Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-15

turned Farrington Il have more reasons than
one. believe me-
I'D be mighty glad to know one good one,
said Barclay mOOd1ly.
We'll, I'll give you the best" retorted Far
rington. Il love Nancy Boardman myself"
A PROLONGED silence ensued. The lunch
con was served, and the two men ate
for awhile without speaking. harrington calm.
and evidently enjoying the situation; Barclay
meditative, and with evident difficulty con-
trolling his emotions. Finally the latter spoke,
smiling in friendly way in spite of his words.
Harry" he said, - in all things but this l
am your friend. In this matter it is too much
to ask for truce. and quite agree with you
that your reason for refusing to help me is con-
elusive; but, none the less. here and now in
respect to this matter declare war upon you!
May the best man win!
We'll shake hands on it," said harrington.
No said Barclay, I'm not going to be
any hypocrite. I'll shake with you on any
other subject; but on this one well-well.' ne
laughed, picking up his knife, III cross swords
with you
harrington laughed heartily. and the two
men whacked their knives together.
I'm going to telephone her and ask her not
to 90 with you," said Barclay, rising.
That's not bad idea smiled harrington.
Run ahead. and if she declines to go Ill go
around to the house with you and hold your
hand while You are making your call. Two can
play porous plaster, you know, Jim.
ing cigarette. leaned back in his chair to await
the issue.
Strangely enough, however. when Barclay
emerged into the corridor he did not veer on
in the direction of the telephone booth. but
went directly to the cloakroom, presented the
check. and received the hats and coats in return.
Il want only one of these he said. donning
Farringtons fur coat and hat and taking the
motor goggles from the pocket. Just keep
these other things. pushing his own top hat
and street coat back over the counter. He then
dashed off the following note to harrington:
DEAR Harry have decided not to re-
turn. Here is the coat check and five-dolar
bill to pay for the lunch The war is onl
Yours in all things but one. JIM"
This with the check inclosed he handed to
the boy, telling him not to deliver it for
twenty-five minutes, and then. putting on the
goggles and turning the collar Of the fur coat
up round his neck so that it almost completely
hid his face, he left the hotel and sped to the
waiting car. Here he jumped into the tonneau.
and. Stimulating Farringtons voice to the best
of his ability, gave his orders.
Mrs. Boardman's, Horace" he said. And
quick as you can!''
The chauffeur cranked up the machine. and
in moment they were speeding up the avenue
at dangerous rate.
MEANWHILE harrington waited. Ten
w minutes elapsed and he began to fear that
perhaps Barclay was proposing over the wire.
At the end of fifteen minutes he thought it
would be wise to investigate, and ten minutes
more were lost in an inspection of the various
telephone booths; but nothing even remotely
resembling Barclay appeared anywhere in
sight.
What the deuce is he up to?" he muttered,
and just then he heard his own name spoken
in high shrill tones.
Mr. harrington. Mr.. harrington. pleased"
1t was the boy with Barclays note.
Thunderation!" cried harrington, as he
tore the note open and read it. Hes bolted
to the Boardmans'. Here. boy get my hat and
coat quick!
In a moment the boy returned; but not with
the expected garments.
"Confound it all. these aren't mine!" roared
harrington. Il had fur coat" He ran to
the cloakroom. Look here. boy!" he said.
You have these things mixed. These aren't
my things"
THE other gentleman took the fur over
coat. SIR replied the boy. Il couldn't do
nothing but give it to him. sir He had the
check
Farringtons conversation at this point en-
tered into the realm of the unprintable. al
| though it was vigorous, forceful, and to the
point He did not wait to finish. however. for
an idea had flashed across his mind that nearly
| stunned him. He rushed out of the whirling
door to the sidewalk to look for his car. with
| what inevitable result the reader is already
aware.
We'll. of all the INTERNAL he began, and
then uhirlipo about he rushed bact m the