The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-01-21

- you were In, but ne would
not come up and asked me
to let you know he was downstairs"
''Tell him it's all right I'll see him"
you mean that he's to come upH"
"Yes, II he doesn't mind"
The landlady went out, gathering
from the visitors unusual request and
her boarder's reply that there had been
trouble between them. Jimsy pushed
away the book he had been reading
and leaned back in his chair to await
his former friends coming.
Brooks shuffied rather than walked
in. He did not offer TO shake hands,
bur, with a subdued Hello. Jimsy,"
seated himself on the edge of the arm
chair that In former days he occupied
as his own. Then he seemed to forget
where he was, sank back, shrinking
into his overcoat, and sat as though
stupefied, twisting his hat in his hands
slowly and mechanically.
Smith was shocked at the change in
his appearance. His face was white
and thin, and the eyes, which were al
the sockets. There was stubble on his
chin; his formerly neatly plastered
hair was disheveled.
boy, you're ill.," said Jimsy with
concern. Let me get a bracer for
you"
He rose and produced a decanter of
whisky, but his visitor declined, this
xr-ttA
probation.
NO, thanks. Jimsy. l don't feel like
1t just now. I've been drinking too
much Of the stuff, and haven't eaten
since last night, l think"
For heavens saker' exclaimed
Jimsy.
Brooks would have restrained him,
but he was out of the door and bound
ing downstairs three steps at a time.
Brooks sank back into the chair and
relapsed into his condition of hebetude.
In little while Smith returned, a
plate heaped high with sandwiches in
one hand and bowl of hot bouillon in
the other. Brooks refused the sand
wiches, but he took the bowl, and,
holding it In both hands-which trem-
bled-sipped its grateful contents
"Jimsy, you're awfully good he
sighed,
"Oh. no-none Of that" protested
Smith. Tell me what brought you
here. What can ! do for your
81 don't know why came, after
after the way ! acted last time r.
Never mind that Let's forget about
it,"
mo. have no right here. Jimsy,
I'm done for"
How done for?"
81 am. and you'll kick me out, as 1
deserve. when you know. Jimsy. I've
done it again. I'm thief a second
tine, and again for a woman"
Smith looked grave. but he said
nothing.
What! You don't get up and kick
me? Well well! / suppose it's Just
like you, but rather hoped you would.
You're the only man who wouldn't
But wait till you hear. | can tell 1t to
you because you can't help me. No
body can. I'm beyond helping"
Better try a sandwich first" sug-
gested Smith There's no hurry"
Thanks: think / will. That beef
tea did me good"
He ate three sandwiches ravenously,
washing them down with water.
There isn't a whole lot to relate" he
said. you can fill in the details for
yourself. tried backing the ponies
again; then I stole from the bank.
There was an examination of the books
at the bank four days ago. didn't
turn up there that day, and l haven't
been there since; but, of course, the
game is up. / wandered about, drink
ing 10 try to forget my troubles till all
my money was gone. Then sobered
up, and here am. This time there's
no one TO save me. The bank couldn't
be fixed, even If had the funds TO
make my stealings good. They'd get
me wherever hid myself, that's sure
They must be looking for me now
And, o God, l can't face itv
Tears rained down his face-tears
that he made no effort 10 hide or wipe
away.
Il knew was going headlong down
to hell-knew what l was doing-saw
the certain punishment-yet couldn't
stop myself. And now / have reached
the mouth OF the pit"
He shuddered and writhed In agony
Of torment, turning his pitiful, stream
ing eyes upon Smith.
"oh. Jimsy, If you would only kill
me and end It ALL" he moaned. "Oh,
If only had the courage to kill my
selfw
Smith, greatly agitated, looked at the
miserable man in perplexity.
'T wish could help you, Joe," he
said. "But this time i don't see how
you can be helped"
at isn't possible. There's nothing
you could do. I'm done for. It's my
own fault" he sobbed. II brought It
all on myself have been weak-oh.
Waak-and A fooI Ana noW It's coma