Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1911-02-04

II was the last day of the year, and
Marcus Eldrcdge had determined that
its closing hour would mark the end
Of his earthly career.
"I'll wait until midnight and 20 out
with the old year. he muttered as he
pressed the weapon tentatively against
his head As he stood there In the
caslight his Unmatched door swung
slowly open. and girls face APP
peared. startled and pale as her eyes
met HIS reflection In the glass. His
glance met hers defantly.
Coward" she said sharply.
How do you know that ! am?" he
demanded without turning around. His
face slowly redeemed ms the contempt
deepencd on hers. and involuntarily his
right arm was lowered and the revolv-
or was placed on the bureau. How
do you know that I'm cowardf" he
persisted.
Because you were going TO do that.
She nodded toward the weapon. and he
could see that she was afraid of II.
mo one but coward would destroy
himself"
What do you know about IT." FL
drcdge flashed around and faced the
stranger who had so Unexpectedly
medded with his affairs. "Do you
know what II Is 10 try for years 10
reach certain goal and then fail? Do
you know what 1t IS TO work and wait
then fail in the end? Then. added 10
the failure. do you know what II is TO
tramp the streets looking for any sort
OF work without even a measure OF
Success? What do you know about
these things?"
"You are coward. rs | said before
the biggest craven ever met. You're
a .fraid catr" The girl ended with n
childish angry sob.
you don't understand" he said n
sullcn look creeping into his face III
a fellow can't get work and hasn't got
a cent of money there's only one de.
cent thing lie can do. and that is to
get off the earth"
1.-THE New Year holds no promise
for you?" she asked softly. with a
note OF courage in her voice.
mot n thing"
as there anybody dependent upon
you:" she asked.
81 haven't n relative or n friend in
the world-nobody who cares hang
what becomes OF mel'
81 wonder If you've thought about
the trouble It would make IL you
harmed yourself herein this board.
ing house," She shivered little. and
her eyes evading the vicinity OF the
revolver. met his inquiring glance
II suppose you mean II would make
and what not"
Il wish you were not such cow
ard she cried scornfully IF you
only had the making OF half man In
YOU.
Il have the ingredients TO make n
successful man IL | can have the
chance" he retorted.
What sort of chance do you
want;" she asked. with sudden eager
ness. What is your business?"
He hesitated an instant. and then he
admitted half defiantly. I'm an art
list"
An artist" she echoed doubtfully
why have you not succeeded? What
do the critics say?"
THE consensus of opinion was that
Id missed my vocation. One man said
I did chairs and tables so well in my
pictures OF still life that really ought
10 go into the furniture business.
That's sample of the knocks I've
been getting"
What do you really think about itT''
she asked IN low tone.
about my own work." he said.
looking mp quickly.
She nodded.
II know it's rank trash-no good" he
said honestly
Now you've made new begin
ming You can eliminate art. Why
don't you go into the furniture bust
ness-design chairs and tables or sell
them--or anything? You've got 20
start somewhere. you know" she
urged
"You don't know the disappoint.
ments I've had" he objected uneasily.
"A girl doesn't understand what II Is
TO have to face a blank dsstlny-on an
empty stomach"
''You haven't anybody but yourself
TO take care OF. and I'm ashamed of
you So therer
Marcus Eldredge looked down at the
graceful form in his doorway. II was
strange situation. lie who had been
isolated In the midst OF the great city.
frIendless and forsaken. seemed TO
have found friend In this eager, gray
eyed girl. who. passing his doorway.
had CHANGED 10 see him rehearsing his
cowardly part In the little tragedy he
had determined TO play that New
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