid to let
him know that Mrs. Richie could be de-
pended upon to help us!'' He looked up
as if in smiling confession to some I'M
seen Friend Eyes. indeed: He taketh
the wise in their own craftiness' 1t was
the promise of Mrs. Riches help that
scared him into it! l won't be SO crafty
next time" he promised in loving peni-
tence
(To be Continued Tomorrow