The Mellette County pioneer. [volume] (Wood, Mellette County, S.D.) 19??-1971, 1912-08-23
CHAPTER x.-(con.inued.)

iiS, ASs ht SiSStcu. NohS vi
and remembered had promised Flos
sic Fandango OF The Partisan Broil
ers' a box of steamer flowers. Cad
she sails at ten: so | piled out and
shot off a note to my florist, special
delivery. Been trying 10 find out
from that Internal card back there
when's the first collection from the
box below. You don't know, do your
BY Jove, one OF those foot-in-the
grave old stage-door Johnnies. The
surprise took my breath.
Why, the cheesy old sport"
thought disgustedly. And l answered
rather coldly: Sorry. you know: nc
idea" And | opened the door wide.
But the old rascal never moved
just stood there, chuckling horribly.
Well. she'll be back in the fall,
he cackled. And see here, old chap
Will introduce you II you like. You
need waking up"
And here | gave a Jump and yelled
"Ouch!"
For the old fool had dug his thumb
into my ribs. Only then did II dawr
on me that he was drunk. or course
that was IT, and unless l got rid Of
him the old bore would stand and
twaddle the rest OF the night.
reached for his hand and shook 1t.
Well have a talk about II some
time" | said pleasantly. Just now
don't you think we'd better each ge,
TO bed? So devilish late. you know
He slapped me on the shoulder with
a blow that almost brought me TO the
floor. Felt like he struck me with Q
ham, don't you know!
Right old chap" he said; very
delicately put; won't keep you up an
other minute. Believe Id like a drink
first. though. If you don't mind"
Devilish bored as I was. | decided
the easiest escape was TO humor him
"All right" I said, leaving the door
open and stepping into the room; III
get you a glass OF water"
Water" he exclaimed, following
me in. Say, don't get funny; it's NOT
becoming to you" He leered at me
hideously.
He went right TO the corner where
stood my celia, cite. BY Jove, give
you my wcrd I Sas so deyilish stupe
fed / couldn't bring out a word.
wasn't sure what vas coming. and al
/ didn't want Billings rest disturbed
l quietly closed the door OF his room
The old cock IN the black pajamat
had uncorked a bottle and was smell
ing its contents. He grimaced ovei
his shoulder.
That's Internally rotten Scotch,
say" he exclaimed with a sort o:
snort. Regular sell, by GEORGE"
was glad Billings didn't hear him
for it had been a present from him
only the week before.
Suppose I'll have to go the rye
he grumbled: and, grinning at me
Familiarity. he poured himself a drink
He tossed II off, neat. / reflected thai
perhaps he would 60 quietly now.
Well" I said. advancing. Il ex
pect you're anxious TO get TO youi
quarters. so I'll say good night"
extended my hand. That ought &c
fetch him." / thought, IF he's a gen
t~lenan. no matter how jolly corked hf
may be-"
In my grasp his hand felt like
small boxing glove. but when
glanced at 1t / saw that IL was moi
unusual.
The old duck pumped my arm sol
EMMY and cast his eyes to the cell
ing.
Farewell, old f-friend!" ht
murmured In a husky tremolo, defect
ing the OF his mouth anC
wagging his bald pate. IF ] dom
see you again I'll have the rivel
dragged"
And then. instead Of going, dash me-
n the old fool didn't flop down int
Billings favorite chair and reach FOL
Billings cigarettes that he had Ter
on the tabouret.
He waved his hand at me. "Oh, yol
70 to bed, Lightnut," he said. pulling
AWAY with iron nerve. "All the sleep:
out OF me, dammit! I'll just sit here
and read and smoke as long as ] like
then I'll go IN there and turn In" 4
S2rk OF his 1cddsring head indicates
e1linGs' room