The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-01-07

CHAPTER xix.-(continued.)
Tom hesitated. then he started for
his trunk.
Sure" he said; "PIl find IT,"
Leaving the letter on the table, he
began TO rummage for the liniment.
Merkle glanced quickly at the letter.
Writing" he asked.
"To Read In Bed"
Nothing important" said Tom,
turning with start. Just some let
tiers. AS Merkle turned away from
the table he resumed his search.
Wonder where | put that bottle.
They've changed me 80 often / cant
keep track of anything"
Don't go TO any trouble" said Mer-
kle, lighting his pipe as one who
was preparing for a stay. Maybe
this smoke Will fix me up"
Here IL Isl" said Tom, rising, with
the bottle in his hand.
Good" said Merkle.
Enough for one rub, guess" Tom
extended the bottle. What me to
help you?"
mo. thanks, can manage all
right" Merkle took. the bottle and
turned as II 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 l could read In bed"
II see. For a moment l thought 1t
was something else.
Merkle looked at him keenly.
A.a
cause l was thinking Of the same
thing -lyself."
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 isn't
much fun going through this agony
day In and day out"
Tom studied him with real concern.
Could It be true that this young man,
whom he looked upon as the embodt-
ment of talent ard strength, was real
ly as respondent as Tom himself7 He
walked up to Merkle and laid COM
forting hand on his shoulder.
you feel that way now because
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 a good nights sleep
and you'll wake up feeling fine," said
he suddenly made optimist
"Tranksi" 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 your
What's that? Oh, about the
He looked at the tube.
Yes faltered Tom.
We'll, I'm not quite sure 1t would
be gas Merkle sighed YEARLY.
You wouldn't be such fool" Tom
exploded, lust because you happen to
be in little pain
1T isn't the pain that counts, son,
said Merkle, gasping hist orehead.
| Suppose you are sore on yourself
continued Tom, desperately. what
does that amount to? Where's your
nerve?"
Perhaps II was a bit cowardly, .
Il don't know as Ii Is anybody's bust
ness what | do"
He turned to go.
Wait a minute" said Tom. Don't
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 intelligently.
Just case Of down on your luck z"
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, beautiful home, loving moth
er. What have I got?'
"Friends!" declared Tom. eagerly
He was determined to prevent this
impending recklessness at all costs.
Again Merkle shook his head, mot
one! Not a 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.
Guiding myself. Those are my as
SETS"
"your Luck viii Change"
you never can tell when your luck
will change"
i've been telling myself that FOR
good many years, but 1t hasn't"
Because you've never met IL half
way. You haven't hustled" Tom
was eagerly using all possible argu-
ments against what had a moment he
fore been his own determination.
That's true" admitted Merkle.
I've always let the other fellow get
his first"
Tom. faced him with patient deter.
mination.
You're In rut, and you've got TO
get out OF IT, Why. II | had half your
talent I'd be at the top of my profess
sion. There isn't any position
couldn't attain. I've read your stuff
and you're too clever a man not to