Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-12-29

I'd. he started for the door. Robbins re-
luctantly surrendering the suit case
after exhausting his repertory of de-
vices to delay the young man. But at
that instant the elevator gate clashed
in the outer corridor and Kelloggs
key ratified in the lock. 10 an accom-
panving confusion Of voices, all mas
culine and all very cheerful.
Duncan sighed and motioncd Rob
bins away with his luggage, "No hope
now" he told himself "But--O Lord"
lnconiinently there burst into the
room four men--Jim Long. Larry Mil
Ter. another whom Duncan did not i'm
mediately recognizes and Kellogg him
sclf-brineing with thcm an atmos-
phcre breezy with jubilation. Before he
knew it duncan was boisterously over
whelmed. He got his breath to find
Kellogg pumping his hand.
Nat" he was saying, you're the
only other man on earth was wish
ing could be with me tonight. Now
my happiness is complete. Cad. this
is lucky
"You think 500" courtercd Duncan.
forcing a smile. Hello. you boys"
He gave a hand to Long and Miller.
How're you all?' He warmed to
their friendly faces and unfeigned well
come. My, but it's good to see your
There was relief in the fact that Kel-
logg. after "A single glance. forebore
to question his return he was to be
counted upon for tact. was Kellogg.
Now he strangled surprise by turning
10 the fourth member of the party
Nat" he said. ~ want you to meet
Mr.. Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett, Mr.. Dun
can"
A wholesome smile dawned on Dun
cans face as he encountered the blank
blue stare of a young man whose very
smooth and very bright red face was
admirably set off by semi-evening
dress. Great Scott" be cried. warm
ly pressing the lackadaisical hand that
arifted into his willy Bartlett
3"ter all these yesrs.'
sudden animation replaced the
tacuous stare of the blue eyes Dun
ran" he stammcred. Il say, this is
rippin'"'
''As bad as that" Duncan essayed
an accent almost English and nodded
his appreciation of il, something
which Bartlett missed completely
He was very young-a very great
deal younger, Duncan thought. than
when they had been classmates, VIVA,
time Duncan shared his rooms With
kellogg, very much younger and SUI.
fering exQuisitcly from oversophisti.
cation. His draw barely escaped be-
ing inimitable. His air did not escape
it. "Snitten with my old trouble.
Duncan appraised him-''too much
money, Heaven knows hope he new
er recovers."
AS for Willy, he was momentarily
more nearly human than he had seem
ed from the moment of his first ap-
pearancc. You know" he blurted,
this is simply extraordinary. l say,
you chaps, Duncan and | haven't met
for years. not since he graduated. We
belong to the same frat. you know,
and had a jolly time Of it, if he was
an upper class man. No side about
him at all, y know, absolutely none
whatever Whenever l had to go out
on spree I'd always get Nat to show
me round"
Il was pretty good at that" Duncan
admitted tribe ruefully.
But Willy ratified on Needless. lie
knew more pretty gels, y know say,
Old chap, d'you know ms many now:'
Duncan shook his head. THE list
has shrunk. I'm changed man, VIII
~"
low, | say, you're chawfn." Willy
argued incredulously. Il don't believe
that y know, hardly. / say. you re.
member the night you showed me how
to play faro BANK
I'm never forget it, Duncan told
him gravely. And ] remember what
plug we thought my roommate was
because he wouldn't come with u.s.
He nodded significantly toward the
amused Kellogg.
Not him" cried Willy, expostuIant
"Not really? Why, It cawn't be-"
Fact" Duncan assured him. HE
was working his way through college
you see, whereas ! was working my
way through my allowance and then
some. That's why you never met
him. Willy, he worked and got the
habit We loafed with the same re
lult That's why he's useful ant
you're ornamental and I'm He
broke off in surprise, Hello" he sale
as Robbins offered tray to the tire,
on which were slim stcmmed glasses
filed with pale yellow effervescen
liquid "Why the blond waters Of ex
element, please" he inquired. accept
ing a glass.
From across the room Larry Miller!
voice sounded. Are you ready. gen
tlemen? Wen drink to him first, ant
then he can drink to his royal LITTLE
self TO the boy who's getting on il
the world. To the junior member o
L. j. Bartlett e. Coz
Long applauded loudly, Hear. hear.
and even Willy Bartlett chimed IL
with an Unconditional, Good work ?
Mechanically Duncan dOwned tn
toast, Kellogg was the only man no
drinking II, and from that the meanin,
was easily to be inferred. With
stride Duncan caught his hand ant