The Washington times., 1911-01-19
CHAPTER XII.
days of the second half Of the
month moved slowly by. David
continued walking the streets, Oc-

Il NllIL utig = vi the SGCuIlu lldll VI lIIc
month moved slowly by. David
continued walking the streets, oc-
CasiOnally daring to ask for work.
His clothes were now so worn and
shapeless as of themselves to insure the
refusal of any place but that of a la
bOrer. A labOrers place he possibly
could have found-for laborer's char
aCter Is not questioned, since usually
there is opportunity for him to steal no
more than the value of a pick and
shovel and the wages left behind would
more than cover the loss; but for
labOrerS ) work he had not a labOrer
strength. His money was all gone. and
everything was in the pawnshOp except
his OvercOat, from which he hardly
dared part at this season.
He was forced dOWn-down; hnallY
TO those low services by which the dregS
of the CityS population keep a deCreplt
life within themselves. The odd jobs
about saloons which are usually done
for beer-paYment he performed under
the inspiration OF the free-lunch Coun-
ter He peeled potatoes in BOwery res
taurants where dinners are ID cents, his
work to pay for meal; and when the
dinner, which he had seen cooked in a
filthy kitchen and served in halt-washCd
dishes, was put before him, his stom-
aCh so revOlted that he often turned
from the untasted food and hurried into
the street.
He was at the bottom of tn" abyss.
Light, hope, were far abOve-the walls
were smooth and high-his climbing
strength was gone. He CoI'd not last
much longer; he wondered darkly, fear
fully, what would be the end. Yet he
had not given up; there was still bit
terness. rebellion, in him, and still an
automatic, staggering courage.
Three days before New Year Kate
Morgan called again. I'm home TO
stay; my fathers so sick had TO throw
up nv Job" she said with wink: She
drew a ring of keys from the pocket OF
her skirt and silently held them before
David's eyes; then, with sharp lt'Ie
smile. she slipped them back. ana drew
out four sheets of paper. on each OF
which was n rough diagram of one OF
the floors of the house, with the doors
am. Stairways marked and the location
Of the yaluables She explained the
nlans to him, adding details not charted;
and on rising 10 go home she handed
him the sheets that he might tamlIAllZe
himself with the house.
But l shall have nothing to do with
this" he said desperately, thruStlnS
back the papers.
ting her hands behind her hack.
He let the sheets fall to the ttoor, Dut
she went out without giving them an
other glance. He looked at the papers,
picked them up. stared at them WIllleiy, tl,l!I,
and then. in a sort of frenzy, as though
he would annhilate temptation, he tore
thc sheets into 4 thousand flakes and
thrust them into his pocket
The next morning he set forth with
the despairing energy of the man VINO
has new fear. who has fiercely sum-
moned all his resources for last struS-
gle. But midwinter is a season when
Svnn a skilled man of blameless reputa-
ton mas difficulty in finding work; FOR
David there was no chance Whatever.
And then, in his extreme desperation, he
q. COT gP-ln asking
for work he would openly tell his rec
ord Perhaps some one, out or SYM
pathy for the struggle he was making,
would give him an opportunity. He
had thought Of this plan before, but he
had put it aside. because he had rea-
soned, to avow himself a thief was to
murder his chances. But the old course
had brought him nothing; the new plan
held at least q possibility.
David walked the streets half the day
before ne could drive himself to try this
plan. At length superintendent con-
sented to see him and listen to his story
auG appeal - appreciate your frank
ness" the superintendent replied, not
unlSindlv But ] am under strict or
ders on this point; 1 can only take men
0f the straightest records. But hope
you'll find something"
David was left without courage to try
the plan again that afternoon The
next dav he could find no one willing to
hear him. In the evening Kate Nor
pan called again. Everything was in
Teodiness for their venture of the fol-
lowing night. she told him. He declared
once more that he would have nothing
10 do with the affair. But to himself
his words sounded only of the lips; and
his indignation did not quicken the least
trife when Kate flung dry laugh into
The following morning, the last day of
Dacenber. he spurred his spent courage
On 20 another attempt. He at last found
whoIesale notion store where packer
vas wanted. The head of the packing
Jenartment was large and powerful,
LIZ coarse, man-driving features; but.
mndeterred m1Ih by this appearance, David
recited his story;
Tbe Superintendent stared amazedly at
OaVid and swore. WELL, If you ain,t
cot the nerve!' he roared. You ad-
55oit Vo1i're a crook, and yet you ask
me- me- for a Job! What d'you think we're
rTnnin' here?-a reform school? Not on
ronr life! Now, you see If you can't
and the door out O. here-and quick"
M David had neither the strength nor
+ho shirt to reply to this man as he
bad replied to the owner of the depart
ment store in 125th street. When he
rraocbed the open air he walked few
noes then paused and leaned against
tt%e front of a building. He felt an utter
exhaustion-there was not another eff
Sort in him; he was like horse, driven
TO the last ounce of its strength, that