Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1908-09-25

|
but dimly discernible-"Mrs. Margare,
Brewster"
eagle was waiting at the entrance tc
the Gilded Ball and scanning the faces
Of those who entered. When Brewster
arrived. eagle greeted him quietly
then he led the way inside. After some
intricate windings the two men seated
themselves at table. among mum
Der Of others in brilliantly lighted
room. At table not far away were
seated two men and a woman, all In
evening dress, and the woman was
strikingly handsome. They were drink.
ing champagne and playing poker.
eagle leaned forward and spoke to
Brewster In low tone.
Twill you drink tonight" he asked.
| II think not"
"Play"
mo"
! Suppose she were your sister or
mother?"
1 do you want me to murder you?''
Brewster's hand cltnched aercely.
"She is some ones daughter. and
each Of her companions Is some ones
son." eagles tone was quiet.
ugh" exclaimed Brewster. turning
from the scene.
But CLEAN of satisfaction shot from
the older mans eyes.
Lets go somewhere decent" sug-
gested Brewster, arising. I'm nervous
from last nights experience And, say.
you rub me the wrong way, somehow.
yet l like you. There Is something
about you. but can't explain it. Come
on"
eagle followed, and they entered a
cab in the street. The drive was a
long one. eagle had given directions,
and when the men alighted they were
standing before an obscure entrance to
H cemetery.
II want to show you strange in
scription." eagle drew key from his
pocket and turned toward a narrow
gate in the wall. Brewster hesitated a
moment.
This Is a peculiar hour at which to
come here" he said.
II hope you do not fear meT'
Not in the least"
eagle opened the gate, and the two
made their way among the intricate
windings of the walkways to a tomb
covered by plain slab.
Here eagle struck match, for the
moonlight was not sufficient, and
Brewster read:
1.-THE body that lies here was the
habitation Of a great soul It held a
brain capable Of stupendous employ
ments. But 1t yielded to vicious ap-
petites. What should have been kept
as sanctum became the receptacle Of
alcohol. The brain that might have
planned cities fell to the service of the
gambler, and the hand that might have
built nobly. an assassin, liberated this
soul"
The match had burned out, and the
dim shadows Of surrounding foliage
fell back to their places ON the tomb.
Brewster gazed for a moment upon the
slab now splotched with the shade Of
Ivy leaves. then turned away.
He was good boy" fell from the
lips of eagle in meditatiye tone. fol-
lowing the younger man toward the
gate.
Where Will you alight?'
The return drive had been made in
silence, and Brewster had laid his hand
upon his companions shoulder. st am
going home" he added.
The cab had stopped where the light
OF the Gilded Ball fell into the street.
Wont you come In and have some
thing" asked the older man as he got
out.
Not tonight" And Brewster shrug.
ged his shoulders.
Like an ogre nursing victim for
sacrifice. eagle kept watch for Brews-
ter and took him In tow on every occa-
sion. He steered him past every temp
tation by bringing to his view object
lessons in the results of vice and dissi-
patton.
One day he insisted that Brewster
should visit Wards island with him to
see a friend. They entered ward in
the asylum there where wrecks of al
cohol found safe keeping.
1our Irlend mas been going through
one Of his tantrums," remarked an at
tendant as he led the way to padded
cell.
In few moments Brewster was Raz-
Ing upon a thing that once had been
the perfect form Of human being and
the tenement Of an intelligent SOUL
"You say he was friend of yours?"
They had turned away from the door,
and eagle answered:
Yes, friend and man of fine
qualifications, but an idler"
Brewster stopped to pick up slip of
paper at his feet
What is thls?" he asked.
"Some of that patients writings"
volunteered the attendant
Brewster read. An idler is an enemy
to himself and a menace to society,""
He stopped and reread the words
thoughtfully. ut is the truth" he MUIR
C,ured under his breath.
But eagle caught the words, and
smile Of satisfaction slipped from the
tail Of hia ava