The Washington herald., 1910-12-26
CHAPTER I.
The Man.

It was midnight, and the thick fog
hung like a pail over London bridge. hid
| ing the poor shivering creatures who were
out on such a night. One man. young,
but gaunt with starvation, stood still,
thinking Of the black water that lay be-
low
It's a sneaky way 10 go out OF life
l wish I'd money 10 buy a revolver, but
even a pennyworth of poison is beyond
me. Wei, I'll leave this for some other
poor wretch. My last act shall be one
of charity" he muttered, and a low, but
exceedingly bitter. laugh escaped him
as he removed his shabby overcoat and
laid it on the ground. then climbed the
parapet; but as he reached the top his
leg was grasped by some one and the
words:
Don't throw your life away" we're
spoken in a grun tone.
let 60"
Come down. Life holds something for
you yet"
The words seemed to strike the man
who had thought TO make his exit-as
worth considering. and he let himself
down, tho other man keeping a firm
grasp of his coat
Nov, that's better" he said, az they
stood facing each other
1T depends on whether your words
have any meaning" said the would-be
suicide
For answer the other man struck lucl-
fer and looked at him.
Not more than tWenty-seven or eight
and you think lifes played out" he said
I iu "a ST il 10 ff..r
man vince.
1T wouldn't be played out If I'd a
chance; but twelve months out of work
/ sickens a fellow, and il it's only words
you've got TO offer ! think I'll go on my
journey" and he moved nearer to the
parapet
No: you won't III whistle for the
police before you shah do that; but as il
/ happens, i can give you work and the
work viii be well paid"
! The younger man laughed.
/ "Are you a philanthropist, or what IS
/ your reason for going out of your way
TO help me? There are thousands as
/ poor. only they've more patience than /
have"
I heard you talking 10 yourself. I
| knew by your voice you were young. and
( il struck pe I could help you and myself
1 y
my hotel I'll explain"
/ I'm come, even if have to come again
/ tomorrow 70 do what I intended doing
/ tonight You see, I'm curious to know
I what kind OF work you are going to offer
me"
That's right. Don't bother TO pick up
/ your overcoaL though I hope il won't be
your last act Of charity. Excuse me.
/ think I'll take your arm"
j The young man laughed
Don't be uneasy: l shall not try 10
/ slip you. curiosity must be satisfied
There was no reply. and they walked on
| in silence until they came 10 the end OF
the bridge.
There should be a cab somewhere
about here" observed the man who had
! rescued him ''Ah, here is one" and he
whistled. Now get IN, young man"
Then as the door WAS shut he gave the
cabby the name OF his hotel
That's a swagger place" said his com
panion.
Yes; it's pretty good. By the way,
you shall have my overcoat 7 dare say
your clothes are threadbare."
AT the last gasp. Thank you" as he
took the coat and put il on Fur lined
! Why, the feel Of such a coat makes one
want to 1--we" he added,
1T suggests possibilities. Youu find a
cap in one Of the pockets l dare say
you would like 10 throw what you are
wearing out of the window" said his res
cuer as he let it down.
"Au right II I have 10 take that Jour
/ ney tomorrow night ] can 80 bare
headed" replied the young man cynicallyi
but there was more hope in his tone.
IF we don't come to terms I'll give you
a coat and hat"
Then there is doubt about this
work.
1T win be your own fault il you don't
get il; every word you utter shows me
that you are the man I require"
After this they were silent until the
cab stopped at the hotel, and giving the
driver a crown the elder man linked his
arm in his companions and led him up
stairs. Opening a door, they entered a
sitting room that was most luxuriously
furnished then he pointed to a door op-
posite
you'll find clothes in a wardrobe in
there. and the bathroom adjons You
can have a tub, then dress yourself in
some Of the clothes while I order supper.
By the way what's your nameT'' ne add
ed, following him into the bedroom.
Paul Jarret"
Paul" and be started slightly. It am
called John Clifford" and as he spoke
Mr. Clifford returned TO the sitting-room.
where he was joined in a quarter of an
hour by his guest
Now. before We get TO business Wen
have supper. ] sent the man away. I ad-
wise you to take just one glass Of port
and eat moderately, as you've been on
short commons lately"
THANK you Pm inclined to take your
advice. I wonder If you ever knew what
it was to feel the pangs OF hunger" he
said, as his host gave him a liberal
helping OF cold beef Mr.. clifford smiled
in a grim fashion
There are few experiences I have not
had. / know you thought life had done
its worst for you when you decided TO
make your exit, but I've been in a far
worse position. Paul Jarret, there is not
any bitterness in life that ! have not
tasted
y ct You look prosperous"
Yes; l am prosperous I'm glad you'd
the sense not to say happy. but we won't
talk until you have eaten a good square
meal, and 1 feel as though 1 could do
with my supper"
Half an hour later the table had been
cleared, and they were seated in easy
chairs at each side OF the fireplace,