The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-01-07
CHAPTER xIx.-(contInued.l
Copyright. 1910. by tn. New

CHAPTER HN.-(Continueo.)
Tom hesitated, then he started for
his trunk.
Sure" he said: "I'll find It,"
Leaving the letter on the table, he
began 10 rummage for the liniment.
Merkle glanced quickly at the letter
Writing" he asked.
"To Read In Bed"
Nothing important" said Tom
turning with a start. Just some let
Iers." AS Merkle turned away from
the table he resumed his search.
Wonder where | put that bottle
They've changed me so often | cant
keep track OF anything"
Don't go To any trouble said Mer'
kle. lighting his pipe as one who
was preparing for stay. Maybe
this smoke will fix me up"
Here il is" said Tom, rising, with
the bottle in his hand.
Good" said Merkle.
Enough for one rub. | guess" Tom
extended the bottle. What me "a
help you?"
NO, thanks, can manage all
right" Merkle took the bottle and
turned as IL TO go. Again his eye fell
on the gas tube and he looked inquir-
ingly at Tom.
What's the idea?"
"Why-why," Tom stammered, 81
was going to connect II with the lamp
SO could read in bed
Il see. For a moment thought II
was something else.
Merkle looked at him keenly.
Il suppose" he added. 1T was be-
cause | was thinking OF the same
thing Myself"
What thing Tom looked up with
gasp.
you know. The trip over the gas
route
stop your kidding protested Tom,
with a little nervous laugh.
ION the level" said Merkle, with
feigned earnestness- There isnt
much fun going through this agony
day in and day out.
Tom studied him with real concern.
Could il be true that this young man,
whom he looked upon as the embodi-
ment Of talent ard strength. was real
ly as respondent as Tom himself? He
walked up to Merkle and laid COM
forting hand on his shoulder
you're in pain" he said, but things
will look different to you In the morn
ing"
Think so. do your" Merkle chuck
led grimly.
"All you need is good nights sleep
and you'll wake up feeling fine" said
he suddenly made optimist.
franks !" said Merkle solemnly, IF
you don't see me again, good luck!'
He started for his own room, but
Tom. following him closely, held him
back.
say he cried, you didn't really
mean what you said. did you"
What's that? Oh, about the
He looked at the tube.
Yes" faltered Tom.
We'll, I'm not quite sure il would
be gas Merkle sighed YEARLY.
You wouldn't be such fool" Tom
exploded. "just because you happen to
be in little pain"
1T isn't the pain that counts. son"
said Merkle, gasping hisf orehead.
(. Suppose you are sore on yourself"
continued Tom, desperately. What
does that amount to? Where's your
nerve?"
Perhaps II was bit cowardly,"
said Merkle But" he added. grimly.
Il don't know as II Is anybody's bust
ness what I do"
He turned to 60
go yet
You want to get back to your let
ters,'' returned Merkle. still edging to-
ward his own apartment.
That's all right. I've got lots Of
time. Let's talk this thing over" Tom
forced the other back into the center
of the room.
What happened today?'' he asked
anxiously.
Nothing. In fact. I'm tired of wait.
ing for something to happen
I see,' Tom nodded intelliSently
Just case OF down on your luck. I"
You don't understand. son." Mer-
kle smiled pityingly. as he shook his
head
why don't II"
We'll, it's different with you. You're
young. with a whole lifetime before
YOU, a beautiful home. loving moth
er. What have | got?''
Friends" declared Tom, eagerly.
He was determined to prevent this
impending recklessness at all costs
Again Merkle shook his head, Not
one! Not soul in the world who
really cares
Il care!" said Tom.
Not enough to count" returned
Merkle. I'm on the wrong side OF
40, loaded down with rheumatism and
disappointment. Nothing to look for
ward to-a nuisance to every one, in
GLIDING myself, Those are my as
sets"
"Your Luck Will Change"
You never can tell when your luck
will change"
I've been telling myself that FOR
a good many years, but IL hasn't"
Because you've never met it half
way. You haven't hustled" Tom