Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-08


slid from revere enough to inquire, Anything
doing yet?''
! Just said Rats" and he understood.
Then he passed over the tobacco jar by way OF
reached for my brar and filled up, before eluci-
dating "Pendleton' said L. If you hear of any
kindly roll the news my way, will YOU? have Just
returned once more from Johnny Jones's dear old
Broadway, and if there a managerial or theatrical
cases. stuck out my fabbv patent feathers. Ill
spend this last dime of mine for your drink And
added thoughtfuy. Il had counted on the White
House Travelling Restaurateur.
Suddenly Pendleton looked up in sharp interest.
Broker he inquired laconically.
| resented the term. - have my dime, l SAID
haughtily.
He smiled Then he rose and, crossing he room:
selected key from his bunch. He busted himself
with intricate lock which he had had fitted to an
old dresser
had known Pendleton Dudley for years;
that is to say he had known that time. Nobody
ever knew Pendleton The of my knowledge
be tabulated somewhat follows: He was
reporter-at times. even had hints of his being
connected with the pohce-at times. had heard
his managerial fps-at times. But he had
money always.
SO it was with no Slight interest that l him
fumblng away in the drawer he had opened. his
long legs showing we'll below his shrunken bath robe.
And, strange to state my interest coupled to
indefnabe foreboding. What he took on, he Slid
into the capacious pocket at his side Then he shut
and locked the drawer again carefully. Stridng
back to position directly in front of me. he
eyed SteadfaStneSS that hndlN grew I'M
comfortable Then he said
Standish. think you'll do nicely And besides
you'll be solid for the rest of Your career Two bird;
stonc''
Il don't understand. | said
"Of course YOU don't. he replied And there
isn't any particular reason why you'll ever have to.
if you Just stick to Your part and ask questions.
Something of a pig in a poke; isn't it - l said
Um-hm he humned casually; but this time
it gilded pig
Howl"
"A hundred dollars and a good dinner for three
hours work-no. work fun
Sure your gold pig is not brck! | asked
obviously.
He reached into that pocket again and brought
out ten of the yellow tens. The sight of that
money just sort of crinkled me up inside somewhere,
| felt like piece of overused nose putty-that
pliable. And Pendleton, perceving it, pressed his
point.
Looks good eh:''
Good enough | couldn't help agree But
how about this thing being honest: Any danger of
the bars in it? You know. Pendleton, I'm poor but =
Sure, sure!" assured he in interruption After
I've outlined your duties you judge for your
self"
"Al right said l, still putting at that vile mix
ture, open up!
He began with questions: You've been on the
stage how long!"
Five disguised years" answered with feeling.
Humph!' he grunted. " Legitmate.'
Mostly" l replied: though to tell the truth,
Pendeton, my real talent is voice; but haven't had
the opportunity to make good
He jumped to his feet again. Better and better!"
he cried And your voice.?
BARITONE" l replied modestly; for l really do
sing quite we'll
features hard. You haven't pawned your makeup
box yet have YOU!
Not yet but
He stopped me. He had thrust his hand into that
all potent pocket again Then he flashed before my
VISION a cabinet sized photograph: 1t proved
close inspection to be dark haired black eyed man.
with corresponding tightly waxed mustache and
TIDY little imperial Can you look like that
asked Pendleton
I+,..