The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1909-07-15
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The Great
7ontine
BY
HA WILEY SMART
Author Of Broken Bonds Bound V VIM
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CHAPTER XXII-fContinued., ,


Hemmingby was right in the prediction
much as possible turned away from him,
and addressed herself to Ringwood in low,
measured tones, which struck the manager
as having been deliberately adopted. He
was disappointed, for he had reckoned
upon her voice to recall this woman to
his memory. AS yet it had told him moth
ing, and he felt pretty sure that she
would allow him to hear as little of it as
might be. Clearly, if possible, he must
force her to talk.
NO" observed the manager: "the old
erittur don't recollect me a bit and yet,
poor old chap, he and have been friendly
for the last twenty years; but l suppose,
ma am, there are many of his old friends
ne don't recognize?"
He recognizes very few of them now,
sir" rejoined the nurse, in the same low,
mechanical tones.
He knows Mr.. Pegram, of course"
said Hemmingby carelessly.
Who said anything about Mr.. Peg
ramp piped the octogenarian, from the
depth of his cushions. He never comes
near me now; why should he? What does
he want with WORKOUT old fellow like
me? But I'd like to see him, I'd like to
see him."
A CLEAN of surprise flashed for mo-
ment across the managers face; but, tran
sient as it was, the woman, who from
under her downcast lids was steadily
watching him, saw it, and fidgeted nerv-
ously with her apron in consequence.
1T strikes me-" continued Hemmingby,
that my old friend there is not quite
so deaf as you make him out to be, Mrs.
Mis-"
CLARK, sir" she replied. Excuse me
| told you just now that, though he
really Is very deaf, he exaggerates his
deafness a good deal when out Of humor.
The name of Pegram would, of course, at
tract his attention"
"Pegram!" quavered the invalid again |;
Il want to see him about that right of
foreshore in front of Rydland Terrace. If
he don't buy it, somebody else will, and
build on it, likely as not. 1t will send
his rents down in the Terrace If he lets
any one build between him and the sea-"
There was a twinkle in Hemmingby's
eye, which did not escape Mrs. Clark, as
he replied:
"Why, your head is as clear for bust
Eess. Mr.. Krabbe, as ever it was; if you
would only take to an ear-trumpet, | be-
lieve, when you have got through the win
ter, you might resume your old place in
the Office. Don't you think. ma'am, he
will come round with the spring bit?"
The nurse shook her head, but made no
further reply.
"Well, Ringwood," said the manager,
rising, you were sent down here to see
Mr.. Krabbe, and so put an end to a fool
ish rumor; l suppose you are satisfied
now, and quite ready to vouch that he is
alive, and in tolerably good case, for his
age"
He was, accompanied by Ringwood,
about to leave the room when, to the in
tense establishment of the latter, he turn
ed swiftly round, crossed to the deaf mans
chair, put his hand lightly on his shoulder,
and whispered into his ear. Ringwood
saw the invalid start as if the manager
had bit him; but before he could observe
more. Hemmingby hurried him into the
lane, and led the way rapidly back to
Rydland.
"Well,' said Ringwood, as they turned
into the high road what do you make
of it all? and what, in heavens name,
possessed you to whisper into a deaf
mans ear?"
Il can't explain matters more BRIEFLY"
rejoined Hemmingby, laughing, than by
telling you what / said. 1t was merely
this-'A leetle overdone, Bob; but you can
have twenty pound a week at the 'vivac-
ity' whenever you like to join the profess
sion.'"
why, you don't mean to say" ex-
claimed Ringwood.
Yes, l do" interrupted the manager.
Bob Pegram plays old Krabbe, and well
he does it. AS for the nurse, still can't
put name to her; but would back her
also to be theatrical"