The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1911-03-23
CHAPTER Vl.-Continued.


He helped himself to another drink,
his hand shaking so that he could
hardly hold the decanter. He was
fast approaching the state of complete
intoxication. Underwood made no at
tempt to interfere. Why should he
care if the young fool made sot of
himself? The sooner he drank him
self insensible the quicker he would
get rid of him.
mo, Howard" he said; you'd never
make decent member of society,"
"Praps not" hiccoughed Howard.
How does Annie take her social
ostracism?" inquired Underwood
Like a brick. She's a thorough
bred. all right. She's all to the good.
"All the same, I'm sorry | ever in
troduced you to her." replied Under
wood. II never thought you'd make
such fool of yourself as to marry"
Howard shook his head in a maud
lin manner, as he replied:
81 don't know whether | made p
fool of myself or not. but she's all
right. She's got in her the markings
of a great wOman-very crude, but
still the makings. The only thing
object to is, she insists on going back
to work. just as if I'd permit such a
thing. Do you know what ! said on
our wedding day? Mrs. Howard jeff
ries, you are entering one of the old
est families in America. Nature has
fitted you for social leadership. You'll
be "a petted, pampered member of that
select few called the "400,"' and now.
damn it all, how can l ask her to go
back to work? But if you'll let me
have that $1,000"
By this time Howard was beginning
to get drowsy. Lying back on the
sofa, he. proceeded to make himself
comfortable.
Two thousand dollars!" laughed
Underwood why. man, I'm in debt
up to my eyes,"
AS far as his condition enabled him.
Howard gave a start of surprise.
Hard up!" he exclaimed. Pointing
around the room, he said: What's
all this-a bluff"
Underwood nodded.
"A bluff, that's it. Not a picture,
not a vase, not a stick belongs to
me. Youth have to go to your ia
ther."
The suggestion was evidently too
much for him, because he stretched
out his hand for his whisky glass. ''Fa-
Tiers done with me-" he said dole
fully.
He'll relent." suggested Under
wood
Howard shook his head drowsily.
Touching his brow, he said:
TOO much brains. too much up
here" Placing his hand ION his heart.
he went on: TOO little down here.
Once he gets an idea, he never lets it
go, he holds on. Obstinate. One
idea-stick to it. Gee, but I've made
a mess of things, haven't E?":s
Underwood looked at him with con-
tempt.
you've made mess of your life, :"
he said bitterly. yet you've had some
measure of happiness. You, at least,
married the woman you love. Drunk
en- beast as you are. envy you, The
woman | wanted married some one
else. damn her!"
Howard was SO drowsy from the
effects of the whisky that he was al
most asleep. AS he lay back on the
sofa, he gurgled:
Say, old man; | didn't come here
to listen to hard-luck stories came
to tell one."
In maudlin fashion ne began to sing,
"Oh, listen to my tale of VICE." while
Underwood sat glaring at him, won
dering how he could put him out
AS he reached the last verse his
head began to nod. The words came
thickly from his lips and he sank
sleepily back among the soft divan
pillows.
Just at that moment the telephone
bell rang. Underwood quickly picked
up the receiver.
Who's that?" he asked AS he
heard the answer his face Lit up and
he replied eagerly: Mrs. Jeffries-
yes sTll come down. No. tell her to
come up"
Hanging up the receiver, he hastily
went over to the divan and shook
Howard.
Howard, wake up! confound you!
You've got to get out-there's some
body coming
He shook him roughly, but his old
classmate made no attempt to move.
Quick, do you heart. exclaimed
Underwood impatiently.r Wake up
some ones coming.
Howard sleepily half opened his
eyes. He had forgotten entirely
where he was and believed he was
on the train, for he answered:
Sure. I'm sleepy. Say-porter,
make up my bed"
His patience exhausted, Underwood
was about to pl,l him from the sofa