Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1908-12-17

something amusing.
II was thinking of Mr.. Orton's
hand" said he. His writing certain
~ is the limit. l got hold Of a piece
Of it this morning that I'll bet even
you couldn't read"
And he pulled an envelope out of his
pocket.
'Long Bob" said Barrett, II wasn't
born yesterday. You learned that I
was here, and you came over to get
me to read that thing. I don't know
why, and I don't care. I won't read it.
Put it away"
you're a clever fellow" returned
Long Bob, land you're a business man;
that's what you are. And I'll make
you a business proposition. I'll pay
you $50 if you'll read this note for
me-"
81 Won't touch any of Phil Orton's
money" said Barrett; mot with a ten
foot pole"
He arose from the table, paid his
check and walked out of the restau-
rant straight into the arms of one of
Mr.. Els clerks.
ooh, hello; hello, Barrett" said the
clerk. "Glad to see you. Mr.. II. was
asking me If I knew your address.
Guess he wants to throw something
in your way. Better go around"
cts about a piece of Phil Orton's
writing, isn't it," asked Barrett.
II don't know what it isl answered
the fellow. but his face betrayed him.
"Tell Mr.. H., with my compliments,'
said Barrett, that I will have nothing
to do with Mr.. Orton's affairs"
Now, the truth about the piece of
writing is that Mr.. II. had received it
that morning by mail. On the previous
afternoon Orion had left the city on
n of those sudden and mysterious
Journeys which cut an important figure
in his scheme Of operations. While
driving to the ferry In a cab he had
thought Of something which he wished
to communicate to Mr.. H, and as
there was not time to telephone he
wrote upon the f1yleaf torn from a
book and in the semidarkness of the
jolting cab. He wrote the address in a
sort of half print which he uses for
such purposes, so the missive gave no
trouble to the postman, but it threw
Mr.. III. into a cold perspiration.
OF course there are experts in pen
manship. and they are very honest
gentlemen, as Mr.. H. was careful to
me. but he did not know any of them
as he knew David Barrett. The value
Of the information in the note might
be colossal, especially in the hands of
enemies, but Barrett could be trusted
with it.
When the clerks failed there was
nothing to do but go straight at the
mark and pay Barrett's figure if it
should prove to be within reason. All
efforts to get into communication with
Orion had failed. Nobody knew where
he was. Nobody could make even an
intelligent guess at the message.
At Barrett's bachelor quarters Mr..
H. was Informed that the young man
was not at home. Whereupon the sum
Of 81 changed hands, and Mr.. III. was
advised to seek the studio of Miss Mar
cia Donovan. He needed this advice
and found Barrett, who had just fin
ished telling the story to Marcia and
was about to be sent out by her upon
some errand to a ~neighboring art store.
The two men met therefore, as it
were, upon the threshold, and each
read the others eye. Barrett knew
that Mr.. n. had come to offer him
money, probably several hundred dol
lars, if he would read that letter. Mr..
II. knew that Barrett would refuse.
Mr.. H. summoned up all his tact and
cleverly elected the information that
Barrett was upon an errand for Miss
Donovan. Not for the world would
Mr.. FL. interrupt him or delay the serv-
ice to the lady. If Miss Donovan
would kindly permit him to wait he
could have the great pleasure OF be-
coming acquainted with her work. He
was a humble admirer Of the art pic
torial and had a trihing collection at
his home. to which he made occasion
al additions.
Meanwhile Marcia was nearly faint
ing with Mr.. HIS card in her hand.
Suppose, oh, just suppose in a WILD
dream that this man should take an
interest in her work!
AS Mr.. 81. had waved business aside
and was now scrutinizing a picture
with the air of a true connolsseur
there was nothing for Barrett to do
but depart upon his mission. Mr.. FL.
turned from the picture to Marcia.
"You know what 1 want Mr.. Bar
rett to do" he said.
eyes," she replied. "but he won't do
it."
"You can persuade him. Now, look
here, my child. you're an artist, a
real one. and poor as a church mouse,
| Very well. l propose to
buy five pictures from you. My choice,
you understand. What Will they
COST"
"You NEAR" gasped Marcia. III I
persuade Mr.. BarrettT
eyes"